50-State Handgun Carry Guide — 2026

Posted by THE GAYTF on Oct 1st 2026

Laws & Lessons • Living Reference

50-State Handgun Carry Guide — 2026

Permitless carry. Concealed carry permits. Open carry. Minimum ages. Reciprocity. Police-contact rules. Vehicle carry. Magazine restrictions. Major location traps. All 50 states, one reference.

50 States Primary Sources Last Verified: October 1, 2026
PERMITLESS CARRY • CONCEALED PERMITS • OPEN CARRY • RECIPROCITY • VEHICLES • MAGAZINES

Fifty States Means Fifty Different Sets of Rules

The United States does not have one nationwide civilian handgun-carry rule. Crossing a state line can change whether you need a permit, whether open carry is lawful, whether your home-state license is recognized, whether you have to tell an officer you are armed, whether a loaded handgun can remain in your vehicle, and even how many rounds your magazine may legally hold.

This guide is built as a travel and research starting point, not a replacement for reading the actual law when the answer matters. Every state entry links back to an official state source instead of relying on an internet carry map that may have been correct three legislative sessions ago.

Read This Correctly

Permitless does not mean restrictionless. Reciprocity does not mean your home-state rules follow you across the border. Open carry may still be locally restricted. And the age listed here is the ordinary carry rule — firearm purchase, possession, military, hunting, parental-supervision and court-order rules can use different ages.

Changes Worth Knowing in 2026

  • Florida: FDACS now issues concealed-weapon licenses to otherwise-qualified applicants age 18 and older following the June 17, 2026 Eubanks decision. Florida's printed open-carry prohibition also remains in the statutory code even though the Attorney General directed law enforcement not to enforce it against ordinary law-abiding adult citizens following McDaniels.
  • West Virginia: HB 4106 changed state law so otherwise-qualified people age 18 and older may carry concealed without first obtaining a license.
  • Wyoming: The minimum age for a Wyoming Concealed Firearm Permit dropped to 18 on July 1, 2026. Permitless carry remains available to qualifying U.S. residents.
  • Nebraska: Permitless concealed carry has existed since September 2, 2023. A 2026 amendment added, among other changes, an exception allowing a current Nebraska CHP holder to carry in the State Capitol.
  • Oregon: HB 4145 moved implementation of Measure 114's permit-to-purchase and large-capacity-magazine provisions to January 1, 2028.
  • Colorado: Colorado did not become a permitless-concealed-carry state in 2026. A Colorado concealed-handgun permit or recognized equivalent remains required for ordinary concealed public carry.
Table Notes

“No proactive duty” means this review did not identify a general statewide rule requiring an ordinary carrier to volunteer firearm information immediately upon every police contact. A state may still require a permit, ID or truthful answer when demanded. “No statewide cap” means no general state magazine-capacity restriction was identified; federal law and location-specific rules still apply.

