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.
Vermont is a does-not-issue, constitutional carry state. All gun sales must be completed through a licensed firearms dealer unless the transfer is to a family member. Buyers under 21 years old must have completed a Vermont hunters course (or equivalent) or be a member or former member of the military, active or veteran member of the National Guard, or law enforcement. Vermont does not require permits to purchase and has no firearms registration.
Both open carry and concealed carry are legal without a permit in Vermont. Any person 16 or older (although federal law requires the age to be 18) who can legally possess a firearm is allowed to carry openly or concealed. There is no distinction between resident or non-resident; both are allowed to carry without a permit in Vermont. Therefore, the state does not issue permits.
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Vermont does not have a Castle Doctrine or a “stand your ground” law. However, courts have consistently ruled that there is no duty to retreat when attacked in one’s dwelling. If a person kills or wounds another under any of the circumstances enumerated below, he or she shall be guiltless:
- In the just and necessary defense of his or her own life or the life of his or her husband, wife, parent, child, brother, sister, master, mistress, servant, guardian, or ward; or
- In the suppression of a person attempting to commit murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, burglary, or robbery with force or violence.
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Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in Vermont to get a concealed carry permit?
The minimum age to concealed carry in Vermont is 18.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Vermont with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
Not applicable. Vermont does not issue permits.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Vermont?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Vermont?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Vermont.
Ammunition Restrictions?
Does Vermont have ammunition restrictions?
No. Vermont does not have ammunition restrictions.
Constitutional Carry?
Does Vermont allow constitutional carry?
Yes. Vermont allows constitutional carry.
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in Vermont?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.
Gun Permit Licensure?
If Vermont requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Vermont does not issue permits.
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
Does Vermont have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No more than 15 rounds for handguns. On February 19, 2021, the Vermont Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the state law banning high-capacity magazines. In 2018, Vermont enacted legislation to generally restrict the sale, purchase, possession, manufacture and importation of large-capacity ammunition-feeding devices. There is a grandfather provision for large-capacity magazines that were lawfully possessed on or before April 11, 2018. Various exemptions apply, including law enforcement, government officials, and shooting competitions. Additional exemptions include attached tubular devices designed for .22 caliber rimfire ammunition and curios or relics. [Source: Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4021(e)(1)] On March 25, 2022, Gov. Phil Scott signed S. 4 into law, which permits a non-resident to transport a high-capacity magazine into the state for the exclusive purpose of use in an organized shooting competition sponsored by an entity registered with the secretary of state. The device must also be lawfully possessed under the laws of another state. It will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
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CARRY IN VEHICLE?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Vermont?
- Yes, without a permit.
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Vermont?
- Yes. Concealed carry is allowed at roadside rest areas in Vermont.
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 Vermont?
- Yes. Carrying a concealed firearm is allowed in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas in Vermont.
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Vermont?
- Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry in bars or restaurants, unless posted.
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Vermont?
- Vermont 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.
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?
Does Vermont have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
- Not addressed in Vermont state law.
Red Flag Law?
- Does Vermont have a red flag law?
- Vermont has a red flag law. A state’s attorney or the office of the attorney general may file a petition requesting that the court issue an extreme risk protection order prohibiting a person from purchasing, possessing or receiving a dangerous weapon, or having a dangerous weapon within the person’s custody or control. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4053]
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?
- Does Vermont have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
- Not addressed in state statutes. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?
- Does Vermont issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
- No. A permit is not necessary.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?
- Does Vermont allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
- Not applicable. Vermont does not issue permits.
Duty to Inform Officer You’re Carrying?
- Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Vermont?
- There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Vermont.
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?
- Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Vermont?
- Yes. It is illegal to enter or remain on any land or in any place as to which notice prohibiting firearms is given by actual communication or posted signs. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 3705]
Preemption?
- Does Vermont have preemption laws related to concealed carry?
- Yes. The state has preemption of firearms laws in Vermont, except local municipalities may regulate or prohibit the discharge of firearms. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 2295]
Brandishing?
- Does Vermont state law define brandishing?
- No definition of brandishing was found in Vermont law. However, any person who shall intentionally point or aim any gun, pistol or other firearm at or towards another, except in self-defense or in the lawful discharge of official duty, shall be punished. Any person who shall discharge any such firearm so intentionally aimed or pointed shall also be punished. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4011]
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Vermont? No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Vermont.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Vermont? Yes. Firearm transfers must be completed through a licensed firearms dealer and require a background check. Exemptions include transfers between immediate family members and transfers to prevent imminent harm to any person.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Vermont? No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Vermont. Starting July 1st, 2023, there will be a 72-hour waiting period to purchase firearms.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in Vermont? No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Vermont.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Vermont for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Vermont? 16 years old. Minors under 16 years old cannot possess or control a pistol or revolver without parental consent, except under instructional circumstances.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 18 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 18 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont allows any person who is legally allowed to handle a firearm the right to open or concealed carry in the state without a permit.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana (even though VT doesn’t issue licenses)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont doesn’t issue permits.
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
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)
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)
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 18 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)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN VERMONT? Where can I carry a concealed firearm in Vermont?
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes.
- Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes.
- Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
- Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes.
- Carry in places of worship? There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
WHERE CAN’T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN VERMONT? Where can’t I carry a concealed firearm in Vermont? Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- Any elementary, middle or high school, including buildings and grounds and on a school bus.
- Mud Creek Controlled Hunting Area in Alburg.
- Residential Treatment Program properties.
- Any private preserve without written consent of the owner or person having the exclusive right to take fish or wild animals on such lands.
- Polling places.
- The Bomoseen State Game Refuge.
- Courthouse.
- Any state institution.
- Any state building.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
On March 25, 2022, Gov. Phil Scott signed S. 4 into law, which restricts possession of firearms in hospital buildings. It will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?
Can I legally carry a concealed firearm in Vermont while wearing a COVID-19 protective mask?
- Yes, there is no known statute in Vermont making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Vermont?
- Yes, except When Turkey and Muzzle Loading Hunting.
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Vermont?
- Yes. The holder of an archery license or a super sport license may possess a handgun while archery hunting, provided that the license holder shall not take game by firearm while archery hunting.
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Vermont?
- Yes. A person shall not intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of fish or wild animals.
WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN VERMONT?
What are the knife laws in Vermont?
- It is legal in Vermont to carry, openly or concealed, any type of legal knife, so long as you have no criminal intent and do not carry it onto school, school buses, or government property. Switchblades with a blade that is 3 inches or longer are illegal. Municipalities may have additional restrictions.
