Open Carry Laws by State

Summary for Open Carry

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 a vehicle requires a license.
Alaska:   Lawful
Arizona:   Lawful
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.
California:   Prohibited except in unincorporated areas where the county has not passed any laws prohibiting open carry
Colorado:   Permitted by state but some local jurisdictions may have restrictions.
Connecticut:   Prohibited
Delaware:   Permitted however local ordinances may exist.
District of Columbia:   Prohibited
Florida:   Open carry is not legal in Florida except for a person engaged in fishing, camping, or lawful hunting or going to or returning from a fishing, camping, or lawful hunting expedition. [790.053, 790.25]
Georgia:   Open carry allowed only with permit
Hawaii:   Open carry allowed only with permit
Idaho:   Lawful
Illinois:   Prohibited
Indiana:   Open carry allowed only with permit
Iowa:   Open carry allowed only with permit
Kansas:   Lawful
Kentucky:   Lawful
Louisiana:   Lawful
Maine:   Lawful
Maryland:   Open carry NOT allowed even with permit
Massachusetts:   Open carry allowed only with permit
Michigan:   Lawful
Minnesota:   Open carry allowed only with permit
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.
Missouri:   Legal generally speaking but local jurisdictions can regulate however they want.
Montana:   Lawful
Nebraska:   Lawful
Nevada:   Lawful
New Hampshire:   Lawful
New Jersey:   Prohibited
New Mexico:   Lawful
New York:   Prohibited
North Carolina:   Lawful
North Dakota:   Open carry is illegal
Ohio:   Open carry in public allowed. To open carry within a vehicle a valid permit is required.
Oklahoma:   Open carry allowed for anyone 21+
Oregon:   Lawful
Pennsylvania:   Outside of Philadelphia, there is no law preventing open carry. However Opiate Emergency declaration might now restrict open carry in public. Title 18 of state statutes states that "No person shall carry a firearm upon the public streets or upon any public property during an emergency proclaimed by a State or municipal governmental executive,"
Rhode Island:   Open carry allowed only with permit
South Carolina:   Lawful
South Dakota:   Lawful
Tennessee:   Open carry allowed only with enhanced permit
Texas:   Legal with License to Carry.
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.
Vermont:   Lawful
Virginia:   Lawful
Washington:   Lawful
West Virginia:   Lawful
Wisconsin:   Open carry is legal in places that aren't otherwise prohibited.
Wyoming:   Lawful
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.