All 50 States — A to Z

State Concealed Carry Age Open Carry Reciprocity Police Contact Vehicle Magazine Key Quirk / Official Source
Alabama Permitless. Pistol permit remains optional. 18+ generally. Generally lawful. Recognizes qualifying out-of-state permits. No blanket proactive rule; comply with statutory officer requests. Permitless for an otherwise-lawful carrier. No statewide cap. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Alaska Permitless. Optional Alaska permit remains available. 21+ concealed without permit. Generally lawful; younger possession rules differ. Recognizes qualifying permits for statutory purposes. Immediate disclosure required during qualifying law-enforcement contact while carrying concealed. Loaded vehicle carry generally follows permitless rule. No statewide cap. Alaska DPS
Arizona Permitless for qualifying adults; optional CWP. 21+ permitless concealed; permit generally 21, with military exception. Generally lawful from 18. Broad recognition of valid out-of-state permits. No general proactive disclosure rule. Generally permitless for qualifying adult. No statewide cap. Arizona DPS
Arkansas Broad permitless carry under current unlawful-purpose framework; optional CHCL. 18+ generally; CHCL uses separate eligibility rules. Generally lawful absent unlawful purpose. Recognition/reciprocity available for permits. No blanket proactive rule; licensees have permit/ID obligations during certain contacts. Broad lawful vehicle carry. No statewide cap. Arkansas State Police
California Permit required for ordinary concealed public carry. 21+ for ordinary CCW licensing. Generally prohibited in ordinary public settings, subject to exceptions. No general recognition of other-state permits. Nonresident CA CCW process began in 2026. No statewide blanket proactive disclosure rule identified. Without CCW, transportation rules generally require unloaded/locked transport. 10 rounds. Acquisition/transfer and possession history contain exceptions and litigation nuances. Extensive sensitive-place law. California DOJ
Colorado Permit required for ordinary concealed public carry. 21+ for CHP. Generally lawful under state law, but local restrictions matter. Selected reciprocal resident permits; age/residency conditions apply. No general proactive disclosure rule. Handgun carry in private motor vehicle generally allowed without CHP. 15 rounds, subject to grandfathering/exceptions. Local open-carry regulation is important. Colorado CBI
Connecticut Permit required. 21+ for state pistol permit. General public open carry prohibited. No ordinary reciprocity; nonresidents can seek a Connecticut permit. No blanket proactive rule; carry required permit/ID and comply with lawful demands. Permit required for ordinary loaded/carry vehicle use; transport exceptions exist. 10 rounds, with legacy/declaration rules and exceptions. Connecticut DESPP
Delaware CCDW required to carry concealed. 18+ licensing possible; separate under-21 firearm-possession rules apply. Generally lawful for a person legally entitled to possess the handgun. Selected qualifying permits; check current DOJ list before travel. No general proactive disclosure rule identified. Concealed vehicle carry generally requires authority to carry concealed; visible/open transport differs. State law regulates magazines over 17 rounds; exceptions apply. Delaware DOJ
Florida Permitless concealed carry for a person who meets statutory licensing criteria. 18+ under current Eubanks/FDACS policy for otherwise-qualified applicants. Current appellate ruling/AG guidance protects ordinary lawful adult open carry, although printed §790.053 still contains the ban. Recognizes qualifying permits; visitor-age language should be checked before travel. No blanket proactive disclosure; identification must be displayed on lawful demand where statute requires. Broad carry for qualifying carriers; separate secure-encasement provisions remain relevant. No statewide cap. Court decisions materially affect the printed statute. Florida FDACS
Georgia Permitless for a qualifying lawful weapons carrier; WCL optional. Generally 21+; qualifying military exception begins at 18. Generally lawful for qualifying carrier. Georgia recognizes qualifying out-of-state licenses. No general proactive disclosure rule. Broad lawful vehicle carry. No statewide cap. Georgia.gov
Hawaii License required. 21+. Open/unconcealed license exists under a separate, narrower licensing provision; not ordinary permitless open carry. No ordinary reciprocity. Disclosure duties apply during qualifying law-enforcement encounters. Without carry authority, transport is limited to specified lawful destinations and conditions. 10 rounds for magazines designed/capable for use with a pistol. Hawaii Attorney General
Idaho Permitless for qualifying adults; standard and enhanced licenses remain available. 18+ generally, subject to statutory eligibility. Generally lawful. Idaho recognizes all other states' valid concealed-weapon licenses/permits. No general proactive disclosure rule. Broad lawful vehicle carry. No statewide cap. Idaho State Police
Illinois CCL required. 21+. Ordinary public open carry prohibited. No general recognition of other-state permits; limited nonresident licensing exists. Carrier must disclose when specifically asked under applicable CCL rules; not blanket spontaneous disclosure. Loaded/concealed accessible carry generally requires CCL; transport exceptions apply. 15 rounds for handguns under PICA, subject to grandfathering/exceptions. Illinois State Police
