Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Louisiana is a shall-issue state. Concealed weapons permits are processed at the state level by the Department of Public Safety.
There is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
The state of Louisiana does not prohibit the open carry of firearms in public. Therefore, it is legal in Louisiana without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including parades and bars.
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Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and for non-residents with a permit/license from a state recognized by Louisiana. As of August 1st, 2022, constitutional carry is legal for resident active duty military and veterans only. However, on March 5th, 2024, the governor signed a permitless carry bill into law, making Louisiana a constitutional carry state. The law will take effect on July 4th, 2024. CHPs are available for residents and members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana; non-resident permits are not available. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of Louisiana, and complete a firearms training course. There are exemptions for non-residents who are in the military and have a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. Louisiana honors permits issued by states that recognize Louisiana permits.
The use of force is justifiable under either of the following circumstances:
- When committed for the purpose of preventing a forcible offense against the person or a forcible offense or trespass against property in a person’s lawful possession, provided that the force or violence used must be reasonable and apparently necessary to prevent such offense.
- When committed by a person against an unlawful entry into the dwelling, place of business, or motor vehicle, and the person using the force or violence reasonably believes that the use of force or violence is necessary to prevent the entry or to compel the intruder to leave the dwelling, place of business, or motor vehicle.
Louisiana is a Castle Doctrine state with a “stand your ground” statute. There is no duty to retreat in any place a person has the legal right to be before using force or violence, and a person may meet force with force.
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It is justifiable to use deadly force when it is reasonably apparent that the person attacked could have justifiably used such means himself, and when it is reasonably believed that such intervention is necessary to protect the other person.
Does Louisiana allow constitutional carry?
No. Louisiana does not allow constitutional carry. As of August 1st, 2022, constitutional carry is legal for residents of Louisiana who are active duty military and veterans only. On March 5th, 2024, the governor signed a permitless carry bill into law, making Louisiana a constitutional carry state. The law will take effect on July 4th, 2024.
Is open carry permitted in Louisiana?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.
If Louisiana requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Louisiana is a shall-issue state.
Does Louisiana have ammunition restrictions?
Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.
What is the minimum age in Louisiana to get a concealed carry permit?
You must be at least 21 years old to concealed carry in Louisiana.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Louisiana with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. A Louisiana concealed carry permit only allows for the carrying of handguns.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Louisiana?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Louisiana.
Does Louisiana have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. Louisiana places no restrictions on capacity for handgun magazines.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Louisiana?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
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Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?
- Does Louisiana have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? No property owner, tenant, public or private employer, or business entity shall prohibit any person who lawfully possesses a firearm from transporting or storing a firearm in a locked, privately-owned motor vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage, or other designated parking area. However, firearms must be hidden from plain view or within a locked case or container within the vehicle. This does not apply to properties where the possession of firearms is prohibited under state or federal law. [La. Rev. Stat. § 32:292.1]
Carry in Vehicle?
- Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Louisiana? Yes. Per the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Concealed Handguns Frequently Asked Questions, under most circumstances, carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle is legal in Louisiana.
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?
- Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Louisiana? Yes.
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?
- Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Louisiana? Yes, with a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit or a permit from a state Louisiana recognizes. [La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1691 and La. Admin. Code Tit. 25 Part IX § 313(C)]
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?
- Can you carry a concealed firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Louisiana? Any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises is off-limits for concealed carry permit holders. For restaurants with bars, the bar areas are off-limits. In addition, some establishments may post signs stating that firearms are not allowed. Based on the Louisiana State Police website, for purposes of concealed handgun law, a permittee is considered under the influence of alcohol when a blood alcohol reading of .05% or greater by weight of alcohol in the blood is obtained, or a blood or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a CDS. [La. Rev. Stat. § 95:5]
Carry/Possess at a Hotel?
- Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Louisiana? Louisiana statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
Does Louisiana allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? No. The public cannot access the Louisiana concealed carry registry.
