Alabama

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Sweet Home Alabama!

Like most southern states Alabama has some of the most “classically” liberal laws concerning concealed carry. Alabama is unique in that it allows the counties of the state to issue concealed carry permits.

Applications need to be made at your local Sheriff’s office where your residence resides, and you must be 19 years or older to qualify. Good news is there’s no firearm training requirement. Now, it takes 30 days from your submission of the firearm application to either be denied or granted, but don’t sweat it because the application is easy and not very time consuming.

Alabama

  • Required to 19 years of age.
  • Actively reside in the county of the filed application
  • Have no convictions of violence
  • Must be a US citizen or legalized.
  • Must not be habitual drunkard or addicted to drugs.
  • Must not have been involuntarily admitted to drug treatment or psychiatric facility.
  • Federal Law Requirements
  1. Visit your local Sheriff and receive the application form.
  2. Fill in the required information on the form.
  3. Submit the complete application to the Sheriffs Office in the county of your residence.
  4. You'll be informed by U.S. Postal mail of your application status within 30 days.
  • You're required to renew the Alabama Pistol Permit before the expiration date.
  • You can renew at your local County Sheriff.
  • Some counties have measures to inform you in advance of your permit needing renewal. However, we strongly recommend you don't rely on a notice of renewal.

Alabama allows you to select the length your permit will be valid for, which can be from 1-5 years.

Fees are usually set by the county, and are typically around $20/year.

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

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Alabama

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Alabama

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Alabama

Alabama has written into it’s law to permit all forms of conceal carry from other states. The law providing this information comes from section 13A-11-85 of the Alabama Code.

Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Alabama. During their time in Alabama, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.

Alabama

Alabama currently has reciprocity agreements with the following states;
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida,Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming.

  • Wisconsin will only accept Alabama concealed carry permits if they were issued after the 14 January, 2013.
  • Alabama will not honor a concealed carry permit from New York City.

Alabama

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

  • Public school grounds which are composed of K-12 grades
  • School bus used for K-12 grades
  • Demonstrations at public places
  • University of Alabama
  • Building of a highway patrol station, sheriff, or police
  • Inside any area hosting a professional athletic event not related to firearms which is sponsored by a private or public elementary or secondary school or any private or public institution of post secondary education.
  • Inside a facility which provides inpatient or custodial care of those with psychiatric, mental, or emotional disorders.
  • Inside a courthouse or courthouse annex
  • Prison, jail, halfway house, community corrections facility, or other detention facility for those who have been charged with or convicted of a criminal or juvenile offense.
  • Building in which a District Attorney’s office is located
  • Building in which a county commission or city council is currently having a meeting
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Alabama

Yes
Alabama allows open carry IF the individual is 19 years or older and can legally posses a firearm. You need to have a license/permit to carry a loaded gun in your vehicle.
Yes
You carry a handgun in a vehicle legally without a permit. However, the handgun must be locked in your glovebox AND unloaded. You can also carry the handgun in a container which is out of reach of the driver and secured to your vehicle. It’s important to note, to carry a loaded gun in you need an active permit.
Yes
You can legally carry in the below areas: State Parks: YES – Admin Code 220.5.08 (only handguns) State/National Forests: YES State Wildlife Management Areas: YES – Admin Code 220.2 (only handguns) Road Side Rest Areas: YES
Yes
For Restaurants Which Serve Alcohol “Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
No
Alabama is not a Constitutional Carry state yet. The Senate has passed laws in favor of permitless carry but they still have a few hurdles to go through before becoming law.
No
Alabama doesn’t mention signs in their laws, however it’s advisable to follow common ethical practice and not carry in areas where there is signage posted.
No
Alabama does not require you to inform a law enforcement officer in the event of contact. However, you are required to carry your conceal carry permit with you. The law states: “…no person shall carry a pistol in any vehicle or concealed on or about his or her person without a permit…”

Alabama

Quick Facts

Open Carry

Yes

Carry In Vehicle

Yes

Carry In State Parks

Yes

Carry In Restaurants

Yes

Constitutional Carry

No

No Weapons Signs Enforced

No

Must Notify Officer

No
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