Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Georgia

State

Carry allowed with Georgia permit?

Yes

No

Yes, with Restrictions

Selected State

Georgia Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

*Page Last Updated: November 30, 2023

Georgia is a shall-issue, permitless carry state that issues concealed carry licenses to qualifying residents and military members stationed locally. 

Georgia’s constitutional carry law went into effect on April 12, 2022, allowing anyone who is at least 21 years old and legally allowed to have a firearm to conceal carry with or without a CCW license. 

In order to qualify for a Georgia concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old (unless you’re a service member or veteran), be a Georgia resident, and meet all federal requirements. There are also a number of factors that may disqualify you from obtaining a license. 

While anyone who qualifies may conceal carry in Georgia thanks to their constitutional carry laws, the state officially honors permits issued by 32 other U.S. states. Having a concealed carry permit, however, does allow you to open carry in Georgia, which is otherwise prohibited. 

To learn more about Georgia concealed carry laws, review Georgia Code Title 16 here, visit the Georgia Department of Public Safety, or contact state authorities. 

*Disclaimer: This Georgia CCW reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney. 

Georgia Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Issue Type

Shall issue

Constitutional Carry

Yes

Open Carry

No

Nonresident Permits

No

Enhanced Permits

No

Legal Age

21

Permit Valid

5 years

Legal to Conceal Weapons Other Than Handguns? 

Yes – knives

Reciprocating States

33

States Honored

32

Duty to Inform

No

Castle Doctrine

Yes

Stand Your Ground

Yes

Issuing Agency

Georgia Courts

Georgia Concealed Carry FAQ

What is Reciprocity? 

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Which States’ Permits Does Georgia Honor? 

Georgia is a constitutional carry state, meaning that anyone 21 years or older can conceal carry in the state with or without a license – regardless of their state of residence – so long as they are legally allowed to possess a firearm. 

That being said, Georgia formally honors permits from 32 states with which it has reciprocity. 

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states have a reciprocity agreement with Georgia.Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Georgia concealed carry reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

  • Alabama
  • Alaska*
  • Arizona*
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado*
  • Florida*
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa*
  • Kansas*
  • Kentucky*
  • Louisiana*
  • Maine*
  • Michigan*
  • Mississippi*
  • Missouri*
  • Montana
  • Nebraska*
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio*
  • Oklahoma*
  • Pennsylvania*
  • South Carolina*
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee*
  • Texas*
  • Utah*
  • Vermont
  • Virginia*
  • West Virginia*
  • Wisconsin*
  • Wyoming*

Can I Conceal Carry in Georgia Without a License?

Yes. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed SB 319 into law on April 12, 2022, allowing anyone 21 years of age or older who is legally permitted to possess a firearm to conceal carry without a license. 

What are the Requirements for a Georgia Concealed Carry Permit?

To obtain a Georgia Weapons Carry License, you must meet certain eligibility requirements

  • You must be at least 21 years of age, or be a veteran or active service member who is 18 or older and completed basic training. 

  • Be a Georgia resident. 

  • Meet all federal requirements.

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to conceal carry or obtain a Georgia WCL: 

  • A felony conviction or pending criminal proceeding. 

  • A conviction for a drug-related offense. 

  • A conviction for another disqualifying offense, such as domestic violence. 

  • Having been in a mental hospital or substance abuse treatment center in the past five years. 

  • Having unwillingly been committed to a mental hospital. 

For a full, detailed list of concealed carry eligibility requirements and disqualifiers in the state of Georgia, visit the Georgia Department of Public Safety website.

Can a Non-resident Carry a Gun in Georgia?

Yes. Because it is a constitutional carry state, any person 21 years or older who is legally permitted to have a firearm may conceal a gun with or without a concealed carry permit in Georgia. Non-residents who wish to open carry must have a valid license from a state that has reciprocity with Georgia. 

Non-resident permits are also issued to members of the military who are permanently stationed in Georgia. 

Is Georgia an Open Carry State?

Yes. In Georgia, open carry is legal for those who have a Georgia Weapons Carry License or a concealed carry permit from a state with which Georgia has reciprocity. Some areas are off-limits to open carry, including schools and courthouses. 

Concealed Carry Restrictions: Where CAN’T I Carry in Georgia?

Even with a concealed carry permit, some locations are off-limits to concealed carry in Georgia, including school property and functions; parts of higher-level education campuses; secured areas of airports; courthouses; government buildings; places of worship (unless specifically allowed); jails or prisons; state mental health facilities; nuclear power facilities; within 150 feet of a polling place; and anywhere it is federally prohibited. 

Where Can I Learn More About Georgia Concealed Carry Law? 

You can visit the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s website for the most up-to-date information on permit eligibility or to apply for a Georgia Weapons Carry License. For the official laws regarding Georgia concealed carry reciprocity and regulations, you can read state statutes here

This reciprocity map is provided for informational purposes only. Any activity involving firearms is potentially dangerous and could result in property damage, serious injury, disabling injury or death. All firearms must be handled in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable law. The author disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, misuse of, or misinterpretation of information contained in this reciprocity map.