Although there are a few Unrestricted or Constitutional Carry states, most are Shall-Issue or May-Issue. One of the main similarities between these states when it comes to concealed carry is that many require you to show competency with a handgun before you get your license.
The most general way to prove your competency is to take a firearms training course. This could be a safety course, a training course, a shooting course, a military training course, or a law enforcement training course.
In many cases, you may be looking to get your license as fast as possible. You want to get in and out of the training requirement as quickly as possible, with as little effort as possible. If you take this approach, you are putting yourself at major risk of doing something illegal or of being useless with your firearm at the time you need it most.
Think about why you are getting a concealed carry license in the first place.
You want to carry concealed because it gives you a hand up if you or your family is threatened. If your life is in danger, you want that extra protection of knowing that you can use both your weapon and the element of surprise. You are very fortunate to be able to have this advantage. However, you can face extreme legal troubles if you exercise your right incorrectly. Even worse, you can put your life at risk or your families lives at risk if you can not adequately handle your firearm when the moment of need arrives.
Before you think of taking the basic, minimum requirement of training in your state, think about the consequences.
You might think the extra hours to take an advanced or in depth course is too long. You might think the extra cost associated with taking a longer or more hands on course is not worth it.
Is the time really too long when compared to the jail time you could face for carrying illegally? Is it really too long when compared to death?
The extra cost associated is an investment in your life. It is not a burden. You will be receiving top notch instruction that will make you very proficient with your weapon.
You should want to be the best you can be with your weapon. What good is it if you cannot quickly take it from it’s holster? It is useless if you fire an entire magazine and do not hit your attacker. That is a waste of time and money.
Take a moment to reflect on your need for a concealed carry class. You should realize just how serious this responsibility is. You should also realize that you owe it to yourself and others to be the absolute best you can be with your firearm.
Learn the laws of your state. Take the time to study them. Time and time again you hear stories of good people getting charged simply because of their ignorance. If your state prohibits drinking while carrying concealed, but you think the law prohibits being intoxicated, you could be in serious trouble. Know the laws, stay up to date on the laws, and have your instructor certify that you know those laws inside and out.
Learn how to safely load and unload your firearm. You may be a great shot, but if you don’t know how to load or unload your gun, what use is it after those rounds are spent?
Get the extra practice in at the range. Everyone can use more time with their tools. Think of any professional athlete. They get paid millions of dollars to play a sport that they love. They get paid that money because they are the best at what they do. Do you really think that they become good at their sport and stop training, because they have met the minimum requirements? Of course not. Why wouldn’t you apply the same logic to your concealed carry firearm? For the athlete, if they don’t train, they get cut and stop making the money. That’s too bad, but they’ll manage. For you, if you don’t train, you could be putting your life and your families lives in danger. Without the proper training, how is your gun going to protect you from the threat of death?
These consequences are just too serious to take firearm training lightly.
Take the extra few hours. Spend the extra couple hundred dollars. You will save countless hours and dollars in the future, and you may even save a life.
Find out what training requirement your state has. Go above and beyond what is required. Become the best.
Depending on your state, a concealed carry class can cost anywhere from $40 on the very low end to $175. In most states, you can find a course for around $100.
The length of the course and the cost will vary, even within your state.
You must remember to factor this cost into the total cost to get your license or permit. Not only will you have to pay for a training course, you will have to pay the state fees (usually around the same cost as the concealed carry class), and if you do not own a firearm, you will have to purchase a firearm and ammunition.
If you do not have a firearm or ammunition, you may be looking at a few hundred to a thousand dollars, depending on your state and what gun you purchase. If you already have a gun and ammunition (remember, you’ll need enough to use at your concealed carry class, too), you can pay as little as a hundred dollars, but more likely will be paying at least a couple hundred.
There is no guarantee as to what you will pay, because as mentioned, it depends on your state and what kind of equipment you currently own.
You can have a look at particular classes being offered in your state. There are usually various types of classes offered, but you must ensure you choose the one that will satisfy the requirements of your state’s legislation.
For example, a general firearms safety course may be enough to get your concealed carry license or permit in one state, but in another state you will certainly need to take a specific concealed carry class to obtain your license or permit.
To get a permit or license to carry a concealed weapon, you should be taking a concealed carry class. Although a few states do not require you to take a course, it is advisable that you do register for and take a course.
- You are likely required by law to pass a firearms safety course to get your license or permit, and…
- Don’t you want to take advantage of every opportunity to improve your skills with your firearm?
Before we talk about the legal aspects of taking a course, let’s quickly go over the second point listed above.
You’re likely getting a license or permit to carry a concealed weapon because you want to protect yourself and your family. We have all heard the terrible stories of people being killed in places where they are not allowed to carry guns.