Does Louisiana have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? Yes. As of August 1, 2020, there is statewide preemption of all gun laws. [La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1796]
Does Louisiana have a red flag law? No. Louisiana does not have a red flag law.
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Louisiana? Yes. By Louisiana state law, you have a duty to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed weapon. [La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(I)(2)]
Does Louisiana issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID.
Is my Louisiana driver’s license linked to my Louisiana carry permit? Yes. Your Louisiana driver’s license is linked to your Louisiana concealed handgun permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.
Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Louisiana? No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
Does Louisiana state law define brandishing? No definition of brandishing was found in Louisiana law. However, negligent carrying of a concealed handgun is the intentional or criminally negligent carrying by any person when it is foreseeable that the handgun may discharge, or when others are placed in reasonable apprehension that the handgun may discharge, or when the handgun is being carried, brandished or displayed under circumstances that create a reasonable apprehension on the part of members of the public or a law enforcement official that a crime is being committed or is about to be committed. [La. Rev. Stat. 40:1382]
Does Louisiana have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance? Not while under the influence of alcohol (BAC of 0.05 or greater) or a controlled dangerous substance (when a blood test or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in L.R.S. 40:961 and 40:964).
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Louisiana?
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?
Yes. Carrying a handgun is permitted for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm, without a license, in or on property that the person carrying the handgun legally controls. [La. Rev. Stat. 14:95.2(C)(4)] No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued may carry such concealed handgun into the private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person. [La. Rev. Stat. § 1379.3(o)]
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Louisiana?
You must be at least 18 years old to transport or possess a handgun in Louisiana. [La. Rev. Stat. § 14:95.8]
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Louisiana?
No. You do not need a permit to buy a handgun in Louisiana.
Does my current Louisiana concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Yes. Five-year concealed handgun permits issued on or after March 9, 2015 qualify. Lifetime permits do not qualify.
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Louisiana?
No. There is no waiting period to purchase a handgun in Louisiana.
Do handguns need to be registered in Louisiana?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Louisiana.
Alabama (at least 21 years old)
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida (handguns only)
Georgia (at least 21 years old)
Idaho (Enhanced permits only)
Indiana (at least 21 years old)
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine (at least 21 years old)
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri (at least 21 years old)
Montana (at least 21 years old)
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire (at least 21 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (Class 1 permits only)
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota (at least 21 years old)
Tennessee
Texas
Utah (at least 21 years old)
Vermont (even though VT doesn’t issue licenses)
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia (at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Washington
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (resident permits only)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (only permits issued/renewed on or after 3/9/2015)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Moving to Louisiana and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Louisiana issues permits to residents and members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID only. You can apply for your permit with the Department of Public Safety once you have a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. Moving from Louisiana and have a Louisiana resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Louisiana permit remains valid? According to LAC 55:I:1309.F, when a permittee ceases to reside in Louisiana the permit becomes invalid and must be returned to the Department of Public Safety. If the individual returns to Louisiana, he or she must reapply for a permit. However, LRS 40:1379.3 J (4) states that a person who maintains a dwelling in Louisiana, but is residing elsewhere as a member of the United States military or as a student, is still considered to be a resident of Louisiana.
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Have completed a firearms training course;
- Be a resident of the state of Louisiana or a member of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana;
- Be a U.S. citizen;
- Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor in this or any other state relating to a controlled dangerous substance within the last 5 years;
- Not have been convicted of a crime of violence within the last 5 years;
- Not have been convicted of a crime of violence or any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of 1 year or greater. However, a person who has been convicted of a violation of 18 U.S.C. 491(a) shall be permitted to qualify for a concealed handgun permit if 15 or more years have elapsed;
- Not have a history of engaging in violent behavior (there is a rebuttable presumption that an applicant has a history of engaging in violent behavior upon proof that, within the last 10 years, the applicant has, on 3 or more occasions, been arrested for or charged with any “crime of violence,” or has on 2 or more occasions been arrested for or charged with any crime of violence punishable by death);
- Not have had a permit revoked within 4 years prior to the most recent application;
- Not have had a permit denied within 1 year prior to the most recent application;
- Not be a fugitive from justice;
- Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, depressants, stimulants or narcotic drugs;
- Not have been adjudicated to be mentally deficient or been committed to a mental institution (unless the applicant’s right to possess a firearm has been legally restored);
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States; and
- Meet federal law requirements. *Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Louisiana.
