Georgia Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs
Introduction
Obtaining a Georgia Gun Permit is a crucial step for those interested in exercising their right to carry firearms in the state of Georgia. Whether you want to openly carry or conceal your firearm, Georgia’s pistol permit laws have specific requirements that must be met. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of acquiring a gun permit in Georgia, the various types of permits available, the associated costs, and the reciprocity agreements with other states. Let’s dive in!
Georgia Alabama Gun Permit Summary
Georgia operates as a “shall-issue” state, where residents can apply for a gun permit through the probate court of their local county. Unlike some states, Georgia does not require purchase permits for buying firearms. However, a criminal background check is mandatory for any gun buyer unless they possess a valid gun permit.
Minimum Age Requirement
To apply for a Georgia gun permit, you must be at least twenty-one years old, making sure you meet this age requirement.
How to Get a Gun Permit in Georgia
Eligibility for Georgia Gun Permit
The gun permit is available to Georgia residents who are twenty-one years old or older, allowing them to possess firearms without restriction. To legally open carry in Georgia, you also need a pistol permit.
Georgia Gun Permit Laws
For open carry, the minimum age requirement is twenty-one, and you must have the legal right to possess firearms. However, the possession of assault weapons is reserved only for law enforcement officers and residents with a federal license to use firearms. Despite having a permit, there are certain off-limit areas where the possession of firearms is illegal.
Georgia Pistol Permit Requirements
Before applying for a gun permit in Georgia, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age: You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply, but members of the military can apply at eighteen.
- Residency: You must be a resident of the county where you are applying for the Georgia CCW (Carry a Concealed Weapon) permit.
- Citizenship: You must be a legal citizen of the United States.
- Criminal record: You must not have any convictions related to illicit substances or drugs controlled by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Additionally, no felony charges should be pending against you.
- Restraining order: You should not have any restraining orders related to firearms or drug misdemeanors within the last five years.
- Mental health: You should not be mentally unfit or have been in a mental hospital or rehabilitation center within the last five years before applying.
- Fugitive status: You must not be a fugitive or have an arrest warrant in your name.
- Previous permit: Your firearm permit should not have been revoked within the last three years before your current application.
- Federal laws: You must meet all other federal law requirements for a CCW permit.
Different Types of Gun Permits in Georgia
Georgia offers several types of firearm permits, each catering to specific needs:
- State permit to purchase long guns: Georgia does not issue a state permit for purchasing long guns.
- State permit to purchase handguns: Georgia does not issue a state permit for purchasing handguns.
- State permit to open carry: Georgia is a licensed state, so you need a license for open carry.
- State permit to conceal carry long guns: Georgia does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
- State permit to conceal carry handguns: Georgia issues a pistol permit for concealed carry.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Gun License in Georgia?
The cost for an initial permit application in Georgia is seventy-five dollars. However, keep in mind that this fee may vary from county to county. Renewal permits cost thirty-five dollars.
Gun Permits Application and Renewal Law in Georgia
The process for obtaining a Georgia pistol permit includes the following steps:
- Getting Your Application: You can either complete the application online or visit your county’s probate court in person.
- Submit Your Documents: Along with the application form, you will need to provide a copy of your birth certificate or US passport card, as well as your Georgia driver’s license or identification card.
The renewal process starts ninety days before the permit’s expiration date and remains valid for up to thirty days after the expiration date. If the permit expires after the thirty-day grace period, you will need to apply for a new license instead of renewing the existing one.
For military personnel whose permit expires while on duty outside Georgia, the permit will remain valid for six months after the expiry date, allowing continued firearm use.
Gun Permit Reciprocity with Georgia
Georgia has reciprocity agreements with other states that accept its gun permit. This means that residents with a valid Georgia pistol permit can carry their firearms in these states and vice versa.
States that Georgia Will Accept Their CCW Permits
Georgia will honor permits issued by the following states:
- 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
States that Recognize Georgia Pistol Permit
Residents with a Georgia pistol license can possess firearms in the following states:
- Alabama
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Puerto Rico
States with Restricted Reciprocity
Certain states will only accept a Georgia pistol permit if the holder meets specific requirements. These states include:
- Colorado
- Florida
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
States with Permitless Carry Policies
In these states, you can possess firearms without a permit:
- Arizona
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- West Virginia
Relevant Gun Laws, Permits, and Legislation in Georgia
Possession of Firearms in Private Vehicles
You can legally possess a firearm in a privately owned vehicle without a permit. However, if the vehicle belongs to someone else, you need the owner’s permission to have a gun in the car.
Possession of Firearms in Roadside Areas
Pistol permit holders in Georgia are allowed to carry concealed firearms in roadside areas.
Possession of Firearms in Forests, Parks, and Wildlife Management Areas
Georgia’s gun statutes permit the possession of firearms in state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas.
Possession of Firearms in Bars and Restaurants
There are no specific gun statutes in Georgia that prohibit the possession of firearms in bars and restaurants as long as the person has a pistol permit. However, some establishments may have their policies regarding firearms on their premises.
Possession of Firearms in Hotels
Private establishments, including hotels, can regulate or prohibit the possession of firearms on their premises.
Possession of Firearms in Workplace Parking Lots
Georgia gun laws allow permit holders to possess firearms in their vehicles when parked in workplace parking lots. The firearm should be kept in a locked compartment, such as the trunk, while on the employer’s property.
Brandishing a Firearm
Regardless of having a Georgia pistol permit, it is illegal to brandish a firearm at anyone in the state. Other unlawful actions include:
- Shooting a firearm within fifty yards of a public road.
- Shooting a firearm on private property without the owner’s permission.
- Using a firearm to commit crimes or illegal activities.
- Using a firearm in a manner that endangers others while hunting in the state.
- Using firearms while under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substance.
Conclusion
Obtaining a gun permit in Georgia is a straightforward process, provided you meet the requirements. Whether you wish to open carry or conceal carry, Georgia’s pistol permit laws ensure responsible gun ownership. Remember to check the reciprocity agreements if you plan to travel with your firearm to other states. Adhering to Georgia’s gun laws and practicing safe firearm handling will ensure a secure and responsible gun ownership experience.
FAQs
Q: Can non-residents apply for a Georgia gun permit?
A: No, Georgia gun permits are only available to residents of the state.
Q: What is the validity period of a Georgia gun permit?
A: A Georgia gun permit is valid for five years from the date of issuance.
Q: Can I carry a concealed firearm in Georgia without a permit?
A: No, a valid Georgia pistol permit is required for concealed carry.
Q: Are there any training requirements to obtain a Georgia gun permit?
A: While there are no specific training requirements, it is recommended to undergo firearm safety training to ensure responsible firearm use.
Q: Can I carry a firearm in my workplace in Georgia?
A: Yes, Georgia law allows permit holders to possess firearms in their vehicles while parked in workplace parking lots.
Q: Can you get a gun permit online in Georgia?
No, Georgia does not allow applying for a gun permit fully online. You must submit the application in person at the probate court in the county where you reside. Some aspects like training may be completed online but the full permitting process requires an in-person application.
Q: Do I need a gun permit to carry in Georgia?
You do not need a permit to openly carry a handgun in Georgia. However, you must have a Georgia weapons carry license to carry a handgun concealed on your body or in a vehicle. Concealed carrying without a license is illegal in the state.
Q: Can a felon get a gun permit in Georgia?
No. Anyone with a felony conviction is prohibited from obtaining a gun permit in Georgia. The permit application asks specifically about felony convictions, which would deny the applicant during the background check phase of the approval process.
