Before you begin to look for a concealed carry permit within Alabama, you need to know the expectations the state has for its residents and non-residents. 

Most importantly, Alabama is a shall-issue state which means the state is required to issue a concealed carry permit to residents who fit within the requirements below.

Concealed carry used to be legal under 2 different circumstances: (1) You were a legal resident of Alabama and had obtained your Alabama Pistol Permit. (2) You were a non-resident with a CCW permit from any other U.S. state. 

As of January 1, 2023, these circumstances changed as Alabama began recognizing constitutional carry through HB 272. Now, if you are at least 19 years of age (or 18 years of age and in the military) you may legally conceal carry without a ccw license/permit in the state of Alabama. 

There may be situations that arise where you may still want to receive an Alabama CCW license. If this is the case, you can still do so. 

What Are The Requirements to get an Alabama Concealed Handgun Permit?

In order to receive a concealed carry permit, known as a concealed handgun permit, in the state of Alabama, there are several limitations and requirements that must be met, such as:

• the applicant must be over the age of 18.
• the applicant must be an Alabama resident or on active duty in the military.
• meet federal and state requirements to own a firearm.
• be a U.S. citizen or legal alien
• complete the written application form
• pay the $100 fee for 5-year permit.

What Does Reciprocity Mean, and Why is it Important?

As mentioned before, Alabama is a shall-issue state where they allow for residents to obtain a concealed carry permit without interruption from the state. Essentially they fall in line with the precedence of the Second Amendment. 

This is important because not every state operates in this manner. All of this to say that you need to pay attention to the issuing rules related to your state. 

With Alabama, it's a state with rather loose regulations around reciprocity of a CCW permit from other states. This means that if you're an individual with a CCW permit from one of the 48 states that Alabama honors, then you'll be allowed to conceal carry within their state lines. Essentially Alabama has indicated that they believe other state programs for obtaining a CCW permit are just as hard, if not harder, than their own. Thus, the citizens should be allowed to conceal carry within their jurisdiction. 

As mentioned earlier, Alabama has a reciprocity clause with 48 other states in the U.S. 

What Online Courses Can I Take To Successfully Complete The Handgun Course?

Alabama does not require its residents to take any preliminary courses on firearm knowledge before obtaining a pistol permit. It's one of the few states without an education certification for obtaining one. 

However, this doesn't mean you should not consider seriously taking an online, or in person, course to gain more understanding of firearms. It's recommended by firearm experts across the country that proper knowledge of how to use a handgun, the laws surrounding your handgun, and beyond will prove immensely helpful in your pursuit of responsible gun ownership. 

If you do decide to go through an online course, we recommend going through an accredited course that has been approved by Alabama, and other states as well. You have to ensure you're spending your hard-earned money on the right course, otherwise, you'll be wasting your time with information that won't help you in the long run. 

Is The Concealed Handgun Permit Worth It?

After reading this article, you may find yourself asking whether it is worth obtaining a concealed carry permit in the state of Alabama.

Let me make the answer as clear as can be:

Yes! 1,000% a concealed carry permit is worth the effort if you're a resident of Alabama. 

With a concealed carry permit you're stepping into the realm of responsible gun ownership, and you're one of many lines of defense against domestic terrorism. It only takes one situation where you're unprepared to defend yourself, where you and your family could get seriously injured or even killed. 

In this day and age, you want to have every means of protection on your side if there's ever a situation where you could be injured. By having a concealed carry permit, you've essentially proven to the state that you deserve a form of "legal coverage" where you've provided evidence of responsible gun ownership. Additionally, you've shown you are trained and capable of handling a firearm while understanding the laws surrounding the use of your firearm. 

This is especially beneficial if you are traveling to other states that offer reciprocity with Alabama. If you have an Alabama CCW permit, you will be allowed to conceal carry in those states, as well. 

Overall, you have to decide what's best for you, but there are so many benefits to having a concealed carry permit that in our opinion it outweighs any potential negatives. 

If you meet the requirements above to obtain your concealed carry permit, we highly recommend you take the necessary steps to get one. 

Other Alabama Gun Laws Worth Knowing

Alabama Gun Laws
Alabama Constitutional Carry
Alabama Open Carry Laws
Alabama Gun Permit Laws