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GUN LAWS BY STATE

The Complete Guide

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on gun laws by U.S. state!

We’ve built this guide to provide you with everything necessary to avoid legal problems with your gun and CCW. 

Keep reading below for all the specifics…

 
State List

STATES WITH

0
DEADLY FORCE LAWS

STATES THAT

0
BAN OPEN CARRY

STATES WITH NICS

0
CHECK-PRIVATE SALES

STATES WITH

0
FIREARM REGISTRY

Select a State

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Overview of State Gun Laws

America – the only country in the world where you are legally allowed to own a firearm. Our constitution has given you the absolute right to legally carry a weapon in all 50 states. 

However – you must be aware that gun laws within the U.S. are very different between the states. Each state has the right to enact legislation that varies from the Federal law of the U.S. Constitution. Because of these state rights there are wide variations to how each state views their gun laws, with each state taking a different approach to conceal carry, self defense, and permit laws. 

Some states can be more restrictive than others, and in most cases it’s up to local law enforcement about how they will enforce either the federal or local laws. Be warned though – the Supreme Court has ruled in Printz v United States that local municipalities are NOT obligated to enforce federal firearms laws, it’s up to their discretion. 

As you’ll see below – there are a varity of states which do not overtly protect your rights to carry a firearm. However, there are 40 states which strict provisions that protect your right to bear and own firearms, which is nearly the same as the U.S. constitution. 

Firearm Carry Laws

Fundamentally, there are only 2 options for carrying a firearm in the U.S. and below we’ll go more into detail of these types, but for now here’s the basics:

  1. Open Carry
  2. Concealled Carry

Open Carry – This is a description for carrying a firearm that is visible to everyone in sight – like a gun in a holster not concealed by a shirt.

Concealed Carry – This describes a firearm which is NOT visible to those within a certain distance. The firearm is hidden from sight.

Now, each individual state determines how they’ll issue permits, or if a permit will need to be required for conceal or open carry. Because of the U.S. constitution all states should allow some form of carry, but this is dependent on the discretion of the state. For instance, New York does not allow for open carry even if you own a CCW permit and are legally trained with a firearm. 

We deem these states with a “May Issue” designation. 

 

Open Carry

Open carry is a designation where you’re allowed to carry a weapon in full visibility. Basically if a state has an open carry policy you’re allowed to carry the weapon without a permit required. 

But you need to be fully aware of the laws because there are certain states with strict designations about when and where you’re allowed to openly carry. For instance, in Wisconsin you can open carry a long rifle with only a hunter safety course, but cannot openly carry a handgun. 

California though will not allow for open carry under any circumstance, except for law enforcement. 

Concealed Carry

There are 3 different issue policies or groupings for concealed carry. There was previously a designation called “No Issue” which was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court for being unconstitutional. The 3 main categories include:

  1. Unrestricted – This indicates you are unrequired to have a permit for carrying a firearm. This has also been designated as “Constitutional Carry”
  2. Shall Issue – You’re required to have a permit if you wish to carry a firearm. You will only need to meet minimum requirements like background check, age, or training. These requirements are set by the state.
  3. May Issue – This is a designation for a state with very restrictive laws for getting a permit. To conceal carry within this state a permit is required, but we’ve gone ahead and indicated the various laws and complications you’ll experience trying to get one. States like California, New York, and Hawaii are an example of states with restrictive laws requiring a thorough application on why you require a gun permit. 

“May Issue” states are beginning to be struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court because of unlawful discrimination towards citizens, but you must still be aware of these rules and laws to avoid any unnecessary fines or jail time. 

Firearm Sales & Purchases

For ease of understanding you should know that it has been left to the 50 states to determine the execution of permit issuance, or even if they’ll require a permit to purchase a weapon from an authorized dealer. 

There are some states which require a permit for purchasing any weapon, like a handgun or rifle. For instance in Illinois you’re required to have what’s called a FOID card for purchasing any ammunition or firearm. 

One thing in common between all 50 states is they require some form of background check to purchase a weapon. Now the level of scrutiny that goes into the background checks vary from state to state. For instance, in Texas they require a copy of your photo ID only and for you to meet the minimum age along along with no felonies to purchase a handgun. 

Private Sales Loophole

One interesting thing about purchasing firearms in America is the loophole around private sales between 2 citizens. Background checks are NOT required for any private sale between 2 citizens. However, be aware that 18 states have decided to create legislation which extends background checks to private sales. 

If you live in a state that requires this you must have your sale processed by a licensed firearm dealer or the local police. Below we’ve listed the states which require these background checks for private sales. They include:

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Maryland, New Jersey, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington

Firearm Registration

Firearm registration means that you as a citizen who lawfully owns a weapon is required by your state government to “officially” register your weapon. AKA you’ve got to associate your name with the ID marker tied to your gun, and this data is kept with the government. 