Indiana Permitless for a proper person; optional LTCH. 18+ generally. Generally lawful for eligible carrier. Recognizes valid out-of-state handgun licenses. No general proactive disclosure rule. Permitless for qualifying carrier. No statewide cap. Indiana State Police
Iowa Permitless for qualifying persons; optional Permit to Carry remains available. 18+ for ordinary state carry eligibility. Generally lawful. Iowa recognizes valid permits for purposes specified by state law; optional Iowa permit helps interstate travel. No general proactive disclosure rule. Generally follows permitless carry rules. No statewide cap. Iowa DPS
Kansas Permitless at 21+. Ages 18–20 may carry concealed with qualifying license. 21 permitless; 18 with CCHL. Generally lawful from 18. Broad recognition of valid out-of-state licenses. No general proactive disclosure rule. Generally lawful under the same eligibility framework. No statewide cap. Kansas Attorney General
Kentucky Permitless at 21+. CCDW remains optional. 21 concealed permitless; ordinary open carry may begin younger. Generally lawful. Recognizes valid permits from other states. No general proactive disclosure rule. Broad lawful vehicle carry; compartment rules are favorable but location restrictions still apply. No statewide cap. Kentucky State Police
Louisiana Permitless concealed carry. Optional permit remains. 18+ under current statute. Generally lawful. Recognizes qualifying out-of-state permits; Louisiana residents have separate rules. Disclosure requirement applies when approached by law enforcement in an official manner while carrying. Broad lawful vehicle carry. No statewide cap. Louisiana R.S. 14:95
Maine Permitless at 21+, or 18+ for certain military/veteran carriers. Permit available to younger qualifying adults. 21 permitless generally; permit path begins at 18. Generally lawful. Selected permit recognition; permitless authority may separately apply to visitors. Unlicensed concealed carriers must immediately inform during specified police contacts. Loaded handgun generally allowed in vehicle for person qualifying for permitless carry. No statewide cap. A permit still matters in several special locations. Maine State Police
Maryland Wear & Carry Permit required. 21+ generally, with narrow statutory exceptions. Not general permitless open carry; current permit/sensitive-place rules govern. No recognition of ordinary out-of-state carry permits. No blanket proactive disclosure rule identified; permit/ID requirements still apply. Without permit, transportation is generally unloaded/enclosed and tied to lawful purposes/destinations. Over 10 rounds: manufacture/sale/purchase/receipt/transfer restricted; possession is treated differently. Extensive sensitive-place and private-property rules. Maryland State Police
Massachusetts LTC required for ordinary handgun carry. 21+ for LTC. License-based; not permitless public open carry. No ordinary reciprocity; nonresident temporary licensing available. No broad proactive-disclosure rule identified. Carry/transport depends heavily on license status and storage requirements. 10-round large-capacity threshold, with exemptions/grandfather provisions. Massachusetts Firearms Laws
Michigan CPL required for ordinary concealed carry. 21+ for CPL. Generally lawful for a person legally possessing the handgun, subject to location rules. Recognizes qualifying resident permits from other states. CPL carrier must immediately disclose concealed pistol during qualifying police contact. A pistol in a vehicle is generally treated as concealed carry unless transport exception applies. No statewide capacity cap. Michigan State Police
Minnesota Permit required to carry a pistol in public. 21+. Permit covers both open and concealed carry. Recognizes selected states. No blanket proactive disclosure; permit/ID must be shown on lawful demand. Loaded/carry-ready pistol in vehicle generally requires permit; unloaded/cased transport exception exists. No statewide capacity cap. Minnesota Statute §624.714
Mississippi Permitless in statutory carry methods, including specified holsters, purses, cases and similar carriers; permits remain available. 18+ generally for adult carry/vehicle rules. Generally lawful. Mississippi recognizes valid, unrevoked out-of-state licenses. No general proactive disclosure rule. 18+ may generally carry concealed in a motor vehicle if otherwise lawful. No statewide cap. Enhanced permit expands location privileges. Mississippi DPS
Missouri Permitless outside statutory prohibited places for otherwise-lawful carriers; optional permit. 19+ is the principal carry/permit threshold; 18+ military exception. Generally lawful, but local regulation can matter. Valid out-of-state permits receive statutory recognition. No general proactive disclosure rule. Passenger-compartment exception applies from 19, or 18 for qualifying military. No statewide cap. Missouri §571.030
Montana Permitless for persons legally eligible to possess firearms. 18+ for Montana permit; permitless eligibility follows possession law. Generally lawful. Recognizes qualifying out-of-state permits. No general proactive disclosure rule. No general handgun-specific vehicle restriction for lawful possessor. No statewide cap. Montana permit may still matter in specific government locations. Montana DOJ
