Common Carry

What Is Constitutional Carry?

When a state does not prohibit individuals who can legally possess a firearm from carrying handguns it is called constitutional carry. When a state allows constitutional carry but individuals must meet certain qualifications to legally carry, it is referred to as permitless carry. For instance, Tennessee does not allow an individual to carry without a permit if he or she has received a DUI in the last five years or two or more in the last 10 years.

Which States Allow Constitutional Carry?

In 2022, four states — Alabama, Ohio, Indiana and Georgia — passed constitutional carry or permitless carry laws, making them the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th states to do so. Subsequently, in April 2023, Florida and Nebraska joined them, becoming the 26th and 27th constitutional carry states. In 2024, Louisiana and South Carolina became the 28th and 29th states. Over the past two decades, more than 50 percent of U.S. states have passed laws allowing for constitutional carry or permitless carry.