Now, I but “officially” within quotation because even though most states do NOT require a gun registration, they’ll still track your weapon purchase by collecting sales data via your credit card. 

This is a highly controversial topic within the United States and it’s a law currently being discussed by the Supreme Court for release within the next 2 years. 

Within 4 states there is a requirement for you to register your gun with the state police department. 

The states are:

California, Hawaii, Maryland, New York and the District of Columbia.

States With Gun Registries

These States Have Official Gun Registries

  • California – The California registry is regularly kept updated by the CDoJ or California Department of Justice. The information required includes full name, address, fingerprints and serial number of the weapon. However, if you’ve owned the weapon before 1991 you will not need to register it. 
  • District of Columbia – Here you’re required to register the serial number along with your name and address to the D.C. Police. 
  • Hawaii – Same as California for information required except you the data base is maintained by the state, but Hawaii additionally requires a 5 day waiting period from purchase of the firearm before bringing home. 
  • Maryland – this state only requires you to register an automatic weapon or handgun to the local police department. 
  • New York – You’re required to register a handgun only which ties the seriel number and your name and address together. If you possess a handgun without it registered you’ll be subject to expensive fines. Please know there is a $3 fee associated with registering the weapon. 

States That Collect Data on Gun Sales

  • Michigan – Handgun sales must be reported to your local police station.
  • New Jersey –  You must provide a copy of the purchase permits to the New Jersey police. They will maintain the record of transfer or purchase. 
  • Washington -All licensed dealers are required to deliver a report of handgun sales to the local police. 

Stand Your Ground Laws

Castle Doctrine – or more commonly “Stand Your Ground” laws allow for an individual citizen to defend themselves and their property with deadly force. Stand Your Ground laws specifically indicate you have no duty to retreat if in danger, and this law has been enacted within 27 states. 

You must know there are variations between the states about what constitutes a stand your ground case. One example is they’ll look into the possibility of using non-lethal force before the use of deadly force. Here are high level conditions for Stand Your Ground: 

  • An attempt to unlawfully enter an occupied residence or vehicle.
  • There must be reasonable suspicion by the occupants of a house that the intruder will cause bodily harm or death to the person.
  • The intruder cannot have been lawfully allowed to enter, or been provoked by the occupants.
  • You cannot classify law enforcement as intruders or leverage stand your ground laws against police. This includes forced entry for on premise arrests 
Duty to Retreat

The opposite of Stand Your Ground is called Duty to Retreat where you’re legally required to first retreat if you’re attacked. You can only use deadly force if there’s no option for retreat or you would be put in further danger by retreating. 

State Gun Laws in The USA

Gun Law Rating

5 stars is the friendliest.

Alabama
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesFirearm must be in holster
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 

Main article: Alabama gun laws
Alabama laws rating –


Alaska
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredNoNoPolicy is Unrestricted
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 

Main article: Gun laws in Alaska
Alaska laws rating –




Arizona
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredNoNo 
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Arizona gun laws
Arizona laws rating –     




Arkansas
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredNoNoPolicy is Unrestricted “when on a journey” (outside your county of residence)
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo license required
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Arkansas gun laws
Arkansas laws rating – 



Calfornia
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredYesYesPolicy is May Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesYes 
Registration of firearmYesYes 
Open carry allowedYes*Yes**Long guns and handguns can be openly carried in some rural counties.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSale must be through licensed dealer
Magazine size restrictionYesYesMagazine limited to 10 rounds. But Federal Court blocked ban in June 2017 so still unresolved.

Main article: California gun laws
California laws rating – 

Colorado
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYes*Yes**No permit required. Cannot open carry in posted areas such as Denver
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSale must be through licensed dealer and Colorado Bureau of Investigation must approve tansfer.
Magazine size restrictionYesYesMagazine limited to 15 rounds.

Main article: Colorado gun laws
Colorado laws rating – 

Coonecticut
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredYesYesPolicy is Shall Issue due to Court rulings.
Purchase permit requiredYesYesThere is a 14 day waiting period to purchase long guns.
Registration of firearmYesYesSales and serial numbers are recorded. Does not apply to out of state sales.
Open carry allowedYesPartialRequires permit for handgun. There is no law regarding long guns and open carry.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSale must be through licensed dealer.
Magazine size restrictionYesYesMagazine limited to 10 rounds.

Main article: Connecticut gun laws
Connecticut laws rating – 

Delaware
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredYesNoPolicy is May Issue. But operates like Shall Issue
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSale must be through licensed dealer.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Delaware gun laws
Delaware laws rating –

District of Columbia
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredYesN/APolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesYes 
Registration of firearmYesYesMust be registered with Metropolitan Police.
Open carry allowedNoNo 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSale must be through licensed dealer.
Magazine size restrictionYesYesMagazine limited to 10 rounds.