Nebraska Permitless for any person other than a minor or prohibited person. 18+ generally; CHP has separate eligibility requirements. Not generally prohibited by state law; location restrictions remain. CHP still useful for reciprocal travel. Immediate disclosure required when a concealed carrier is contacted by peace officer/emergency-services personnel. Permitless law applies; ID and location rules remain relevant. No statewide cap. 2026 law added a CHP exception for the State Capitol. Nebraska State Patrol
Nevada CCW permit required for concealed public carry. 21+ generally; qualifying military exception begins at 18. Generally lawful for lawful adults. Nevada maintains an official recognized-state list. No general proactive disclosure rule; permit possession/display rules apply. Visible vehicle carry generally lawful; concealed-on-person issues require CCW analysis. No statewide cap. Nevada DPS
New Hampshire Permitless open or concealed for a person not prohibited from possessing firearms. Adult possession rules govern; optional license remains available. Generally lawful. Optional license remains useful for reciprocal travel. No general proactive disclosure rule. RSA 159:6 expressly preserves unlicensed vehicle carry for lawful possessors. No statewide cap. New Hampshire RSA 159:6
New Jersey Permit to Carry required. 21+ generally. Ordinary public carry is generally concealed under current permit framework; not permitless open carry. Does not generally honor other states' permits; nonresidents may apply for NJ permit. No blanket proactive-disclosure rule identified; permit documentation rules apply. Without PTC, handgun transport is tightly limited and generally unloaded/secured. 10 rounds. Extensive sensitive-place rules. New Jersey State Police
New Mexico CHL required for concealed carry on the person. 21+ for CHL. Generally lawful for lawful possessor. Recognizes selected states. No general proactive disclosure rule. New Mexico generally treats a private vehicle as an extension of the home for lawful handgun possession. No statewide cap. New Mexico DPS
New York New York carry license required. 21+ generally; limited military exception. Ordinary open public carry is not generally authorized. No recognition of ordinary out-of-state permits. No simple nationwide-style disclosure rule; comply with license and officer-demand requirements. Loaded handgun carry generally depends on New York license; transport rules differ for non-carry licenses. 10 rounds. Sensitive-place/private-property provisions remain litigation-sensitive. New York Gun Safety
North Carolina CHP required for ordinary concealed carry. Permitless proposals had not replaced the permit requirement as of this verification. 21+ for CHP. Generally lawful, subject to location/local rules. Recognizes valid permits from other states. CHP holder carrying concealed must disclose when approached/addressed by law enforcement. Concealed accessible vehicle carry generally requires CHP; openly visible transport differs. No statewide cap. North Carolina DOJ
North Dakota Permitless concealed carry for qualifying persons meeting ID/residency-document rules. 18+. Separate open-carry rules apply; do not assume concealed rule automatically covers loaded open carry in every circumstance. Optional license remains useful for reciprocity. Must inform law enforcement during in-person contact while carrying under constitutional-carry authority. Permitless concealed rules can apply in vehicle; statutory details matter. No statewide cap. North Dakota Attorney General
Ohio Permitless for a qualifying adult; CHL remains optional. 21+ for qualifying-adult permitless concealed carry. Generally lawful. Recognition/reciprocity remains relevant to license holders and travel. Not a blanket immediate-disclosure state; if officer asks whether you are armed during stop, current statute requires disclosure as specified. Qualifying adult may generally carry concealed in vehicle under permitless law. No statewide capacity cap. Ohio §2923.111
Oklahoma Permitless open or concealed for qualifying persons; optional SDA license. 21+ generally; 18+ for qualifying military/veterans. Generally lawful for qualifying carrier. Recognition of qualifying out-of-state licenses remains relevant. Oklahoma has firearm-notification requirements during qualifying official police contact; check current §1290.8. Broad lawful vehicle carry. No statewide cap. Oklahoma OSBI
Oregon CHL required for concealed public carry. 21+ for CHL. Generally lawful under state law, but local governments may regulate loaded open carry. No ordinary recognition of other-state CHLs; limited nonresident application routes exist. No general proactive disclosure rule; CHL documentation obligations apply. Without CHL, readily-accessible concealed handgun in vehicle is restricted; locked/unavailable transport exceptions apply. No operative Measure 114 10-round cap yet. Implementation delayed to Jan. 1, 2028. Oregon ORS Chapter 166
Pennsylvania LTCF required for concealed carry and ordinary loaded vehicle carry. 21+ for LTCF. Generally lawful without LTCF, but Philadelphia and emergency rules create important exceptions. Selected reciprocity maintained through Attorney General agreements/statute. No general proactive disclosure rule. LTCF generally required for carrying firearm in vehicle, subject to enumerated transport exceptions. No statewide capacity cap. Pennsylvania State Police
