State laws regarding concealed carry requirements including:

  • Are you required to notify law enforcement if you have a concealed carry weapons license, while carrying a gun.
  • Are you able to carry a gun into a bar or restaurant, and if there are certain restrictions when doing so.
  • Is open carry legal and if there are restrictions on long guns and handguns.
  • Can you carry a firearm in your vehicle without a permit.
  • Are firearms allowed in your vehicle when on a college campus or on school grounds.

We also have a list of state attorney general’s websites at the bottom of this page.

StateRequired to notify Law Enforcement of having a concealed carry weapons license?Able to carry into bars/restaurants? If yes, any restrictions?Open Carry legal? Any restrictions Long Guns or Handguns?Vehicle Carry without PermitFirearm in Vehicle on College CampusFirearm in Vehicle on School Grounds
AlabamaNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but prohibited in a car without a CHL. Loaded long guns may be carried in plain view or in gun cases.Handguns must be unloaded, secured in a case, and secured stowed in the trunk or storage area of the vehicle. Long guns may be loaded and stored in plain view, or in a case.Contingent upon college administrative policy.Contingent upon school board policy enforcement.
AlaskaYESNot in Bars, but allowed in restaurants but CAN NOT be consuming alcholic beveragesYES, No restrictionsFirearms may be kept loaded and concealed in a vehicle by any legal possessor over the age of 21.LegalPermit-holders must unload and place the firearm in a case.
ArizonaNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, No restrictionsFirearms may be kept loaded, concealed, or in plain view by anyone over the age of 21. LegalPermit-holder may carry an unloaded handgun.
ArkansasYESNot in Bars, but allowed in restaurants unless owner/manager has excercised discretion to prohibit.Concealed carry in the vehicle is ok with a permit. Without a permit, handguns must be unloaded and cased; glove compartment carry of a handgun is illegal; rifles and shotguns may be carried in plain view or secured in commercial cases.Loaded handguns may be kept anywhere in the vehicle, but long guns may be cased or stored in plain view.If posted, prohibited. Otherwise legal for permit-holders.Loaded handguns are legal in public school parking lots, but private schools have the authority to regulate on their own terms.
CaliforniaNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.NOHandguns mus be unloaded and stored in a locked trunk, utility box, or gun case. Rifles must be kept unloaded.IllegalFirearms must be unloaded and kept in locked containers.
ColoradoNONot in Bars, but allowed in restaurants but CAN NOT be consuming alcholic beveragesYES, No restrictionsAll firearms may be kept legally in any part of a vehicle, handguns may be kept loaded, but rifles and shotguns must be kept unloaded.Lawful only for permit-holders with handguns.Loaded handguns are allowed for permit-holders.
ConnecticutNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YES, with permit.Largely prohibited for handguns, allowed only for the transportation from the purchasing destination to the home. Rifles and shotguns must be kept unloaded, unless the rifle is a legal assault weapon, in which case it must be kept locked with the required paperwork.Contingent upon college administrative policy.Illegal
DelawareNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, No restrictionsA loaded handgun may be kept anywhere in the vehicle, but rifles and shotguns must be kept unloaded.Contingent upon college administrative policy.Permit-holders may possess loaded handguns.
FloridaNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.NOFirearms must be secured or otherwise inaccessible but may be kept loaded and concealed.Legal at most public universities.Largely prohibited at the district level.
GeorgiaNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YES, with permit. Non permit holders may carry in their vehicle, home, or business. Hunters and Sportsmen may carry a loaded handgun while participating in outdoor activities, as long as they have the requisite license for the activity.Loaded firearms may be transported in any manner in a private vehicle.Legal for permit-holders.Legal for permit-holders to possess a handgun.
HawaiiNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.NOLargely illegal, unless the firearm is being transported to an exempted location: police stations, firing ranges, hunting grounds, and repair shops.Contingent upon college administrative policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
IdahoNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesLoaded handguns may be carried anywhere in a vehicle by anyone over 21, while non-residents, residents and military members under 21 may carry concealed outside of the limits of any of the major cities. Within city limits, however, these individuals must carry their handguns in plain view, or unloaded in a case. Loaded long guns may be kept anywhere in a vehicle.Retired law enforcement and permit holders may possess firearms in their vehicles on college campuses.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
IllinoisNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.NONon-residents may carry a concealed handgun (with permit) in the vehicle, but long arms must be unloaded and cased. Those without a license must stow all unloaded and cased firearms in the trunk of the vehicle with their ammunition.Legal for permit-holders, but contingent upon administrative policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
IndianaNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but restricted to permitted individuals, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesHandguns must be kept unloaded in a case in the rear of the vehicle, long guns may be kept in any area of the vehicle but must be cased.Contingent upon administrative policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
IowaNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but restricted to permitted individuals, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesHandguns may not be loaded or accessible, rifles and shotguns may not be loaded, but may be accessible to passengers.IllegalGenerally prohibited, but an unloaded handgun may be kept in a locked container in the trunk.
KansasNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, No restrictionsLoaded firearms may be stored in any condition in any area of the vehicle by an individual over the age of 21.Legal for any lawful individual to possess a handgun.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
KentuckyNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesLoaded firearms may be kept in plain view, or in any "factory storage component" of the vehicle.LegalLegal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
LouisianaYESYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesLoaded firearms may be stored openly, in the vehicle console, glove box, or trunk.LegalLegal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
MaineNOOnly if premises are not posted.YES, with some exceptions.Any individual over the age of 21 may carry a loaded handgun anywhere in the vehicle, long guns must be stored unloaded and be secured in a gun case or in the trunk.Contingent upon university policy.Illegal
MarylandNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YES, with permit.All firearms must be kept unloaded in the vehicle.Contingent upon university policy.Illegal
MassachusettsNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YES, with permit.Handguns may not be carried in a vehicle, long guns must be kept unloaded and cased.IllegalIllegal
MichiganYESYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but must have a valid permit/license to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle in Michigan. Residents of Michigan without a CPL you must carry a firearm registered to you. For Non Residents if you do not have a permit/license from your state of residents Concealed and/or Open Carry is not an option. Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” above may not apply to those who open carry. Those who Open Carry without a valid Permit/License to Carry “Can’t” carry on the property of businesses that sell Alcohol and includes Grocery Stores that sell alcohol.Rifles and shotguns must be unloaded and cased, or unloaded and stored in the trunk. Non-residents may carry a handgun in the vehicle only if they possess a concealed carry license in their home state.Contingent upon university policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
MinnesotaNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but restricted to permitted individuals, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesHandguns must be stored unloaded in a case, long guns must be unloaded and cased as well.LegalLegal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun, also lawful to store a firearm in the trunk.
MississippiNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesHandguns may be stored loaded in any area of the vehicle, long guns may not be loaded during hunting season.LegalLegal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
MissouriNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but restricted to permitted individuals, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesLoaded firearms may be kept in any area of the vehicle.Legal for permit-holders, but contingent upon university policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
MontanaNOYES for open carry, but no for concealed, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesLoaded firearms may be kept out of plain view in the vehicle but may not be concealed on an individual's person.Contingent upon university policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun but can vary at the city level.
NebraskaYESYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.Open Carry is legal but state preemption allows local governments to regulate the open carrying of firearms. Nebraska preemption only covers the carrying of “Concealed firearms.” Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” above apply to those who open carry.Varies from locality to locality. Non-permit holders would be best advised to keep all firearms unloaded and cased.Legal for permit-holders, but contingent upon university policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
NevadaNOYes as there is no law againstYES, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesHandguns may be kept loaded and carried openly or in a glove compartment but may not be concealed on an individual's person. Long guns must be kept unloaded.Largely prohibited, unless an individual has express written permission from the local authorities.Largely prohibited, unless an individual has express written permission from the local authorities.
New HampshireNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YESHandguns may be kept loaded or concealed in any part of the vehicle, but long guns must be kept unloaded.Contingent upon university policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
New JerseyNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YES, with permit.Illegal absent a firearms identification card or state carry permit.IllegalIllegal
New MexicoNOYes But only into a restaurant licensed to sell only beer and wine that derives no less than sixty percent of its annual gross receipts from the sale of food for consumption on the premises, unless the restaurant has a sign posted, in a conspicuous location at each public entrance, prohibiting the carrying of firearms, or the person is verbally instructed by the owner or manager that the carrying of a firearm is not permitted in the restaurant; carry is not permitted in any restaurant that serves “Hard Liquor.”YES, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesFirearms may be kept loaded in any area of the vehicle.Legal for any individual over the age of 19, but contingent upon university policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
New YorkNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.NOHandgun possession requires a New York carry permit; long guns must be kept unloaded.IllegalIllegal
North CarolinaYESYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.YES, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” placesLoaded firearms may be carried openly in a holster or sling.Legal for permit holders, but private colleges have authority to restrict.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun, but private schools may restrict.