Main article: District of Columbia gun laws
District of Columbia laws rating –

Florida
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNoFlorida law bans any registration of firearms
Open carry allowedNoNoThere are some exceptions such as when hunting or fishing.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Florida gun laws
Florida laws rating –


Georgia
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesLicense required.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Georgia gun laws
Georgia laws rating –


Hawaii
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredYesNoPolicy is May Issue but operates as No Issue state
Purchase permit requiredYesYes 
Registration of firearmYesYes 
Open carry allowedYesYesOpen carry of long guns allowed and no law against handguns but permits are never issued for handguns
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesPermit required to purchase handgun. Will require background check to obtain permit.
Magazine size restrictionYesNoCan not hold more than 10 rounds in handgun.

Main article: Hawaii gun laws
Hawaii laws rating –

Idaho
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Permit requiredNo*No*Non-residents require a permit to carry concealed within cities. Policy is Unrestricted.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Idaho gun laws
Idaho laws rating –



Illinois
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry Permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesYesPurchases need a FOID card.
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedNoNo 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSeller is required to verify purchasers FOID card.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Illinois gun laws
Illinois laws rating –

Indiana
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesPermit is required.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Indiana gun laws
Indiana laws rating –


Iowa
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesNoCarry permit can be used to purchase
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesPermit is required.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesNoWill need a permit to purchase or carry.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Iowa gun laws
Iowa laws rating –

Kansas
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredNoNoPolicy is Unrestricted.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Kansas gun laws
Kansas laws rating –



Kentucky
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Kentucky gun laws
Kentucky laws rating –


Louisiana
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required but can be restricted by some local authorities.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Louisiana gun laws
Louisiana laws rating –

Maine
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredNoNoPolicy is Unrestricted.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Maine gun laws
Maine laws rating –



Maryland
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Concealed carry permit requiredYesN/APolicy is May Issue. Permits are difficult to obtain.
Purchase permit requiredYesNoRequires a handgun qualification license.
Registration of firearmYesNoHandguns and automatic weapons require registration with police.
Permit needed for open carry?YesNoRequires carry permit for handgun but usually only police or security guards open carry.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesPartialSales must go through a licensed dealer or police.
Magazine size restrictionYesYesLimited to 10 rounds. Possession of higher capacity magazine is legal if purchased out of state.
State preemptionYesYesMost local laws are preempted by state laws but there are a few laws that are not.
Assault weapons bannedYesYesThere is a ban on certain models of firearms.

Main article: Maryland gun laws
Maryland laws rating –

Massachusetts
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Concealed carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is May Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesYesCarry permit or FID (firearm identification) required.
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesNoPermit required to open carry handguns. Open carry of long guns is illegal except when hunting.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSeller is required to verify the purchasers FID card.
Magazine size restrictionYesYesMust not exceed 10 rounds.
Red flag lawYesYesFirearms can be temporarily confiscated.
Owner license requiredYesYesFID license required.

Main article: Massachusetts gun laws
Massachusetts laws rating –

Michigan
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNo*No*If purchaser does not have a carry license and sale is not through a licensed dealer then they will need a permit.
Registration of firearmYesNoMust be registered with law enforcement.
Open carry allowedYesYesPermit required to open carry in vehicle.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesNoYou must have a carry permit or handgun purchase license which both require a background check.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Michigan gun laws
Michigan laws rating –

Minnesota
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesYesPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesNoResidents of Minnesota can use a carry permit to purchase.
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesPermit required to openly carry handgun or long gun.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Minnesota gun laws
Minnesota laws rating –

Mississippi
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredNoNoPolicy is Unrestricted. No license required if firearm is carried in a purse, handbag, satchel, holsters and sheaths.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Mississippi gun laws
Mississippi laws rating –



Missouri
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredNoNoPolicy is Unrestricted. No permit is required however you can still obtain one. A permit will exempt the holder from laws passed by local authorities.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Missouri gun laws
Missouri laws rating –



Montana
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredNo*No*You will need a permit if you want to carry a concealed firearm in a city or town. Policy is Unrestricted and Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Montana gun laws
Montana laws rating –


Nebraska
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesNoCarry permit or handgun certificate required.
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesFirearm must be visible in a vehicle. Can be restricted by local authorities.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesNoNeed a carry permit to purchase which requires a background check.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Nebraska gun laws
Nebraska laws rating –

Nevada
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesIf in a vehicle cannot be concealed on your person without a permit.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYes*Yes**Voluntary, up to seller if they want to do a background check
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Nevada gun laws
Nevada laws rating –

New Hampshire
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredNoNoPolicy is Unrestricted.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required. Long guns in vehicles cannot be loaded.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: New Hampshire gun laws
New Hampshire laws rating – 



New Jersey
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesYesPolicy is May Issue. Permits rarely issued to ordinary citizens.
Purchase permit requiredYesYesHandgun ammunition, rifles and shotguns require a purchaser ID card.
Registration of firearmYesNoRegistration of firearms is voluntary.
Open carry allowedNoYesCarry permit is required for handguns.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesNoPurchasers of handguns require a permit to purchase. Purchasers of long guns need a firearms purchaser ID card.
Magazine size restrictionYesYesLimit of 10 rounds for a semi-automatic rifle or handgun and 6 rounds for a semi-automatic shotgun.