Rhode Island Permit required. Rhode Island has separate local and Attorney General permit routes. 21+ for ordinary permit route. Open carry authority traditionally depends on the Attorney General-issued permit rather than a local concealed-only permit. No broad ordinary reciprocity; obtain Rhode Island authority where required. No general proactive disclosure rule identified. Carry in vehicle generally requires Rhode Island authority or a transport exception. 10 rounds. Rhode Island Attorney General
South Carolina Permitless open or concealed for qualifying persons. 18+. Generally lawful for qualifying carrier. CWP reciprocity remains relevant for travel and permit privileges. No duty to proactively notify solely because carrying, under current SLED guidance. Broad lawful vehicle carry. No statewide capacity cap. South Carolina SLED
South Dakota Permitless for qualifying residents and nonresidents; several permit levels remain. 18+ generally; permit classes have separate requirements. Generally lawful. South Dakota recognizes valid permits from other states. No general proactive disclosure rule. Generally follows lawful permitless carry rules. No statewide cap. South Dakota Secretary of State
Tennessee Permitless carry exists. Court settlement prevents age-only enforcement against otherwise-qualified 18–20-year-olds; permits remain available. 18+ under current enforcement/court-settlement framework; state-issued permits also available from 18. Permitless framework covers open or concealed handgun carry when statutory conditions are met. Tennessee recognizes facially valid handgun/firearm permits issued by other states. No blanket proactive disclosure rule; permit holders must display permit on lawful demand. Broad carry/storage authority for qualifying carriers, subject to property/location rules. No statewide capacity cap. Printed age language and court-settlement practice should be read together. Tennessee DOS
Texas Permitless carry plus optional LTC. Statute retains 21-year language, but federal injunction/current DPS policy materially changes the 18–20 analysis. LTC available to otherwise-qualified adults 18+. Generally lawful; visible handgun must be holstered. Texas LTC has broad interstate recognition; destination-state law controls. LTC holder carrying must display license with ID when identification is demanded; not blanket spontaneous disclosure. Broad lawful vehicle carry subject to §46.02 conditions. No statewide capacity cap. Read the Full Texas Guide
Utah Permitless concealed at 21+. Ages 18–20 may obtain provisional permit. 21 permitless; provisional permit 18–20. Open carry lawful subject to loaded/unloaded and permit-status distinctions. Utah has broad permit recognition. No general proactive disclosure rule. Vehicle rules are generally permissive for lawful possessors but age/loaded status still matters. No statewide cap. Utah BCI
Vermont No state carry permit required or issued for ordinary lawful carry. 18+ generally; juvenile possession exceptions differ. Generally lawful absent unlawful intent/location restriction. Vermont issues no ordinary carry permit to reciprocate; other states' rules control travel. No general proactive disclosure rule. Generally follows lawful possession/carry rules. 15 rounds for handgun magazines, with grandfathering/exceptions. Vermont Statutes
Virginia CHP required for ordinary concealed carry. 21+ for CHP. Generally lawful, subject to statutory/local location restrictions. Virginia recognizes qualifying out-of-state permits subject to statutory conditions. No general proactive disclosure; permit and photo ID must be shown on lawful demand. Concealed vehicle carry generally requires CHP unless a statutory container/transport exception applies. No statewide capacity cap. Virginia State Police
Washington CPL required for concealed pistol carry. 21+ for CPL. Generally lawful for lawful possessors, but sensitive-place restrictions are significant. Recognizes selected states meeting Washington criteria. No blanket proactive disclosure; CPL must be displayed on demand when required. Loaded pistol in vehicle generally requires CPL; unloaded secured transport differs. Over 10 rounds: manufacture/import/distribution/sale restricted; legacy possession treated differently. Washington DOL
West Virginia Permitless concealed carry at 18+ for otherwise-qualified persons under 2026 HB 4106. 18+. Generally lawful for otherwise-lawful adult. Optional CHL remains useful for reciprocity. No general proactive disclosure rule. Generally follows lawful permitless carry. No statewide capacity cap. Age 18–20 rule materially changed in 2026. West Virginia Attorney General
Wisconsin CCW license required for concealed carry. 21+ for CCW license. Generally lawful for lawful adults, subject to prohibited locations. Recognizes listed out-of-state permits. No general proactive disclosure; license and photo ID must be displayed as required upon officer request. Vehicle possession is generally lawful, but concealed-on-person status still implicates CCW licensing. No statewide capacity cap. Wisconsin DOJ
Wyoming Permitless concealed carry for qualifying U.S. residents; Wyoming CFP remains available. 18+; Wyoming CFP age also became 18 effective July 1, 2026. Generally lawful. Recognizes qualifying reciprocal statewide permits. No general proactive disclosure rule; permit holders have documentation duties. Broad lawful vehicle carry. No statewide capacity cap. Wyoming-issued permit now matters for certain public schools, colleges and athletic events. Wyoming DCI