Why would you take the chance, when a madman could show up at any moment? If you carry a concealed weapon, you’ll feel safer, you’ll be more in control, and you could help save lives.
You’ve likely heard this before: with power comes responsibility. This is definitely the case when it comes to concealed carry. You are in possession of a firearm that could save your life – or take the life of another, if you’re not careful.
You owe it to yourself, your family, and your community to be the best you can possibly be when it comes to using your weapon. Unless you are a trained and expert marksman, you could likely use the extra knowledge and practice that a concealed carry class gives you.
While it may seem silly that you need to improve when you are already great with your gun, remember – even professional athletes practice what they do every week. There’s no doubt you’re getting your license for a great reason and that you are already very handy with your weapon. However, why wouldn’t you want to continue to improve to protect yourself and your family?
You should, then, be open and willing to taking a concealed carry class for your own reasons. In some states, where you are not required to take a class, this is good news, because you’ll likely make a good decision and take the chance to gain even more knowledge and skill.
However, in many states it does not matter whether you want to take a class or not. Most states have a provision in their concealed carry legislation that a person applying for a permit or license must take a class either to learn the laws of the states or to prove proficiency with a firearm.
Whether you take a class for your own reasons or just because you have to, go into it with a good attitude. You’ll learn the laws of your state, likely get to practice using your firearm, and fully meet the requirements of your state. Cover your bases and be prepared before you get your license, because once you get it and start carrying your concealed weapon, you’ll always need to be prepared and stay vigilant.
The basic answer is: Yes, taking a concealed carry class will help you get your permit, either by satisfying state law, or by ensuring that you know the rules and that you know how to carry concealed. Remember, it is usually a serious offence to ‘brandish’ your weapon in public when you are carrying concealed.
In many states, you will need to prove that you have the proper requirements when it comes to concealed carry training. In some states, military or police experience can be substituted for taking an actual course. Additionally, some states allow for the holder of a permit from another state to apply for a license or permit without taking additional training.
For most people, you will have to attend a concealed carry class or course when you apply for your concealed carry license or permit and take a refresher course each time you have to renew your license.
So, how do you register for a course?
You can use our state-by-state guide to get a look at some of the best courses available.
Generally, you must:
- Find a company that offers a concealed carry training course (or other acceptable and state-recognized course) in your area.
- Sign up either by phone, in person or online. Many companies are now allowing you to sign up online for pre-scheduled training dates.
- Make sure you have a gun and ammunition to use. If you do not, most companies allow you to rent one of their guns for your concealed carry class.
- Ensure you have appropriate dress and safety equipment, such as comfortable clothing, a ball cap, eye protection and ear protection.
- Get a copy of your concealed carry license application. The trainer will likely be able to help you fill this out, if necessary.
- Go to the course on the scheduled day and LISTEN! The trainer will have to sign you off as having successfully completed the course before you can submit your application.
Tip: Depending on your state, you may only be required to take classroom training to make sure you know the laws of the permit-issuing state. However, some states require that you take a more intense concealed carry class that involved time at the firing range. Even if you do not need to go to the firing range to obtain your license, go for the extra practice.
You are going to be carrying a concealed weapon – you can never know too much or be too careful. Your life and the life of your family may depend on your knowledge and skill.
Below is a list of states that allow concealed carry. Remember: each state has different reciprocity agreements, meaning your permit or license may not be valid in some states. Click here to find out where you can carry a concealed weapon.
Concealed Carry Permit Categories
Unrestricted/Constitutional Carry – No permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun.
Shall-Issue – A permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun, but the state shall issue a permit if basic requirements are met (i.e., age).
May-Issue– A permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun and issuance is at the discretion of that state’s authority. You may need to prove “good cause”.
No-Issue – No concealed carry permits will be issued or recognized, with few exceptions.
Permitting Policies By State
Unrestricted/Constitutional Carry
- Alaska (Does not require a permit in Alaska, but for reciprocity reasons issues permits under a shall-issue system)
- Arizona (Does not require a permit in Arizona, but for reciprocity reasons issues permits under a shall-issue system)
- Vermont
- Wyoming (residents only)
- Montana (outside city limits only)
Shall-Issue
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
May-Issue
- Alabama (In practice, Alabama is a shall-issue state)
- California
- Connecticut (In practice, Connecticut is a shall-issue state)
- Delaware
- Hawaii (In practice, Hawaii is a no-issue state)
- Maryland (In practice, Maryland is a no-issue state)
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey (In practice, New Jersey is a no-issue state)
- New York
- US Military Installations
No-Issue
- District of Columbia (DC)
- Illinois
In most states, you will need a permit or license to carry a concealed weapon. In these states, it is illegal to do so otherwise, so you will need a concealed carry permit or concealed carry license.