Main article: New Jersey gun laws
New Jersey laws rating –

New Mexico
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYes*No*You only need a permit to conceal carry, open carry is legal with no permit. Policy is Shall Issue but operates as a limited Unrestricted state.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: New Mexico gun laws
New Mexico laws rating –


New York
Subject
Handguns
Long Guns
Notes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is May Issue. Generally it is harder to obtain a permit closer to big NY cities.
Purchase permit requiredYesNoOutside New York city, Suffolk and Nassau counties permits to purchase a handgun are issued by County or State Supreme Court Judges.
Registration of firearmYesNoIt is illegal to possess an unregistered handgun.
Open carry allowedNoYesCarry permit holders must carry their handgun concealed.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesMust be through a licensed dealer.
Magazine size restrictionYesYesLimited to 10 rounds.

Main article: New York gun laws
New York laws rating – 

North Carolina
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesNoCarry permit or Pistol Purchase permit required.
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesNoWill need a carry permit or purchase permit to buy a handgun which require a background check to acquire.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: North Carolina gun laws
North Carolina rating –


North Dakota
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesNoCarry permit or Pistol Purchase permit required.
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesNoWill need a carry permit or purchase permit to buy a handgun which require a background check to acquire.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: North dakota gun laws
North dakota rating –


Ohio
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required but some restrictions in vehicles and liquor establishments.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Ohio gun laws
Ohio rating –


Oklahoma
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesNoRequires a carry permit for handguns.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Oklahoma gun laws
Oklahoma rating –


Oregon
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesYesPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSales must be through a licensed dealer.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Oregon gun laws
Oregon rating –

Pennsylvania
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesYesPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesAll places except Philadelphia or in a vehicle.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesNoAll sales must be made through a licensed dealer or county sheriffs office.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Pennsylvania gun laws
Pennsylvania rating – 


Rhode Island
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue and May Issue.
Purchase permit requiredYesNoMust pass a safety exam and then will be issued a “Blue Card” to purchase.
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesFor handguns only if you have a permit issued by the Attorney General. No permit is required for long guns.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYes 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Rhode Island gun laws
Rhode Island Laws rating –

South Carolina
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedNoYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: South Carolina gun laws
South Carolina laws rating –

South Dakota
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesFirearm must be clearly visible in vehicle.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: South Dakota gun laws
South Dakota laws rating –


Tennessee
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesRequires a permit for handguns. Long guns must be unloaded if openly carried.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Tennessee gun laws
Tennessee laws rating –


Texas
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Texas gun laws
Texas laws rating –


Utah
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesYesPolicy is Shall Issue. A loaded handgun can be carried in a vehicle without a permit but a permit is required outside the vehicle.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required if gun is two actions from being fired. A permit is required if there is ammunition in the chamber.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Utah gun laws
Utah laws rating – 


Vermont
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredNoNoVermont has never issued or required gun permits.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSales must be done through licensed dealer, unless sale is to family member.
Magazine size restrictionYesYesLonguns no more that 10 rounds, handguns no more than 15 rounds

Main article: Vermont gun laws
Vermont laws rating –



Virginia
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Virginia gun laws
Virginia laws rating –


Washington
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmYesNoFirearms dealers must report all handgun sales to the police.
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required unless it is a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Long guns must be unloaded to openly carry in a vehicle.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredYesYesSales must go through a licensed dealer.
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Washington gun laws
Washington laws rating – 

West Virginia
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredNoNoPolicy is Unrestricted.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYes 
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: West Virginia gun laws
West Virginia laws rating –



Wisconsin
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredYesNoPolicy is Shall Issue.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit required to openly carry a handgun or long gun.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Wisconsin gun laws
Wisconsin laws rating –


Wyoming
SubjectHandgunsLong GunsNotes
Carry permit requiredNoNoResidents do not need a permit to open or conceal carry. Non-residents will require a permit to conceal carry. Policy is Unrestricted.
Purchase permit requiredNoNo 
Registration of firearmNoNo 
Open carry allowedYesYesNo permit is required for residents or non-residents.
Background checks on private gun sales requiredNoNo 
Magazine size restrictionNoNo 

Main article: Wyoming gun laws
Wyoming laws rating –



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