Vermont is a very permissive state for firearms. Vermont operates on an “Unrestricted” status and doesn’t issue permits to carry a firearm. Any individual older than 16 and can legally posses a firearm is allowed to conceal or open carry.
Vermont doesn’t distinguish between a resident or non-resident in terms of carry laws.
Vermont Gun Laws Quick Facts
| Open Carry Permitted? | Yes – Vermont allows for open carry without a permit for any individual 18 years or older and who it legally allowed to own a firearm. |
| Carry In Vehicle? | Yes – Vermont allows for carry within a vehicle without a permit. |
| Carry In State Park? | Yes – Vermont allows for concealed and open carry within state and national parks without a permit. |
| Carry In Restaurants? | Yes – We could not find any specific code preventing concealed or open carry in restaurants or bars. However, you cannot consume any alcohol whatsoever and carry a firearm. |
| Constitutional Carry? | Yes – Vermont is recognized as a constitutional carry state. |
| No Weapon Sign Enforced? | Yes – Vermont gives no weapons signs the force of law. You may not enter into any building with a no weapons sign posted. |
| Must Notify Officer? | No – We were unable to find any specific laws requiring duty to inform. |
Vermont CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Kansas
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
States NOT Honoring CCW
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Honors These States CCW Permits
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- 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
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How Reciprocity Works In Vermont
Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Vermont. During their time in Vermont, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.
Reciprocity Agreements In Vermont
Vermont: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state – except those listed below
Places Not Allowed
- School building or school property
- School bus
- Courthouse
- Any state institution
- A building with controlled points of public access, metal screening devices at each point of public access, and locked compartments, accessible only to security personnel, for storage of checked firearms
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Vermont: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes
Open carrying a handgun without a permit/license in Vermont is legal if you are at least 18 years old.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes
If you are legally allowed to own a firearm you can carry it concealed in a vehicle with no permit/license.
Carry In State Parks
Yes
You are permitted to carry in state parks, state forests, WMA’s and roadside rest areas.
Carry In Restaurants
Yes
In Restaurants That 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.
Constitutional Carry
Yes
Vermont is recognized as a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
Yes
Vermont gun laws have the force of law for “No Weapons” signs. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs.
Must Notify Officer
No
There is nothing in Vermont gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business.
Additional Resources
Vermont Concealed Carry Laws
Vermont Open Carry Laws
Vermont Gun Permit Laws