On mobile: swipe the table horizontally. The table is intentionally detailed enough to expose the important differences instead of reducing fifty different legal systems to a colored map.

Where the One-Line Answer Is Not Enough

California — A Permit State With a New Nonresident Path

California still requires a qualifying carry license for ordinary concealed public carry and generally does not recognize another state's permit. Beginning in 2026, California established a process for eligible nonresidents to seek a California CCW. California also maintains a 10-round large-capacity-magazine framework with grandfathering and litigation history that cannot responsibly be summarized as “every 11-round magazine is automatically illegal to possess.”

Florida — The Statute and Current Court Law Do Not Read the Same

Florida's printed 2026 statutes still contain age-21 language in part of the license statute and an open-carry prohibition in §790.053. Current appellate decisions changed the practical legal landscape. FDACS says it now issues licenses to otherwise-qualified applicants age 18 and older after Eubanks, while the Attorney General directed prosecutors and law enforcement regarding the unconstitutionality of Florida's general open-carry ban following McDaniels. Anyone relying on the current open-carry rule should read the controlling decisions and current state guidance rather than only the printed code.

Hawaii — Carry License and Transport Law Are Separate Problems

Hawaii requires a carry license for ordinary public handgun carry and does not simply convert an out-of-state permit into Hawaii carry authority. Without a carry license, transportation is limited by purpose, route and storage rules. Hawaii also restricts detachable magazines over 10 rounds when designed for or capable of use with a pistol.