North DakotaNOYES, but if the establishment has a No Gun sign and sees/ask person to leave, they must comply.Open carry of long guns is generally permitted. Open carry of a loaded handgun is permitted only by individuals with a valid concealed weapons license. Non permit holders may carry one hour before sunrise till one hour after sunset provided the firearm is unloaded and in plain sight.Non-residents must keep all firearms cased and unloaded, permitted residents may conceal loaded firearms.Legal regardless of permit.Largely, legal, may be prohibited at the local level.
OhioYESPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YESFirearms must be unloaded and either in plain view with actions open or cased.Legal for permit-holders, but contingent upon university policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
OklahomaYESRestaurant, Yes unless posted. Bar, No.YES, but not allowed in “OFF LIMIT” places. Generally, Long Guns allowed, however not loaded in a vehicleAll firearms must be kept unloaded and either in plain view or in a visible case. Unloaded rifles and shotguns may be kept concealed behind the seats of the vehicle.LegalLegal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
OregonNOPermit holders may carry in dining areasYESLoaded firearms must be carried in plain view - in a holster or gun rack - or cased in a locking container in the trunk or storage area of the vehicle.Legal for permit-holder.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
PennsylvaniaNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YESHandguns must be kept unloaded and cased in the trunk or storage area of the vehicle, long guns must be unloaded and cased but may be in the passenger area of the vehicle.Contingent upon university policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
Rhode IslandNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YES, with attorney general-issued permit.All firearms must be kept unloaded and cased, with ammunition separate.Contingent upon university policy.Illegal
South CarolinaYESYes unless posted and can not consume liquor, beer or wine.NOLoaded handguns may be carried in an enclosed compartment of the vehicle; all firearms may be kept loaded in the trunk but loaded long guns may be kept anywhere in the vehicle.Legal for permit-holders, but firearms must be kept in a locked container.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun in a closed compartment, trunk, or console.
South DakotaNORestaurant, Yes unless posted. Bar, No.YESHandguns must be kept unloaded and carried in a closed compartment or kept loaded in plain view. Long guns may be kept loaded in any area of the vehicle.Contingent upon university policy.Legal only on private school grounds.
TennesseeNOYes unless posted and can not consume liquor, beer or wine.YES, Open carry of loaded handguns is permitted for those who have been issued a license to carry. Long guns may only be carried unloaded.Firearms may be kept loaded in any area of the vehicle.Legal for permit-holders.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
TexasYES, upon ID request.Permit holders may carry in dining areas.YES, but with holstered handgun and permit.Firearms may be kept loaded in any area of the vehicle.Legal for permit-holders.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
UtahNOYes unless posted, but cannot be intoxicatedYES, Open carry of unloaded handguns and long guns are permitted without license to carry and Loaded are permitted for those who have a valid permit/license to carry a concealed firearm.Handguns may be kept loaded in any area of the vehicle; long guns must be kept unloaded.LegalLegal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.
VermontNOYes unless posted.YESHandguns may be kept loaded in any area of the vehicle; long guns must be kept unloaded.Contingent upon university policy.Firearms must be kept unloaded in locked cases.
VirginiaNOYes unless posted, but cannot consume alcohol.YESHandguns may be kept loaded in plain view or stowed in the glove compartment; long guns must be kept in cases in the rear of the vehicle.Regulated by Virginia's administrative code.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun while in vehicle, upon exit from vehicle handguns should be kept unloaded and cased.
WashingtonNORestaurant, Yes unless posted. Bar, No.YESHandguns, rifles, and shotguns must be kept unloaded, but handguns must be kept in commercial cases.ProhibitedLegal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun while picking up and dropping off a student.
West VirginiaNOYes unless posted.YES on handguns, no on long gunsHandguns may be kept loaded in any area of the vehicle by an individual over the age of 21; long guns must be kept unloaded and cased.Contingent upon college administrative policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun, gun must be locked in a secure compartment upon permit-holder exit.
WisconsinNOPermit holders may carry in dining areas.YESAll firearms must be kept in plain view; handguns may be kept loaded; long guns must be unloaded.LegalLegal for permit-holder to possess an unloaded and cased firearm.
WyomingNORestaurant, Yes unless posted. Bar, No.YESNon-residents may have loaded firearms either in plain view or in cases, residents over the age of 21 may be concealed anywhere in the vehicle.Contingent upon university policy.Legal for permit-holder to possess a loaded handgun.

*Further restrictions on ownership and / or use. You should consult with a gun lawyer licensed in the respective state before possession or use.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is not legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice.  You should consult with a licensed attorney in your respective state before you engage in the possession and / or use of any National Firearm Act regulated weapon.

For more information on the National Firearms Act please visit:

BATFE NFA Branch: httpss://www.atf.gov/content/firearms/firearms-industry/national-firearms-act

National Firearms Act Trade & Collectors Association (NFATCA): https://www.nfatca.org/

ATTORNEY GENERAL LINKS