Georgia Gun Laws
Georgia has specific gun laws that every resident and visitor should be aware of. Whether you are a gun owner or someone interested in carrying concealed weapons in the state, understanding these laws is crucial. Here’s an overview of Georgia’s concealed carry reciprocity and its gun laws:
- STATE POPULATION
- 10.7M
- CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY
- YES
- LICENSES ISSUED
- 1.27M
- RECIPROCATING STATES
- 32
- STATES HONORED
- 50
- MINIMUM AGE TO CC
- 21
- YEARS LICENSE VALID
- 5
- STAND YOUR GROUND
- YES
- LICENSE PERCENTAGE
- 11.9%
Age Requirements and Applications
To legally carry a firearm in Georgia, you must be at least 21 years old, or 18 if you’re an active member of the military. Applications for concealed carry permits can be filed at residence county courts and are processed at the county level.
Georgia gun laws in cars
Georgia has relatively permissive laws regarding firearms in vehicles. As long as the firearm is legally owned, you can generally keep a loaded handgun inside your car without a permit. However, it must be kept out of reach of the driver and passengers to avoid violations.
If you do not have a valid firearms license, the gun must be unloaded and securely stored while driving. The state does prohibit long guns from being kept loaded inside vehicles on public roads.
Additionally, businesses and employers often restrict weapons from being brought on their property, including parking lots. When transporting firearms in your car in Georgia, it is important to know the nuances of state laws to remain in compliance.
Georgia Gun Laws Traveling:
Georgia has reciprocal agreements with some states allowing the carrying of concealed weapons while traveling between states. However, it is important to know each state’s laws to ensure compliance. Check regulations before traveling through other states like New York and New Jersey which have strict firearm possession laws.
Georgia Gun Laws Open Carry:
Georgia allows open carrying of firearms without a permit as long as you can legally possess the firearm. However, open carry has some restrictions in government buildings, courthouses, police stations, prisons, places of worship, and mental health facilities among others. Use caution when openly carrying firearms.
Georgia Gun Laws for Out Of State Residents:
Out-of-state residents over 21 can apply for a Georgia firearms license if they own property or run a business in Georgia. Non-residents must provide dual residency documentation when applying for a Georgia gun license. Familiarize yourself with restrictions around carrying and transporting across state lines.
Gun Carry License Georgia USA:
Georgia offers gun carry licenses to both residents and some non-residents. To get a Georgia firearms license, you must submit fingerprints for an FBI background check, undergo weapons safety training, supply required documentation, and submit a signed application among other requirements. Licenses must be renewed every 5 years.
Where You Can Carry
In Georgia, you don’t need a license to carry a firearm in your own home, vehicle, place of business, while fishing or hunting, or when the firearm is unloaded and in a case.
Kennesaw City Ordinance
An interesting and unique ordinance exists in Kennesaw City, GA, which states that all homeowners must own a firearm. However, this ordinance is unlikely to be strictly enforced.
Georgia’s Reciprocity Law
On April 12, 2022, Governor Kemp approved HB 218, making concealed carry permits from other states valid in Georgia, thereby recognizing concealed carry reciprocity with other states.
Constitutional Carry
As of April 12th, 2022, Georgia became a constitutional carry state. This means that individuals are allowed to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit.
Open Carry Permitted
Georgia permits open carry for individuals with a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) or a recognized permit from a reciprocal state. However, the bill SB 319, which turned Georgia into a Constitutional Carry state, does not specifically mention open carry.
Carry in Vehicle
Individuals in Georgia may openly or concealed carry a firearm in their vehicle without a permit, as long as they are legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Carry in State Parks
Concealed carry is allowed within various state and national parks, forests, and wildlife areas as long as the individual possesses the appropriate permits.
Carry in Restaurants
Georgia gun laws do not explicitly prohibit individuals from carrying firearms into restaurants or bars as long as they have a Georgia WCL or a permit from a reciprocal state.
No Weapon Sign Enforcement
Georgia gun laws do not mention the enforcement of “No Weapons” signage. However, individuals should exercise caution and respect such signs when encountered.
Duty to Inform Officers
Georgia does not have a duty to inform law within its code. However, if you are carrying concealed and approached by a law enforcement officer, you must provide appropriate permits and identification if asked.
Georgia CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring Georgia CCW Permits
- Alabama
- Alaska*
- Arizona*
- Arkansas
- 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*
- Wyoming
(* Restricted Reciprocity with Georgia)
States NOT Honoring Georgia CCW Permits
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
- Washington D.C
How Reciprocity Works In Georgia
Reciprocity Agreements In Georgia allow CCW holders from certain states to carry concealed weapons legally in Georgia. It’s important to understand where you can and cannot carry your firearm in the state:
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Roadside rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state not listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- School bus
- School function
- School safety zone – building or property leased or owned by any public or private elementary, secondary, technical, or vocational school, college, university, or other institute of post-secondary education
- Secured area of an airport
- In a courthouse
- In a government building if restricted by security personnel
- In a church or place of worship
- In a jail or prison
- In a state mental health facility
- On the premises of a nuclear power facility
- Within 150 feet of any polling place when elections are being conducted
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Georgia: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal in Georgia if you have a CCW license. The license allows you to carry in anyway, open or concealed. If you do not have a CCW license then you are not permitted to openly carry in Georgia.
Carry-In Vehicle
Yes, you can openly or conceal carry a firearm in your vehicle without a license. The law says you can only carry a firearm on your property, this includes your vehicle, so when you leave the vehicle you will need a carry license. The law specifically states you need a carry license “outside your property” (The Law § 16.11.126).
Carry-In State Parks
Yes, it is legal to carry in state parks, state/national forests, state game management units, and roadside rest areas (The Law § 16.11.127).
Carry-In Restaurants
Yes, you can conceal carry your firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs, but as long as you have a Georgia WCL or a permit issued from a reciprocal state, you are legally allowed to carry (The Law § 16.11.127).
Constitutional Carry
Yes, Georgia is now a constitutional carry state. This means that individuals are allowed to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit (The Law § 16.11.126).
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, “No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Georgia gun laws. There are no legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off-limits.
Must Notify Officer
No, there is nothing in Georgia gun laws that states you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law does state that you must carry your permit at all times when in actual possession of a concealed handgun.
Conclusion
Knowing the ins and outs of Georgia’s concealed carry reciprocity and gun laws is crucial for anyone who wishes to carry firearms legally in the state. With Georgia becoming a constitutional carry state, it opens up new possibilities for responsible gun owners. However, it is essential to respect the laws and regulations in place to ensure the safety of oneself and others.
FAQs
1. Can I carry a firearm without a permit in Georgia?
Yes, after Georgia became a constitutional carry state, individuals are allowed to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit.
2. Are there any places where I cannot carry my firearm in Georgia?
Yes, certain places are off-limits for carrying firearms in Georgia, such as school buses, government buildings, and nuclear power facilities, among others.
3. Can I carry a firearm in state parks and forests in Georgia?
Yes, concealed carry is allowed within various state and national parks, forests, and wildlife areas in Georgia if you have the appropriate permits.
4. Are “No Weapons” signs enforced in Georgia?
No, “No Weapons” signs are not specifically mentioned in Georgia gun laws, and there are no legal penalties for entering places with such signs unless explicitly stated by the law.
5. Do I need to inform a law enforcement officer if I have a firearm in Georgia?
No, there is no duty to inform law enforcement officers about carrying a firearm in Georgia. However, you must carry your permit at all times when in possession of a concealed handgun.
