Georgia has some of the weakest gun laws in the entirety of the United States. Although the law is much more lenient than in other places, it is still important to be fully aware of your legal rights and obligations as a firearm owner. If you are wondering whether or not you can legally carry a concealed weapon in Georgia, continue reading and speak with an experienced Atlanta gun crime lawyer today.
Can I Legally Carry a Concealed Weapon in GA?
Yes, in the state of Georgia, you can legally carry a concealed gun, given that you have the right to possess a firearm. Georgia is a permitless carry state, meaning that you are not required to obtain a special permit or license to carry in order to legally carry your weapon in public, whether concealed or out in the open.
Anyone who is legally permitted to possess a firearm under state and federal law and is 21 or older (or 18 to 20 with an active military or honorably discharged status) is allowed to carry a firearm either openly or concealed without any type of permit or license.
Can I Carry a Concealed Weapon Out of State?
While Georgia’s laws regarding concealed carry are lax, other states are more stringent. However, if you are a Georgia resident and are traveling to another state, you may be able to carry a concealed firearm.
Certain states have a firearm permit reciprocity agreement with Georgia that allows residents with a Weapons Carry License (WCL), or firearms license, to concealed carry across state lines. States that adhere to this agreement include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. It is worth noting, however, that Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Virginia, and Wisconsin only recognize WCLs issues to individuals 21 or older.
To apply for this type of license, you must meet the following criteria.
- Be at least 21 or older OR 18 if you are in the military, have completed basic training, and are either on active duty or have been honorably discharged
- Be a Georgia resident
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Have no felony convictions or pending charges
- Have no drug convictions
- Have no other disqualifying convictions, for example, domestic violence
- Have not been in a mental hospital or drug/alcohol treatment center within the last 5 years
- Have not been committed to a mental hospital against your will
If you meet all of these requirements, you can apply for a WCL and carry concealed firearms in other states. For more information and legal representation, reach out ot a skilled attorney today.
