WARNING: None of the information herein contained may be used as the basis for, or in conjunction with, taking any actions, or forming any opinions on questions of the law. No claims are made as to the accuracy, currency, and applicability of this document, in regards to the law or issues adjudicated by the various courts. Before taking any action which could possibly be in contravention to the law, always consult your qualified legal professional. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Does the state issue possession or purchase permits for handguns? (O/P/U) 2. Does the state issue open carry permits for handguns? (O/P/U) 3. Does the state issue concealed carry permits for handguns? (O/P/U) 4. Is the permit discretionary in actual practice? (Y/N) 5. Is the permit valid statewide? (Y/N/D) 6. What is the initial duration of a permit? (in months) 7. What is the renewal duration of a permit? (in months) 8. What is the application cost for the permit? (in $$) 9. What is the renewal cost for the permit? (in $$) 10. Does the permit require fingerprints? (Y/N/D) 11. Does the permit require drug testing? (Y/N/D) 12. Does the permit require background checks? (Y/N/D) 13. Does the permit require proof of training/knowledge? (Y/N/D) 14. Does the permit require citing a reason listed in statute? (Y/N/D) 15. Is a permit available to nonresidents? (Y/N/D) 16. Does a nonresident permit require possession of home state permit? (Y/N) 17. What is the initial duration of a nonresident permit? (in months) 18. What is the renewal duration of a nonresident permit? (in months) 19. What is the application cost for the nonresident permit? (in $$) 20. What is the renewal cost for the nonresident permit? (in $$) 21. Does the state honor other states' permits? (Y/N) 22. Relative Score on the Gun Rights Index (GRI); values 0-99, rounded. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- D = Discretionary, upon the discretion/need of the issuing authority I = Irrelevant, this question does not apply or is irrelevant O = Open, this action/activity is open to all lawful individuals P = Permit, a permit is required for this action/activity N = No U = Unlawful, this practice is unlawful to virtually all individuals Y = Yes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GRI Scoring: (Answers without listed values do not affect the score) 1: O = 33, P = 22 2: O = 33, P = 22 3: O = 33, P = 22 4: Y = -11 5: N = -5, D = -3 6: x/24, max of 5 7: x/24, max of 5 8: -x/25, max of -5 9: -x/25, max of -5 10: Y = -2, D = -1 11: Y = -2, D = -1 12: Y = -2, D = -1 13: Y = -2, D = -1 14: Y = -2, D = -1 15: N = -5, D = -3 16: Y = -1 17: x/24, max of 5 18: x/24, max of 5 19: -x/25, max of -5 20: -x/25, max of -5 21: N = -5 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. AK| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 66. AL| O. P. P. N. Y. 12. 12. 15. 15. N. N. D. N. N. . . . . . . Y. 76. AR| O. U. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 33. AS| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AZ| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 66. CA| P. P. P. Y. Y. 12. 12. 28. . N. N. Y. N. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 42. CO| O. O. P. Y. Y. . . . . . . Y. . . N. . . . . . N. 65. CT| O. P. P. N. Y. 60. 60.25+. . Y. N. Y. Y. N. Y. . . . . . N. 69. DC| U. U. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 0. DE| O. O. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. 83. FL| O. P. P. N. Y. 36. 36.160.135. Y. N. Y. Y. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 54. FM| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GA| O. O. P. N. Y. 60. 60. 32. 32. Y. N. Y. N. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 76. GU| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HI| P. P. P. Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. 50. IA| P. P. P. Y. Y. 12. 12. 5. 2. N. N. Y. Y. Y. Y. N. 12. 12. 5. 2. N. 46. ID| O. O. P. N. Y. 48. 48.20+. 12. D. N. D. D. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 77. IL| P. U. U. Y. N. 60. 60. 5. 5. N. N. N. N. N. Y. N. 12. 12. I. I. N. 7. IN| O. O. P. N. Y. 48. 48. 25. 25. Y. N. Y. N. Y.?N. I. I. I. I. I. Y. 79. KS| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 66. KY| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 66. LA| O. O. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?Y. 88. MA| P. P. P. Y. Y.<60. 60. 10. 10. Y. N. Y. D. Y. Y. N. 12. 12. 10. 10. N. 54. MD| O. P. P. Y. Y.<36. 36. 25. 25. Y. N. Y. N. Y. . . . . . . N. 56. ME| O. O. P. N. Y. 36. 36. 60. 30. D. N. Y. Y. N. Y. N. 36. 36. 80. 40. N. 81. MH| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MI| P. P. P. . . . . . . . . . . . Y. . . . . . Y. 66. MN| P. P. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. 61. MO| P. O. P. . N. . . . . . . Y. . Y. N. . . . . . N. 58. MP| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MS| O. O. P. N. Y. 36. 36.100.100. Y. N. Y. N. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 69. MT| O. O. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. 83. NC| P. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. D. D. D. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 52. ND| O. U. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. 50. NE| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 66. NH| O. O. P. N. Y. 24. 24. 4. 4. D. N. Y. N. Y. Y. N. 24. 24. 10. 10. N. 81. NJ| P. P. P. Y. . . . . . Y. . Y. D. . Y. . . . . . N. 45. NM| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 66. NV| O. O. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. 83. NY| P. P. P. Y. N.Lif. I. 45. I. Y. N. Y. Y. Y. Y. Y. . . . . N. 43. OH| P. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 55. OK| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 66. OR| O. O. P. N. Y. 24. 24. 50. 25. Y. N. Y. Y. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 71. PA| O. P. P. N. Y. 60. 60. 13. . N. N. Y. N. Y. Y. Y. 60. 60. 13. . N. 80. PR| P. P. P. Y. N. 36. 36.350.250. Y. N. Y. N. Y. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 22. PW| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RI| O. P. P. . . . . . . . . . . . Y. . . . . . N. 72. SC| O. P. P. . . . . . . . . . . . N. . . . . . N. 67. SD| O. O. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. 83. TN| O. U. U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. 28. TX| O. U. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 33. UT| O. U. P. N. Y. ?. ?. 35. 5. Y. N. Y. Y. N. Y. N. ?. ?. 35. 5. N. 44. VA| O. O. P. Y. Y. 24. 24. 10. 10. Y. N. Y. N. Y. ?. ?. ?. ?. ?. ?. ?. 62. VI| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Y. . VT| O. O. O. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 99. WA| O. P. P. N. Y. 48. 48. 23. 15. Y. N. D. N. D. Y. N. 48. 48. 23. 15. N. 78. WI| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 66. WV| O. O. P. N. Y. 60. 60. 70. 50. N. N. Y. Y. Y. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 72. WY| O. O. P. Y. N. 36. 36. 0. 0. N. N. Y. N. Y. Y. N. 36. 36. 0. 0. N. 69. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. Notes: all numeric values are approximations, rounded where necessary AL- 2:License for carry in a vehicle, open or concealed. AL-12:Check common in large cities, most counties just a few day wait. AR- 2:Carry "with a purpose to employ it as a weapon against a person" illegal. AR- 3:Carry "with a purpose to employ it as a weapon against a person" illegal. AZ- 3:Violation is class 1 misdemeanor, 6 mo. maximum jail sentence. CA- 1:Except for handguns defined as "assault weapons". CA- 2:Open carry is legal in unincorporated areas except where prohibited. CA- 4:There is a wide variety of issuance policies throughout the state. CA- 8:Application cost may vary. CA-13:State does not require training, but many counties/cities do. CO- 2:Except in some cities. CO- 3:Get a permit from a town, then the state. CT- 3:One must obtain a local permit before issuance of State permit. CT- 4:Reasons for denial are statutory, and there is a binding appeal process. CT- 8:Local permit ~$25, state permit $25. CT-10:Required for issuance of local permit, but not for State permit. CT-12:Required for issuance of local permit, but not for State permit. CT-13:Required for issuance of local permit, but not for State permit. DC- 1:Handgun moratorium since September 24, 1976. FL-15:Non-resident licenses only to "Consular Officers of Foreign Governments". GA- 2:No permit required to hunt or transport. GA- 3:Open carry for protection requires same permit as for concealed