Concealed Carry Laws: Where Can You Legally Carry a Gun in 2025
Your concealed carry permit is not a free pass. Here's some info you need to know about places you can't carry a gun.
Recreational shooter and firearms enthusiast. CCW permit holder
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The laws that dictate when and where citizens can carry are always changing. That means it's up to each of us to stay on top of them and on the right side of the law.
But how do you do that without a fancy law degree?
Yes, each state is different, and gun laws change frequently, but there are some commonalities in how you can find the info you need to stay legal. And we're here to help!
In this guide, we'll provide the insight and resources you need to track down your state's gun laws, cover some common places that you can't carry, and also throw in some legislative changes in 2025 you might want to know about.
So, keep reading!
Editor's Note: None of this should be considered legal advice. Laws are subject to change, and it's your responsibility to follow them.
Table of Contents
Where Can I Carry A Gun?
Finding Your State's Gun Laws
There are several resources at your disposal.
Our guides to state guns laws are a great place to start (although we're updating these so check back if your state is under construction).
If you're looking for something more specific, the internet has plenty of other sources.
State and Local Law Enforcement
In many states, the Department of Justice is the issuing agency for concealed carry permits. The state DOJ website should have the most current information on gun laws. Even if that's not the issuing body, the website will likely point you in the right direction.
The state police issue permits in some states, like Michigan. In that case, the state police website will have all of the information, rules, and regulations regarding CCW permits.
Other states, like New York, designate the county sheriff as the authority for issuing your carry permit. While the state laws still apply, there are some counties and municipalities with additional laws.
ATF
Most gun laws are enforced at the state level, but some things are a federal issue.
Want to buy a suppressor? The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) needs to sign off on that one, pal.
Fortunately, online suppressor retailers are making that process much faster and easier than it used to be. You can expect to get your application approved in about a week rather than about a year.
The same goes for buying a short-barreled rifle (SBR) or automatic weapons.
What Are Common Gun-Free Zones?
While every state has specific regulations on where you can and cannot carry, there are certain instances where you can be pretty sure guns aren't allowed.
Schools are gun-free zones pretty much everywhere, although some universities are changing this. Does that apply to the parking lot, pickup line, and off-campus sports facilities? Find out before you pack heat where you shouldn't.
This typically extends to childcare facilities, even if they're run out of a residence and you know the owner. Depending on your state's laws, written permission from the daycare provider may give you the green light to carry.
Federal buildings are also gun-free zones. Your local post office, federal courthouse, and passport office are all federal buildings.
Other common gun-free places are courthouses, certain parks, and airports (though flying with firearms is legal if you do it the right way).
States vary on whether you can carry into a private business that displays a no-guns-allowed sign. In some states, any sign is enforceable; other states require a specific, state-sanctioned prohibition sign. In others, an employee can ask you to leave and press trespassing charges if you refuse.
What about places that serve alcohol? This is where state laws get really specific. Do some deep digging to make sure you understand the ins and outs of bringing a gun into a business that sells or serves alcohol.
Finally -- and this one is counterintuitive -- your home and car might be off-limits for concealed carry if you don't have a permit. Some states issue CCW licenses but waive the issue when you're in your residence or car; however, others treat those places just like anywhere else.
Once you get your license to carry, keep that baby on you any time you're exercising that right. Consider it, your ID, and your pistol a package deal.
Constitutional Carry States in 2025
In a huge win for the Second Amendment, some states have constitutional carry laws in effect. Constitutional Carry, also known as permitless carry, means that the state does not require a CCW permit to carry a concealed handgun.
While it might sound like a free-for-all, make sure you...do your research. (Common theme, here!) Sometimes, permitless carry extends to everyone in the state, while other times, it just applies to residents of that state.
Even under Constitutional Carry, there will still be firearm-restricted areas.
Once again, do your homework before you learn the law from a judge who's handing you a guilty verdict.
Recent Changes to Gun Laws (2025 Update)
If you follow our firearms news coverage, you already know that the rules we have to follow change by the day.
For example, the federal SHUSH Act, introduced in January 2025, would remove suppressors from the purview of the National Firearms Act. If it passes, all federal, state, and local restrictions on suppressors would become void.
In the February 2025 Reese v. ATF ruling, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned legislation banning the sale of handguns and handgun ammunition to anyone under the age of 21.
Meanwhile, up north, the Canadian government banned 179 firearm models in March 2025, bringing the total to more than 2,500.
Final Thoughts
Where can you legally concealed carry a gun in your state?
- Check your state's laws or CCW permit requirements regarding where you can carry
- Research local no-carry guns near you (places like primary schools and federal buildings are gun-free zones)
- Stay up-to-date on federal and state regulations that might impact state laws
Are there any weird laws in your state? Let us know in the comments. If you're ready to start carrying concealed, check out our guide to the Best Concealed Carry Guns Under $400!
Latest Updates
March 2025: Removed section on weird state laws. Added information on constitutional carry and firearm legislation news.