Maryland — Permit Plus Sensitive-Place Rules

A Maryland Wear & Carry Permit is only the first part of the analysis. Maryland has extensive location and private-property restrictions. Its magazine rule also illustrates why “mag limit” columns need context: Maryland restricts manufacture, sale, purchase, receipt and transfer of magazines over 10 rounds, while possession is not phrased identically.

Nebraska — Permitless Does Not Eliminate the CHP

Nebraska's LB 77 made concealed carry lawful for a person other than a minor or prohibited person beginning September 2, 2023. The CHP survives because it still matters for reciprocity and other statutory benefits. Nebraska also requires a concealed carrier to immediately inform a peace officer or emergency-services person during qualifying contact. In 2026, Nebraska added a State Capitol exception specifically for a person holding a current Nebraska CHP.

New York & New Jersey — Do Not Rely on Your Home-State Permit

Neither state generally treats your ordinary out-of-state carry permit as authority to carry there. Both operate their own licensing systems, both restrict magazine capacity to 10 rounds, and both have substantial sensitive-location rules. New York's post-Bruen carry framework has also been repeatedly litigated, so travelers should check current official guidance and controlling court orders immediately before carrying.

North Dakota — Permitless Concealed Does Not Mean Every Form of Open Carry Works the Same

North Dakota's constitutional-concealed-carry provision applies to qualifying adults who satisfy the state's identification requirements. The state separately regulates aspects of loaded open carry. North Dakota also has an affirmative notification requirement during in-person law-enforcement contact.

Oregon — Measure 114 Is Not a 2026 Magazine Ban

Oregon voters approved Measure 114, but HB 4145 moved the operative date for its permit-to-purchase system and large-capacity-magazine provisions to January 1, 2028. That makes it inaccurate to publish a 2026 table saying Oregon currently has an operative statewide 10-round Measure 114 limit.

Tennessee — Age Language Needs the Court Settlement Beside It

Tennessee's permitless-carry statute was originally written around a 21-year threshold with military exceptions. The state later agreed in federal litigation not to enforce its age restrictions in a way that prevents otherwise-qualified 18-to-20-year-olds from carrying handguns or obtaining carry permits based solely on age. Tennessee's current Department of Safety materials also list 18 as the minimum age for a state handgun carry permit.

Texas — Permitless Carry and LTC Carry Are Not Identical

Texas permitless carry handles most ordinary public carry, but an LTC can materially change the answer for college campuses, government meetings, statutory signs, certain otherwise-restricted locations, reciprocity and the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act. Texas's age issue also involves a federal injunction that must be read alongside the printed age language in Penal Code §46.02.

West Virginia & Wyoming — 2026 Age Changes

West Virginia's 2026 HB 4106 expressly extended permitless concealed carry to otherwise-qualified adults age 18 and older. Wyoming separately lowered its own concealed-firearm-permit eligibility age to 18 beginning July 1, 2026. These are exactly the sort of changes that make old screenshots and carry charts age badly.

Reciprocity: The Rule People Screw Up Most

Reciprocity answers one question: does the destination state recognize the license you are carrying?

It does not mean you get to carry under your home state's rules. If Texas recognizes your permit and you travel to Texas, Texas law controls. If Pennsylvania recognizes your permit and you travel to Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania law controls. The destination state's prohibited places, vehicle rules, alcohol rules, signage, notification requirements and magazine laws come with the territory.

Also: permitless carry is not reciprocity.

A state may allow you to carry there without honoring your license at all. Conversely, a state may recognize your license while imposing restrictions that are very different from those back home.

Vehicle Carry Is Its Own Category

Do not assume a state that allows open carry also lets you throw a loaded handgun under the seat. Some states treat a handgun inside a vehicle as concealed carry. Others expressly allow vehicle carry without a permit. Others require the handgun to be unloaded, locked, inaccessible or transported only between lawful destinations.

Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington and several license-heavy states are good examples of why the vehicle column belongs in this guide instead of being buried in fine print.

