Louisiana Constitutional Carry
Louisiana is a state that takes its gun laws seriously. It is not a constitutional carry state, which means you need a state permit to possess firearms within its territory. In this article, we will delve into the regulations surrounding gun possession, concealed carry, and the application process for a gun license in Louisiana. Let’s explore the key aspects of Louisiana’s gun laws step by step.
Understanding Louisiana’s Firearm Regulations
Louisiana has a shall-issue policy for firearm permits, meaning that if you meet all the requirements provided by the state’s gun laws, you will be issued a permit. The responsibility for issuing gun licenses lies with the state’s Department of Public Safety.
Purchasing Firearms in Louisiana
When purchasing firearms from private dealers or gun shows in Louisiana, you do not need a background check, purchase permit, or firearm registration. However, buying from licensed dealers in the state requires you to complete the statutory NICS background check and qualify to purchase a firearm federally.
Louisiana Constitutional Carry for Veterans
Veterans honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces do not have any special allowance for constitutional carry in Louisiana currently. Veterans still require a permit just like the general civilian population.
Possession of Firearms
Open carry in Louisiana is legal for individuals who are at least eighteen years old and have no prior prohibitions for possessing firearms in the state. However, there are certain restricted locations where open carry and possession of firearms are not allowed.
Concealed Carry in Louisiana
Concealed carry is permitted in Louisiana for those who hold a state concealed carry permit. Only residents are allowed to apply for this permit, while non-residents can do so with a permit from a state that has reciprocity with Louisiana. There are exceptions for members of the military posted in the state and their family members.
To apply for a Louisiana concealed license permit, you must be at least twenty-one years old and complete a firearm training course. Military members who are residents are exempted from this requirement. Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with all states that accept its gun permit.
Possession of Firearms in Vehicles and Restaurants
According to gun laws in the state, it is legal to possess a firearm in a privately owned car in Louisiana if you have a pistol permit. You can also conceal carry firearms in roadside areas of the state, as long as you have your Louisiana pistol permit.
In restaurants, you can possess firearms with your Louisiana pistol permit or a permit from a recognized state, except in places where there is a post prohibiting the possession of weapons on the premises. However, it is prohibited to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, defined as a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.05 percent.
Louisiana does not regulate the possession of firearms in hotels and similar establishments, leaving it to the individual establishments to set their policies.
Louisiana constitutional carry military
Louisiana passed a constitutional carry law in 2022 allowing active duty military members 21 and older to legally carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Prior concealed carry training is required.
Louisiana constitutional amendment
A 2022 constitutional amendment affirmed that Louisiana citizens have the fundamental right to bear arms. However, it did not institute unrestricted constitutional carry, which still requires legislative action.
Places Where You Cannot Possess Firearms in Louisiana
Louisiana gun laws prohibit the possession of firearms in several places, including:
- School Campuses and Buses
- Law Enforcement Offices
- Prisons and Correctional Facilities
- Courthouses and Courtrooms
- Polling Units During Elections
- Government Officials’ Meeting Places
- State Capitol Buildings
- Restricted Areas at Airports
- Carnivals and Public Festivities
- Private Properties with Restrictive Posts
- Enterprises Selling Liquor for Consumption
- Casinos with Licensed Carry Agents
- Places Prohibited by Federal Laws
Application Process for a Louisiana Gun License
To apply for a gun license in Louisiana, you can either download the application form or complete it online through the portal. After completing the form, visit a local police station, sheriff’s department, or state police headquarters to obtain your fingerprint. Along with the application form and fingerprints, you need to submit three copies of a notarized affidavit, a Louisiana driver’s license or state ID, the required fee for the permit application, and proof of firearm training completion.
If you are a divorcee or have an arrest history, you must include relevant documents and court verdicts. Military members must provide identification, including a certificate for honorably discharged officers.
Renewal and Address Change
The Louisiana gun permit is valid for five years, and the renewal process begins 120 days before the expiry date. The licensing department will notify you by mail about the renewal process. If you fail to renew the permit within 60 days after the expiry date, you will have to apply for a new permit.
You must also inform the licensing department of any change of name or address within 30 days to avoid suspension. For cases of theft or a missing permit, you must send a notarized statement along with a police report to receive a replacement permit.
Requirements for Obtaining a Gun License in Louisiana
To be eligible for a Louisiana pistol permit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least twenty-one years old.
- Complete state-licensed firearm training.
- Reside in Louisiana.
- Be a legal citizen of the United States.
- Have no misdemeanor convictions related to dangerous substances in the last five years.
- Have no violent crime convictions in the last five years.
- Have no prior permit application rebuttals within four years.
- Have no arrest warrants or be a fugitive of the law.
- Not be an illegal user of drugs or intoxicants.
- Not be a patient in a mental health home unless rights have been restored.
- Not be a dishonorably discharged member of the US Armed Forces.
- Meet all federal laws about gun permits.
Preemption Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana has preemption laws that prohibit municipalities, counties, districts, or political subdivisions from enacting regulations on firearms or ammunition without the approval of the state government. These laws aim to maintain uniformity in gun regulations throughout the state.
Conclusion
Louisiana’s gun laws are designed to ensure responsible firearm ownership and use. It is crucial to understand and abide by these regulations to maintain public safety and protect the rights of responsible gun owners. By following the outlined procedures for obtaining a gun license, respecting restricted areas, and adhering to the state’s regulations, individuals can enjoy their Second Amendment rights while contributing to a safe and secure society.
FAQs;
Q1: Is Louisiana a constitutional carry state?
No, Louisiana is not a constitutional carry state. A state permit is required to possess firearms within its territory.
Q2: What is the age requirement for open carry in Louisiana?
The age requirement for open carry in Louisiana is eighteen years old.
Q3: Can non-residents conceal carry in Louisiana?
Non-residents can conceal carry within Louisiana territory with a permit from a state that has reciprocity with Louisiana.
Q4: What is the validity period of the Louisiana gun permit?
The Louisiana gun permit is valid for five years.
Q5: Can you possess firearms in certain establishments in Louisiana?
Yes, you can possess firearms in restaurants and privately owned cars with a valid pistol permit, but not under the influence of alcohol.
Q6: Can you open-carry an AR in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana allows the lawful open carry of rifles, including semi-automatic AR-15-style rifles. Local jurisdictions may impose some restrictions, but open carry of rifles is generally legal outside prohibited places.
Q7: Can military carry concealed in Louisiana?
Active duty military aged 21+ can legally carry concealed handguns without a state permit in Louisiana under the new constitutional carry law effective 2022. Prior training is required.
Q8: Is Louisiana getting rid of concealed carry permits?
Not yet, though there are legislative efforts underway. As of now Louisiana still requires permits for civilian concealed carry. Only specially exempt groups like the active military can legally concealed carry without a permit currently.
