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Compared to other high-income countries, the United States has one of the worst rates of gun violence in the world. A 2022 analysis from the Everytown Gun Safety Support Fund found that the U.S. gun homicide rate is an astounding 26 times higher than other nations, with 4.382 gun homicides per 100,000 residents — the closest nation behind us, Chile, had just 0.956 gun homicides per 100,000 residents. An estimated 125 people are killed by gun violence each day in America, with significantly more than that injured and wounded. Yet instead of embracing more restrictive gun laws, various U.S. states have chosen to loosen the reins. North Carolina’s “Freedom to Carry” Bill proposed concealed carry for any U.S. citizen aged 18 or older, without the requirement of state-issued permits. Meanwhile, in Michigan, a handful of senate bills propose removing the requirement for a Concealed Pistol License. This action would allow responsible adults to carry concealed in any venues where open carry is legal. Lastly, Oklahoma’s recent legislation, which is pending governor approval, allows municipal officials to carry concealed when authorized by councils. The legality around open carry and concealed carry has been hotly debated in some places, with many people arguing that requiring permits for each is essential to keeping our communities safe. However, many states allow permitless carry. Here, 24/7 Wall St. identified the open carry and concealed carry laws in each state across the U.S. To do so, we evaluated the comprehensive gun law library from Giffords Law Center, a national public interest law center and nonprofit organization dedicated to gun violence prevention. We listed each state in alphabetical order and included supplemental data on gun law strength and gun death rate from Giffords’ Annual Gun Law Scorecard, updated in 2024, which has the most up-to-date information at this time. This post was updated on June 16, 2025 to include recent proposed or passed legislation regarding concealed carry and open carry. What is Open Carry? Open carry sounds very similar to what it is, so you can probably guess from the name: open carry means being able to carry your gun visibly or semi-visibly in public, either with or without a holster. As the U.S. Concealed Carry Association explains, open carry laws may be: Permissive: allowing open carry wthout a permit Licensed: allowing open carry with a permit Anomalous: open carry is legal under state law but local laws may vary Non-permissive: open carry is completely or largely not allowed What is Concealed Carry? Concealed carry means that you are carrying a gun with you or close to you, but it is hidden from sight and the casual observer could not see it. Carrying a loaded gun in your car is an example of concealed carry. Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry: Key Differences Outside of the fact that open carry means you can carry openly and concealed carry means the opposite, there are some key differences between the two. These two carrying methods come with different legal implications — and might change the way law enforcement interacts with you if they see you on the street: Visibility: With open carry, you will most likely carry a gun on the hip or shoulder in plain sight. With concealed carry, your gun is most likely in your bag, car, or under clothing. Law enforcement: If you’re openly carrying a weapon, police may stop you to ask questions or determine that you’re doing so legally. Public perception: With the onslaught of gun violence across the United States, people may be more wary or frightened if they see you open carrying — though this may depend on what part of the country you’re in and how normalized gun use is. Carry Law Categorizations States classify their carry laws to determine who may carry a gun and whether a permit is needed: Constitutional carry: No permit needed; age and background checks still required Shall-issue: Permit will be issued so long as the applicant meets all eligibility criteria May-issue: Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria, but the state has discretion as to whether they’d like to issue the weapon. Some states may require applicants to prove that they have a good cause for concealed carry and their application may still be denied. No-issue: Permits restricted Gun-Free Zones and Restrictions Although several states have looser and less restrictive gun laws, there are still several spots where carrying a gun openly or concealed is not allowed. These may be restricted due to federal, state, or local laws — so expect how these laws are enforced to vary based on location. Guns are often restricted or may not be allowed at: Bars Parks Hospitals Schools Post offices Polling places Courthouses Why It Matters Today At the federal level, gun control initiatives have largely stalled in recent years. In stark contrast, many states have enacted laws expanding gun rights — particularly regarding guns in public. Now, in most of the country, guns can be carried in public, either concealed or visibly displayed, without any special permit. Meanwhile, states that still have tight controls over firearms in public are now in the minority. Still, some politicians in less restrictive states are standing up for more gun control: two Republicans in Tennessee recently voted “no” on a bill that would allow Tennessee residents with handgun permits to open carry a shotgun or rifle. Check out each state’s regulations on open carry and concealed carry of a firearm: Alabama Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit, with some restrictions on where guns can be carried Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 25.6 per 100,000 people — 3rd highest of 50 states Alaska Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required for people ages 21 or older Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 23.5 per 100,000 people — 5th highest of 50 states Arizona Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 18.5 per 100,000 people — 14th highest of 50 states Arkansas Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 21.9 per 100,000 people — 7th highest of 50 states California Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Prohibited Open carry of a long gun in public: Generally prohibited Gun law strength grade: A Gun death rate: 8.0 per 100,000 people — 44th highest of 50 states Colorado Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: A- Gun death rate: 16.6 per 100,000 people — 20th highest of 50 states Connecticut Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Prohibited Open carry of a long gun in public: Generally prohibited Gun law strength grade: A Gun death rate: 6.2 per 100,000 people — 45th highest of 50 states Delaware Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: A- Gun death rate: 12.0 per 100,000 people — 39th highest of 50 states Florida Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Prohibited Open carry of a long gun in public: Generally prohibited Gun law strength grade: C- Gun death rate: 13.7 per 100,000 people — 30th highest of 50 states