carry. IA-10:Fingerprints required for non-resident/professional permits. IA-15:Only professional permit (security guard, FFL) available to non-residents. ID- 8:Fees variable: $20 + reasonable costs; Idaho County quoted $30. ID-15:No non-resident applications accepted after 7/1/91. ID-17:Old non-resident permits good until expiration. IL- 3:Exceptions for people of influence and power. IL- 5:Chicago requires registration. Certain suburbs have banned handguns. IL-15:Non-residend hunting license serves as gun owner identification card. IN- 3:Available to residents or those who work in the state. IN- 8:Local $10, state $15 for CCW, and $5 open only. IN- 9:Local $10, state $15 for CCW, and $5 open only. IN-14:Answer: "For protection of myself, my family, and the State of Indiana." IN-21:Will honor out-of-state CCW for travellers. KS- 1:Purchase permit may be required in certain cities or counties. MA- 2:Same as CCW. Open carry strongly discouraged, much hassled. MA- 3:Hard to get in Cambridge/Boston. MA- 4:40 day appl. process. Inaction/rejection appeals go to district court. MA- 5:Illegal: carry on school grounds, unattended handgun in motor vehicle. MA- 6:Expires on applicant's birthday, four years after issuance. MA-14:Must be suitable person and have specific need for "all lawful purposes". MA-15:Two types available, with differing requirements. MA-17:24 mo. license available for cash businesses, P.I.s, or military. MA-18:24 mo. license available for cash businesses, P.I.s, or military. MA-19:$20 for the 24 mo. license. MA-20:$20 for the 24 mo. license. MD- 6:Expires on last day of birth month, two years after issuance. ME- 2:Open carry is legal, expect looks from some people. ME- 3:Handguns must be unloaded in the car if you do not possess a CCW. ME- 4:Resident permit must be issued or denied with cause within 30 days. ME-12:Non-resident must supply official driving record, criminal records check. ME-15:Non-resident permit must be issued or denied with cause within 60 days. MI- 2:Must posses license for carry in a vehicle, open or concealed. MO- 1:Permit with background check required for each handgun purchase. MO- 2:Open carry walking around; no carry in vehicles. MO- 3:For cash/high-value businesses, only on-site & on-duty. NC- 1:Purchase permit $5 in one county, others may differ. NC- 3:Exceptions in extreme need (by court order), as determined by the state. NC-12:In reference to purchase permit, only. NC-13:In reference to purchase permit, only. NC-14:In reference to purchase permit, only. ND- 2:Loaded carry prohibited. NH-14:Accepted reasons are "protection" and "target shooting". NH-16:Want copy of CCW from home state if exists, or clean record letter. NM- 2:It's legal to keep a loaded gun in your car. NM- 3:Illegal concealed carry is often ignored; can carry 'unloaded'. NV- 3:CCW may be granted by county sheriff on written application. NY- 3:NYC, people of influence, or 'need'. Rest of state varies by county. NY- 5:State permit no good in NYC, but NYC permit also valid in rest of state. NY- 6:State permit issued for life; NYC permit issued for 2 years. NY- 8:Fees vary by county. OH- 1:Purchase permit may be required in certain cities or counties. OR- 4:Resident permit must be issued or denied with cause within 45 days. OR-15:Wording of law now requires residence in county of application. OR-21:'Equivalent' permits recognized. No out-of-state permits meet this test. PA- 2:License for carry in a vehicle, open or concealed. PA- 3:Discretionary in Philadelphia. PA- 4:45 day application process. PA- 5:Illegal: carry on school grounds PA-14:Personal protection reason accepted without prejudice. PA-15:Must already possess CCW in home state. RI-15:Usually denied on first try; after complaint, approved on second try. TN- 2:Except licensed private investigators, handgun hunters, cops. TN- 3:Except licensed private investigators, handgun hunters, cops. TX- 2:Except for "travellers" (i.e. crossing multiple county lines). TX- 3:Except for "travellers" (i.e. crossing multiple county lines). UT- 1:Possession of weapon authorized, permit or license not required. UT- 2:Loaded firearm carry in vehicle or on public street is unlawful. UT- 4:Permit must be issued or denied with cause within 60 days. UT-12:Character