Georgia gun laws are as follow: you must be at least 21 or 18 if you’re in the military. Applications can be filed at residence counties Court and are handled at the county level. No license is required to carry a firearm in a person’s home, vehicle, place of business, while fishing or hunting, or unloaded in a case.
Interestingly, there is an ordinance in Kennesaw City, GA that states that all homeowners must own a firearm, although it is unlikely enforced. Another important note, on April 12, 2022, Governor Kemp approved HB 218, making every other state's CCW permits valid in Georgia.
Georgia Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - On April 12th, 2022 Georgia became a constitutional carry state after Brian Kemp signed into law SB 319. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Georgia permits open carry if the individual has a Georgia WCL (weapons carry license) or a recognized permit from a reciprocal state. It's important to note that the bill SB 319 (which turned Georgia into a Constitutional Carry state) does not mention open carry. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - Individuals may openly or concealed carry a firearm without a permit in their vehicle, so long as you're federally allowed to possess a firearm. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - Concealed carry is allowed within the various state and national parks/forests/wildlife areas so long as you have the appropriate permits. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - We were not able to find any language that prevented individuals from carrying a firearm into restaurants or bars so long as you have a Georgia WCL or a permit issued from a reciprocal state. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ❌ No - We could not find any code mentioning the enforcement of "No Weapons" signage. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - Georgia does not have a duty to inform law within its code. However, you must provide appropriate permits and ID's if concealed carrying and asked by an officer. |
Georgia CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with Georgia
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In Georgia
Reciprocity Agreements In Georgia
Georgia: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state not listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- School bus
- School function
- School safety zone – building or property leased or owned by any public or private elementary, secondary, technical or vocational school, college, university or other institute of post secondary education
- Secured area of an airport
- In a courthouse
- In a government building if restricted by security personnel
- In a church or place of worship
- In a jail or prison
- In a state mental health facility
- On the premises of a nuclear power facility
- Within 150 feet of any polling place when elections are being conducted
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Georgia: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal in Georgia if you have a CCW license. The license allows you to carry in any way, open or concealed. If you do not have a CCW license then you are not permitted to openly carry in Georgia.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, you can openly or conceal carry a firearm in your vehicle without a license. The law says you can only carry a firearm on your own property, this includes your vehicle, so when you leave the vehicle you will need a carry license. The law specifically states you need a carry license “outside your property”.
The Law § 16.11.126
Carry In State Parks
Yes, it is legal to carry in the following areas:
- State Parks: YES
- State/National Forests: YES
- State Game Management Units: YES
- Road Side Rest Areas: YES
The Law § 16.11.127
Carry In Restaurants
Yes, in restaurants that serve alcohol you can conceal carry your firearm. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If they have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
The Law § 16.11.127
Constitutional Carry
Yes, as of April 12th, 2022 Georgia is now a constitutional carry state. This became law after the governor Brian Kemp signed SB 319 which took effect immediately.
It's important to note that the Georgia legislation made it known that they recognize the Second Amendment, but they still require appropriate permits and licensing to carry firearms.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, “No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Georgia gun laws. There are no legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off limits.
Must Notify Officer
No, there is nothing in Georgia gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law does state that you must carry your permit at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun.
The Law § 16.11.137
Additional Resources
Georgia Concealed Carry Laws
Georgia Open Carry Laws
Georgia Gun Permit Laws