Georgia Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 18.6 per 100,000 people — 13th highest of 50 states Hawaii Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Permit required Open carry of a long gun in public: Generally permitted with permit or license Gun law strength grade: A- Gun death rate: 4.9 per 100,000 people — 46th highest of 50 states Idaho Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 17.9 per 100,000 people — 18th highest of 50 states Illinois Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Prohibited Open carry of a long gun in public: Generally prohibited Gun law strength grade: A- Gun death rate: 13.5 per 100,000 people — 32nd highest of 50 states Indiana Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit, but location restrictions may apply Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit, but location restrictions may apply Gun law strength grade: D- Gun death rate: 18.3 per 100,000 people — 17th highest of 50 states Iowa Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 10.5 per 100,000 people — 41st highest of 50 states Kansas Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required if ages 21 or older Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 16.3 per 100,000 people — 22nd highest of 50 states Kentucky Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required if age 21 or older Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 18.4 per 100,000 people — 16th highest of 50 states Louisiana Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 28.3 per 100,000 people — 2nd highest of 50 states (1,266 total) Maine Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: C+ Gun death rate: 14.0 per 100,000 people — 27th highest of 50 states Maryland Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Permit required Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: A- Gun death rate: 12.3 per 100,000 people — 37th highest of 50 states Massachusetts Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Permit required Open carry of a long gun in public: Regulated, but not prohibited Gun law strength grade: A Gun death rate: 3.7 per 100,000 people — lowest of 50 states Michigan Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: B- Gun death rate: 13.9 per 100,000 people — 28th highest of 50 states Minnesota Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Permit required Open carry of a long gun in public: Regulated, but not prohibited Gun law strength grade: B Gun death rate: 8.9 per 100,000 people — 43rd highest of 50 states Mississippi Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 29.4 per 100,000 people — highest of 50 states Missouri Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required for individuals ages 19 and older Open carry of a handgun in public: Some restrictions Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 21.4 per 100,000 people — 10th highest of 50 states Montana Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 21.5 per 100,000 people — 9th highest of 50 states Nebraska Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: C- Gun death rate: 10.6 per 100,000 people — 40th highest of 50 states Nevada Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: B- Gun death rate: 18.4 per 100,000 people — 15th highest of 50 states New Hampshire Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: D- Gun death rate: 9.6 per 100,000 people — 42nd highest of 50 states New Jersey Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Prohibited Open carry of a long gun in public: Regulated, but not prohibited Gun law strength grade: A Gun death rate: 4.6 per 100,000 people — 2nd lowest of 50 states New Mexico Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: B- Gun death: 25.3 per 100,000 people — 4th highest of 50 states New York Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Prohibited Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: A Gun death rate: 4.7 per 100,000 people — 3rd lowest of 50 states North Carolina Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: C- Gun death rate: 16.4 per 100,000 people — 21st highest of 50 states North Dakota Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Some restrictions Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 12.8 per 100,000 people — 34th highest of 50 states Ohio Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: D- Gun death rate: 15.0 per 100,000 people — 23rd highest of 50 states Oklahoma Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 19.9 per 100,000 people — 11th highest of 50 states Oregon Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: A- Gun death rate: 14.2 per 100,000 people — 26th highest of 50 states Pennsylvania Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Some restrictions Open carry of a long gun in public: Regulated, but not prohibited Gun law strength grade: B Gun death rate: 13.6 per 100,000 people — 31st highest of 50 states Rhode Island Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Permit required Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: A- Gun death rate: 4.8 per 100,000 people — 4th lowest of 50 states South Carolina Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Some restrictions Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 19.1 per 100,000 people — 12th highest of 50 states South Dakota Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 12.3 per 100,000 people — 36th highest of 50 states Tennessee Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Regulated, but not prohibited Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 22.0 per 100,000 people — 6th highest of 50 states Texas Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Some restrictions Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 14.9 per 100,000 people — 24th highest of 50 states Utah Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 14.8 per 100,000 people — 25th highest of 50 states Vermont Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: B- Gun death rate: 12.0 per 100,000 people — 38th highest of 50 states Virginia Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Some restrictions Open carry of a long gun in public: Regulated, but not prohibited Gun law strength grade: B+ Gun death rate: 13.8 per 100,000 people — 29th highest of 50 states Washington Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Some restrictions Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: A- Gun death rate: 13.0 per 100,000 people — 33rd highest of 50 states West Virginia Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 16.8 per 100,000 people — 19th highest of 50 states Wisconsin Concealed carry of a firearm in public: Permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: C Gun death rate: 12.7 per 100,000 people — 35th highest of 50 states Wyoming Concealed carry of a firearm in public: No permit required Open carry of a handgun in public: Allowed without a permit Open carry of a long gun in public: Allowed without a permit Gun law strength grade: F Gun death rate: 21.5 per 100,000 people — 8th highest of 50 states The post Open Carry, Concealed Carry: What are the Laws in Each State? appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..