Initial permits and renewals — $125 (65 years and older or active duty military personnel — $62.50) Lifetime permits — $500.00 (65 years and older or active duty military personnel — $250.00) *Note Louisiana exempts HONORABLY DISCHARGED veterans of the U.S. armed forces from all fees associated with 5-year or lifetime concealed handgun permits. This Act doesn’t affect currently active military personnel. Active duty personnel remain eligible to receive the half price discount with a copy of your most recent orders. *Note If any applicant has not continuously resided in Louisiana for the past 15 years an additional $50.00 fee is required (HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS ONLY are exempt from this fee).
5 years
No state law on file
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. The process is the same as for residents.
Any permittee must notify the Department of any address or name change within 30 days of the change. Failure to timely notify the department of a name or address change may result in suspension of the permit for up to 30 days.
If your permit is lost or stolen, you need to notify the Concealed Handgun Permit Unit in a notarized written statement completely describing the loss or theft. Include a copy of any police reports made pertaining to this matter. A new permit will be mailed to your address of record.
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. Permit holders will be notified in writing at their address of record, approximately 120 days prior to the expiration of the permit. The renewal application should be returned to the Department no less than 90 days prior to the expiration of the permit to allow sufficient time for processing. A renewal application must be submitted within 60 days of the expiration date. If the permit expired over 60 days, a new permit application is required. Complete firearms refresher training within one year of renewal. All applicants shall demonstrate competence with a handgun by attending a course taught by a department approved instructor consisting of the following:
- Instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures for a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol;
- Instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting;
- Instruction on handgun shooting positions;
- Instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution which shall include a review of Louisiana R.S. 14:18–14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to use of deadly force;
- Instruction on child access prevention; and
- Actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures including:
- A minimum 12 rounds each at 6 feet, 10 feet and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds;
- Perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance;
- Score 100 percent hits within the silhouette portion of a target with at least 36 rounds.
Apply for a renewal permit in one of the following ways:
- Complete and submit the new online Concealed Handgun Permit Application;
- Download the application from the State Police website and complete the instructions found on pages one and two of the application; or
- Request an application via telephone at (225) 925–4867.
Complete the renewal application, and submit the following:
- Your training certificate;
- A photocopy of your driver’s license; and
- The appropriate fees. Paper applications and/or other documentation must be submitted to: Louisiana State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Unit PO Box 66375 Baton Rouge, LA 70896 ATTENTION: RENEWAL DEPT.
You will be notified if your application has been approved. Online applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submission of their application and another email upon acceptance of their application. The acceptance email will contain a link to submit a credit card payment. If payment is not made within 30 days, the application will be purged from the system and will require a new submission to proceed.
It is legal to own and open or concealed carry any knife in Louisiana, except that it is not legal to concealed carry an automatic switchblade or any other automatic knife. Knives may not be carried on the property of elementary, secondary, high schools, vocational-technical schools, school buses and school functions/activities. The City of Shreveport prohibits possession of weapons at government facilities and facilities owned by the city.
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Louisiana, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? There is no known statute in Louisiana making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. A state statute was identified, making it illegal to wear a hood, mask, or facial disguise with the intention of concealing the person’s identity in any public place.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Louisiana? Yes.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Louisiana? Yes. Bow hunters may carry any caliber of firearm on their person while hunting with a bow.
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Louisiana? Yes. No person shall interfere with the lawful taking of a wild animal by a hunter, trapper, or fisherman or interfere with the process of taking, with intent to prevent the taking on lands or waters managed by the state or upon private lands or waters.
