Open Carry in Alabama

Legal while on foot in most public areas. Open carry on private property requires a carry license or consent from the property owner. Also all persons are prohibited from carrying firearms at or near a public demonstration.

Open Carry in Arkansas

There is some debate. A recent A.G. opinion asserts that one may open carry while on foot as long as one does not intend to use the handgun to commit a criminal offense.

Open Carry in California

Prohibited except in unincorporated areas where the county has not passed any laws prohibiting open carry

Open Carry in Colorado

The lack of any state law about Open Carry leaves it open for local jurisdictions to restrict Open Carry however they want. In most cases there is no restriction but some cities and counties do restrict open carry outright or in specific places or circumstances.

Open Carry in Delaware

Permitted however local ordinances may exist.

Open Carry in Florida

As of Sept 2025, state statutes 790.053, 790.25 have been ruled unconstitutional by the First District Court of Appeals. As of now, per the Attorney General, Open Carry is the law of the land until we hear otherwise.

Open Carry in Georgia

Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.

Open Carry in Indiana

Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.

Open Carry in Massachusetts

Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.

Open Carry in Minnesota

Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.

Open Carry in Mississippi

Lawful for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm. The firearm must be carried in a holster, sheath or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing anywhere where guns are not otherwise prohibited.

Open Carry in Missouri

In most cases there is no restriction but some cities and counties do restrict open carry outright or in specific places or circumstances.

Open carry in public allowed. To open carry within a vehicle a valid permit is required.

Open Carry in Pennsylvania

No permit required to open carry in public but you must have a permit to open carry in a vehicle. Philadelphia's open carry ban was struck down by a court in 2025.

Open Carry in Rhode Island

Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.

Open Carry in Tennessee

Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the enhanced permit.

Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the license to carry.

Legal with permit or if the handgun is deemed unloaded. Utah's definition of unloaded is that there be no round in the firing position and at least two mechanical movements to fire.

Open Carry

Last reviewed: May 3, 2026

Permitted Partial Restricted Informational

Showing 51 states

State	Open Carry	Status
Alabama	Legal while on foot in most public areas. Open carry on private property requires a carry license or consent from the property owner. Also all persons are prohibited from carrying firearms at or near a public demonstration.	Permitted
Alaska	Lawful	Permitted
Arizona	Lawful	Permitted
Arkansas	There is some debate. A recent A.G. opinion asserts that one may open carry while on foot as long as one does not intend to use the handgun to commit a criminal offense.	Informational
California	Prohibited except in unincorporated areas where the county has not passed any laws prohibiting open carry	Restricted
Colorado	The lack of any state law about Open Carry leaves it open for local jurisdictions to restrict Open Carry however they want. In most cases there is no restriction but some cities and counties do restrict open carry outright or in specific places or circumstances.	Partial
Connecticut	Prohibited	Restricted
Delaware	Permitted however local ordinances may exist.	Partial
District of Columbia	Prohibited	Restricted
Florida	As of Sept 2025, state statutes 790.053, 790.25 have been ruled unconstitutional by the First District Court of Appeals. As of now, per the Attorney General, Open Carry is the law of the land until we hear otherwise.	Permitted
Georgia	Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.	Partial
Hawaii	Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.	Partial
Idaho	Lawful	Permitted
Illinois	Prohibited	Restricted
Indiana	Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.	Partial
Iowa	Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.	Partial
Kansas	Lawful	Permitted
Kentucky	Lawful	Permitted
Louisiana	Lawful	Permitted
Maine	Lawful	Permitted
Maryland	Prohibited	Restricted
Massachusetts	Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.	Partial
Michigan	Lawful	Permitted
Minnesota	Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.	Partial
Mississippi	Lawful for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm. The firearm must be carried in a holster, sheath or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing anywhere where guns are not otherwise prohibited.	Permitted
Missouri	In most cases there is no restriction but some cities and counties do restrict open carry outright or in specific places or circumstances.	Partial
Montana	Lawful	Permitted
Nebraska	Lawful	Permitted
Nevada	Lawful	Permitted
New Hampshire	Lawful	Permitted
New Jersey	Prohibited	Restricted
New Mexico	Lawful	Permitted
New York	Prohibited	Restricted
North Carolina	Lawful	Permitted
North Dakota	Prohibited	Restricted
Ohio	Open carry in public allowed. To open carry within a vehicle a valid permit is required.	Partial
Oklahoma	Lawful for anyone 21+	Permitted
Oregon	Lawful	Permitted
Pennsylvania	No permit required to open carry in public but you must have a permit to open carry in a vehicle. Philadelphia's open carry ban was struck down by a court in 2025.	Partial
Rhode Island	Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the permit.	Partial
South Carolina	Lawful	Permitted
South Dakota	Lawful	Permitted
Tennessee	Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the enhanced permit.	Permitted
Texas	Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the license to carry.	Permitted
Utah	Legal with permit or if the handgun is deemed unloaded. Utah's definition of unloaded is that there be no round in the firing position and at least two mechanical movements to fire.	Permitted
Vermont	Lawful	Permitted
Virginia	Lawful	Permitted
Washington	Lawful	Permitted
West Virginia	Lawful	Permitted
Wisconsin	Lawful	Permitted
Wyoming	Lawful	Permitted

Disclaimer:
While Concealed Carry Inc strives to maintain legal reference information updated on this website; you as the reader and gun owner are responsible to do any and all necessary research and consult with a local attorney before making any decisions. Concealed Carry Inc is not liable for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or actions taken based on this information. We are not attorneys and this information is not legal advice. If you see any information you feel is outdated or incorrect please contact us.

Legal Summaries for all 50 states are available free on our site and mobile app.

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