references, photographs, employment & residential history. UT-13:Specifies "evidence of weapons familiarity". UT-15:Nonresidents traveling may possess unloaded, cased firearm in vehicle. VA- 1:Must pass 'instant' computer background check for purchase. VA-14:"For lawful defense and security" is sufficient, by statute. VT- 2:Carry "with the intent or purpose of injuring another" prohibited. VT- 3:Carry "with the intent or purpose of injuring another" prohibited. VT- 3:In Montpelier, Rutland & St. Albans: town ordinances ban loaded carry. WA- 1:Purchase application on buying; buyers with no CCW must wait five days. WA- 2:License required for loaded carry in a vehicle, open or concealed. WA- 3:Local ordinances may not contradict or be more restrictive than state law. WA- 4:Must be issued/denied with cause within 30 days. Routinely exceeded. WA-14:Contrary to law, some agencies require that reasons be provided. WA-15:Non-resident permit must be issued or denied with cause within 60 days. WV- 8:Application fee of $20 and license fee of $50. WY- 3:Violation is misdemeanor, $750 maximum fine, 6 mo. maximum jail sentence. WY- 4:Sheriff may issue to travelers, merchant police, private detectives, etc. WY- 5:Issued at personal discretion of Sheriff, may be valid only their county. AK-Alaska AL-Alabama AR-Arkansas AS-American Samoa AZ-Arizona CA-California CO-Colorado CT-Connecticut DC-District of Columbia DE-Delaware FL-Florida FM-Federated Micronesia GA-Georgia GU-Guam HI-Hawaii IA-Iowa ID-Idaho IL-Illinois IN-Indiana KS-Kansas KY-Kentucky LA-Lousiana MA-Massachussetts MD-Maryland ME-Maine MH-Marshall Islands MI-Michigan MN-Minnesota MO-Missouri MP-Mariana Islands MS-Mississippi MT-Montana NC-North Carolina ND-North Dakota NE-Nebraska NH-New Hampshire NJ-New Jersey NM-New Mexico NV-Nevada NY-New York OH-Ohio OK-Oklahoma OR-Oregon PA-Pennsylvania PR-Puerto Rico PW-Palau Islands RI-Rhode Island SC-South Carolina SD-South Dakota TN-Tennessee TX-Texas UT-Utah VA-Virginia VI-Virgin Islands VT-Vermont WA-Washington WI-Wisconsin WV-West Virginia WY-Wyoming -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact for more information: . . . State of Arizona (602) 542-4266 Attorney General Grant Woods Department of Law 1275 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 . . . State of Florida Dept. of State (904) 488-0039 Division of Licensing P.O. Box 6687 Tallahassee, FL 32304-6687 . . . Indiana State Police (317) 232-8264 Firearms Licensing/CCW . . . State of Iowa (515) 281-5261 Attorney General Bonnie J. Campbell Wallace State Office Bldg. Des Moines, IA 50319 Paul H. Wieck II, Commissioner Department of Public Safety (515) 281-3211 Administrative Services Division Judy Cross (515) 281-5149 Weapons Permit Section Administrative Assistant Wallace State Office Bldg. Des Moines, IA 50319-0040 . . . Commissioner John R. Atwood Maine State Police Col. Andrew E. Demers, Chief Licensing Divison Lt. Peter A. McCarthy (207) 582-8765 Gardiner Annex State House Station, #35 Augusta, ME 04333 . . . State of Massachussetts Department of Public Safety "firearms records" (617) 566-4500 Firearms & CCW Licensing 1010 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02135 . . . State of New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of State Police 10 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03305 . . . Allegheny County Sheriff's Office Deputy Juran (412) 355-4700 Room 111, Courthouse firearms affairs Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (717) 265-1701 Bradford County Sheriff's Office (717) 697-0371 Cumberland County Sheriff's Off. (717) 261-3805 Franklin County Sheriff's Office (717) 327-2280 Lycoming County Sheriff's Office (717) 988-4155 Northumberland C. Sheriff's Off. (717) 771-9601 York County Sheriff's Office . . . State of Utah (801) 538-1015 Attorney General R. Paul Van Dam Joseph E. Tesch 236 State Capitol Chief Deputy Attorney General Salt Lake City, UT 84114 Ronald L. Probert Chief, Investigations Department of Public Safety Regulatory Licensing 4501 S. 2700 West Salt Lake City, UT 84119 . . . State of West Virginia (304) 348-2021 Office of the Attorney General Charleston, WV 25305 . . . Albany County Deputy Debre (307) 721-2526 Sheriff Gary Puls 525 Grant Laramie, WY 82070