Open carry law means keeping your firearm in plain sight, as opposed to hiding it under your jacket. As you might expect, every state has different laws about it. We will look at how open carry works or doesn’t work in the following 18 American states.
Alabama
This information comes from the USCCA. Down in Alabama, carrying your gun out in the open is pretty straightforward, and you don’t need a permit. But if you’re planning to keep that handgun in your vehicle or carry it hidden, you’ll need to get one. You also need to be at least 18 years old to open carry without having a permit.
Alaska
In Alaska, they keep things chill because anyone who’s legally allowed to own a gun can carry it openly or concealed. There’s no need to juggle any permits here, which makes it super straightforward for all freedom-loving people. Whether you’re in the tundra or the local supermarket, as long as you’re following the few basic laws, you’re good to go.
Arizona
In Arizona, if you’re over 18 and want to walk around with a firearm on your hip, go right ahead. They trust you to be responsible, and you don’t have to get a special permit because it’s the Wild West. Just remember, while you’re free to carry, there are places like bars and schools where firearms aren’t welcomed.
Arkansas
Over the years, there have been debates in Arkansas over whether you can openly carry your gun without a permit. Thankfully, they’ve cleared the air, and you don’t need one for open carry. As long as you’re up to date on the local debates, you should be fine, as the laws can change with local enforcement practices.
California
Heading over to California, things are a bit stricter. You’ll need a permit to open carry, which is pretty rare, and in most places, it’s a no-go. If you’re in a rural spot, you might get away with carrying an unloaded gun, but major cities have even tougher rules. You should check the specifics before you pack your sidearm for a day out.
Colorado
Colorado lets you open carry in most places, but in some cities like Denver, it’s banned. Also, keep your eyes peeled around schools and government buildings, as they have extra rules there. This state has a good mix of urban and rural policies, so knowing where you are can make all the difference.
Connecticut
Connecticut lets you open carry all you want as long as you’ve got a permit. That same piece of paper will let you conceal carry, too, so it’s a handy one to have in your wallet. Like most states on this list, staying familiar with your local laws will keep you in clear waters because the law does vary in some cities.
Delaware
Delaware doesn’t seem to care much about open carry because you don’t need a permit, although some local rules are different, especially in more crowded spots. It’s always a good idea to check things out before you step out. This way, you won’t find yourself in a sticky situation just for carrying your handgun.
Florida
Over in Florida, there’s no open carry unless you’re out hunting, fishing, or maybe camping. They’re big on concealed carry with a permit, which means keeping things under wraps and out of sight. This keeps things a little more comfortable for people who aren’t as keen on seeing guns while they’re shopping for their groceries.
Georgia
To openly carry a handgun in Georgia, you’ll need to have the “Georgia Weapons Carry License,” which some other states also recognize. This piece of plastic means you’re covered for both open and concealed carry across the state. Whether you’re planning to show off your pistol or keep it under wraps, you’ll have to get this license.
Hawaii
Hawaii isn’t so open about open carry, and if you’re dreaming of walking on the beaches with a sidearm, think again. Open carry here is almost unheard of for everyday people. Only very specific, rare cases get approval, and they need to show a compelling need to carry a firearm openly, meaning most applications get rejected.
Idaho
If you’re over 18 in Idaho, you won’t need a permit to openly carry a gun in most places. But if you’re after a bit more freedom, like carrying in more sensitive spots, you might want to consider their enhanced permit. This will give you the extra benefit of going to places that are usually off-limits to standard open carry.
Illinois
Illinois quite literally plays it close to the vest because open carry isn’t allowed. Concealed carry is on the table, though, if you can pass their rigorous training and background checks. The state takes a serious approach to who gets to carry a hidden handgun as they’re focused on safety and proper handling.
Indiana
In Indiana, you can carry your firearm openly without a permit. In the past, there were restrictions, but now, the only rule about open and concealed carry is your age. You just need to be 18 years old to do that, and you don’t even need a license to buy a gun. They take their freedoms pretty seriously over there.
Iowa
No matter how you want to carry your firearm, you won’t need a permit in Iowa, although you can get one if you want. The rules changed in 2021 to allow anyone aged over 21 to carry a gun, whether that’s openly or concealed. You will need to take a state-approved firearms training course to do concealed carry, though.
Kansas
Anybody who’s 21 or older in Kansas can openly carry their firearm without needing to get a permit. It’s about as uncomplicated as it gets because Kansas is a place where they take your personal freedoms seriously. Just make sure you’re respecting the local laws as you enjoy this liberty.
Kentucky
Whether you want to open carry or conceal carry, Kentucky doesn’t require you to get a permit for either. You will need to be at least 18 years old, though, for open carry and 21 for concealed carry. Plus, there are some areas where you won’t be able to carry a firearm, like bars, so make sure you check out the rules first.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, open carry is relatively hassle-free as you won’t need a permit. Even so, like many other states, you need to be mindful of specific areas like schools or government buildings where carrying isn’t allowed. As permissive as the state laws are, local regulations and private property rights are also important.
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