States With Major Handgun-Magazine Restrictions

These are the states in this 2026 review where a statewide magazine-capacity rule is particularly relevant to ordinary handgun travel:

State General Threshold Important Nuance
California 10 Acquisition/transfer restrictions plus grandfather/litigation history.
Colorado 15 Grandfather/exceptions matter.
Connecticut 10 Legacy/declaration rules apply.
Delaware 17 Exceptions and permit-related provisions matter.
Hawaii 10 Rule is specifically important to magazines designed/capable for pistol use.
Illinois 15 handgun PICA grandfathering/possession conditions matter.
Maryland 10 Transfer/acquisition rule is not identical to a simple possession ban.
Massachusetts 10 License, grandfather and exemption rules matter.
New Jersey 10 General statewide limit.
New York 10 Other ammunition/firearm restrictions may also apply.
Rhode Island 10 Statewide large-capacity-magazine restriction.
Vermont 15 handgun Grandfathering and statutory exceptions apply.
Washington 10 Manufacture/import/distribution/sale rules differ from legacy possession.
Oregon is intentionally not in that 2026 table.

Measure 114 contains a 10-round magazine provision, but the Legislature moved the operative date to January 1, 2028. Listing Oregon as an active 10-round state in an October 2026 travel table would be misleading.

Federal Law Still Sits on Top of Every State

A state carry law cannot override federal restrictions. At minimum, interstate carriers should understand the federal prohibited-person rules, the Gun-Free School Zones Act, federal-facility law and the interstate-transport protection in 18 U.S.C. §926A.

18 U.S.C. §922(q)

Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act. Includes a 1,000-foot school-zone definition and specified exceptions, including a qualifying state-license exception.

18 U.S.C. §930

Federal facilities and federal court facilities have their own firearm rules regardless of the surrounding state's carry law.

18 U.S.C. §926A

Provides federal protection for qualifying interstate firearm transportation when its conditions are satisfied. It is not a nationwide concealed-carry permit.

Before Crossing a State Line With a Handgun

  1. Verify that you may legally possess the handgun in the destination state.
  2. Check whether your carry method requires a permit there.
  3. If relying on reciprocity, verify your exact permit type and residency status.
  4. Check the state's vehicle rule separately.
  5. Check magazine capacity and other equipment restrictions.
  6. Know whether you must notify law enforcement that you are armed.
  7. Review prohibited places and private-property signage.
  8. Check federal restrictions that overlap the route or destination.

Sources & Receipts

This guide was researched primarily from state statutes, state police, attorneys general, licensing agencies, legislatures and other official government sources. The state-specific source in each row is the starting point for current verification.

Especially important 2026 updates reviewed for this edition include Florida's Eubanks age decision and McDaniels open-carry guidance, West Virginia HB 4106, Wyoming's July 1, 2026 permit changes, Nebraska LB 1237, Oregon HB 4145 and other current-session statutory updates.

Why we timestamp this page:

Carry law changes through legislatures, agency interpretation and court decisions. A table that was correct last year can quietly become wrong. Every annual refresh of this guide should re-check all 50 states, not just change “2026” to “2027” in the title.

Last verified: October 1, 2026.

Keep Reading

Related Forge Files

Laws & Lessons
Browse Laws & Lessons
Texas Deep Dive
Texas Handgun Carry Laws — 2026
GunBusters
You CAN Carry a Handgun at 18
GunBusters
Buy Guns Online = No Background Check?
IronKells Armory • Forge Files

The State Line Is Where Your Assumptions Stop Mattering.

Carry law changes fast, and a license in your wallet does not make fifty states agree with one another. Verify the destination, understand the exceptions and read the actual rule before the trip — not after the traffic stop.

Educational reference: This guide provides general educational information and is not individualized legal advice. Individual eligibility, criminal history, protective orders, immigration status, court orders, location-specific restrictions and other facts can change the answer. Laws and court rulings can also change after the verification date.
!