Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Puerto Rico

State

Carry allowed with Puerto Rico permit?

Yes

No

Yes, with Restrictions

Selected State

Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

*Page Last Updated: July 9, 2024

Puerto Rico is a shall-issue unincorporated U.S. territory that requires a permit to conceal carry. Licenses are issued to residents and non-residents who meet certain qualifications. 

Puerto Rico does not currently recognize concealed carry licenses issued by any U.S. state, though their permit is honored by 14 of them. 

To qualify for a Puerto Rico concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old; be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.; earn a Certificate of Use and Handling of Firearms; and be legally permitted to possess a firearm. There are also several factors that may disqualify you from obtaining a Puerto Rico carry license.

In Puerto Rico, CCW permit holders are only allowed to carry one handgun at a time. Also, open carry is strictly prohibited in the territory. 

To learn more about gun laws in Puerto Rico, review Puerto Rico gun laws here or visit the Puerto Rico Police Department’s website. 

*Disclaimer: This Puerto Rico concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your local laws or consult an attorney. 

Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Issue Type

Shall-issue

Constitutional Carry

No

Open Carry

No

Nonresident Permits

Yes

Enhanced Permits

No

Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Age

21

Permit Valid

5 years

Legal to Conceal Weapons Other Than Handguns? 

No

Reciprocating States

14

States Honored

0

Duty to Inform

No

Issuing Agency

Office of Weapons Licenses

Concealed Carry Puerto Rico 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”.

Does Puerto Rico Recognize Permits From Any U.S. States? 

No. Puerto Rico does not yet recognize concealed carry permits from any U.S. state. 

Which States Honor Puerto Rico CCW Permits? 

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 honor Puerto Rico weapons permits. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Puerto Rico concealed carry reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

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

Can You Carry a Gun in Puerto Rico Without a License? 

No. Concealed carry is only permitted in Puerto Rico for those who have a valid Puerto Rico weapons license. 

What are the Requirements for a Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Permit?

To obtain a Puerto Rico CCW permit, you must meet certain eligibility requirements: 

  • Be at least 21 years old. 

  • Be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S. 

  • Earn a Certificate of Use and Handling of Firearms by a certified instructor from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. 

  • Be legally permitted to possess a firearm under federal law.

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to obtain a Puerto Rico concealed carry license:  

  • A criminal record. 

  • Pending charges on a serious crime. 

  • A drug or alcohol addiction. 

  • Having been deemed mentally incapacitated. 

  • A dishonorable military or police discharge. 

  • Belonging to a violent organization or one with intent to overthrow the government. 

  • Being under a court order for harassing, spying, or threatening a romantic partner or family member within the past year. 

Puerto Rico has many, and often complicated, rules regarding who is eligible for a CCL. For a full, detailed list of eligibility requirements and disqualifiers in Puerto Rico, read local statutes here. 

Where Can You NOT Conceal Carry in Puerto Rico?

Even with a concealed carry permit, some places are off-limits to concealed carry in Puerto Rico, including educational facilities (and within 100 meters of university-owned buildings); public buildings; mental institutions; anywhere on election day; and anywhere it is prohibited by federal law. 

Can a Non-resident Conceal Carry in Puerto Rico?

Sometimes. Although reciprocity is not yet extended to any U.S. state, non-resident permits are offered to any United States citizen or legal resident over the age of 21. Traveling to Puerto Rico with a firearm is a bit complicated, however.

Can you Open Carry in Puerto Rico? 

No. Open carry is strictly prohibited in Puerto Rico. 

Where Can I Learn More About Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Laws? 

You can visit the Puerto Rico Police Department’s website for the most up-to-date information on concealed carry in Puerto Rico and to learn more about how to apply for a Puerto Rico concealed carry permit. For the official laws regarding Puerto Rico CCW reciprocity and regulations, you can read local laws 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.