Failure to have the proper permit or license can, in certain states, mean severe legal consequences. Illegally carrying a concealed firearm can lead to you being charged with a felony, meaning you would be banned from owning or using firearms in the future. Additionally, you can face fines, jail time, loss of voting rights and more.
49 states (Illinois has restrictive concealed carry legislation) have laws allowing you to carry a concealed weapon. In some cases, you are allowed to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, but in most states, you need a permit or license for legal concealed carry. In most cases, you will need to take a concealed carry class to be eligible for a permit or license.
Types of Licenses/Permits
The name given to a concealed carry license or permit varies from state to state. You might expect to find your states license under one of the following:
- Concealed Handgun License/Permit (CHL/CHP)
- Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW)
- Concealed (Defensive/Deadly) Weapon Permit/License (CDWL/CWP/CWL)
- Concealed Carry Permit/License (CCP/CCL), License To Carry (Firearms) (LTC/LTCF)
- Carry of Concealed Deadly Weapon license (CCWD)
- Concealed Pistol License (CPL)
Click here to find out if your state requires a license to carry concealed and if so, what it is called.
So, how do you conceal your weapon?
Remember: Allowing your weapon to be seen is called “brandishing”, and depending on your location, is likely illegal. When you carry a concealed weapon, you must make sure you take all precautions so that you can comfortably conceal your weapon without risking it being seen.
There are multiple ways to carry a concealed weapon. How you conceal your weapon is up to you and will be based on a number of factors, such as clothing, climate, work situation, ease of access, etc.
Conventional Belt Holster
Conventional Belt Holsters are among the most widely recommended methods of concealing your weapon.
Inside-the-pants holsters, external holsters, shoulder holsters and small of the back holsters are all recommended at various times.
Pros
- Easy
- Functional
- Easily hid under a jacket or loose piece of clothing
- Ideal for a fast draw
Cons
- Can not generally be worn with a t-shirt or other tight fitting clothing because it will more easily print
- Easily exposed if jacket or loose piece of clothing removed
- Can be uncomfortable when sitting
Fanny Pack
There are large and small fanny packs specifically designed to hold a concealed gun. It is usual for concealed carry fanny packs to come with multiple compartments for extra magazines, flashlights, etc.
Pros
- Does not interfere in everyday activities
- Completely independent of clothing (you don’t need to wear a jacket or loose piece of clothing to conceal it)
- Easy to use and remember, as it is attached to your person
- Blend in with others who carry fanny packs for personal use
Cons
- Does not go with formal dress (suit, dress, etc.)
- People carrying concealed weapons, knowledgeable civilians, or police officers might recognize your concealed carry fanny pack for what it is
Day Pack/Back pack
If you want to carry and conceal a larger gun, or just want the extra storage, a day pack or back pack is another option to carry your concealed weapon.
Pros
- Extra storage
- Easy to carry
- Very discreet
Cons
- Poor accessibility
- Must take it off to sit down or perform some activities
Purse and Shoulder Bag or Briefcase
Women can carry concealed weapons in their purses, and everyone can conceal a weapon in a shoulder bag or briefcase. Specific concealed carry models are available.
Pros
- Can be worn with formal dress (suit, dress, etc.)
- Discreet
- Extra storage
Cons
- Target for thieves (purses specifically)
- Can be put down and forgotten
Thigh Holster (Women)
When wearing a dress or skirt, women may opt for a thigh holster.
Pros
- Very discreet
- Can be worn with formal dress
Cons
- Must be aware of the height of your hem when sitting down so it does not ride up
- Take care when sitting to keep legs tightly together
Ankle Holster
For small concealed carry weapons, an ankle holster can be worn, especially with boots.
Pros
- Very discreet with boots or loose pants
- Light and out of the way
Cons
- Awkward access
- Cannot wear with tight pants or short pants
Photographer’s Vest
A very functional piece with many storage options, a photographer’s vest can be worn for concealed carry.
Pros
- Large, secure pockets
- Lots of storage
- Lightweight
Cons
- Does not go with formal dress (suit, dress, etc.)
- People carrying concealed weapons, knowledgeable civilians, or police officers might recognize your concealed carry photographer’s vest for what it is
Holster Shirt
Holster your compact handgun in your shirt with a holster shirt.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to wear
- Very discreet
Cons
- Poor accessibility (must unbutton or open your top/outer shirt to access your gun)
If your gun is small enough, you may be able to fit it inside of your pocket. It is easier to fit inside of a jacket pocket, but you may also be able to use a cargo pant pocket or something similar.
Pros
- Easily accessible
- Can be discreet
Cons
- If you are using a jacket pocket, you can leave it behind
- Can only fit fairly compact weapons in an average pocket
- May be unbalanced unless you carry extra magazines in another pocket
Other
There are many other ways to conceal your weapon, but you must remember that the number one goal is to keep your weapon out of sight and hidden. Below are some unconventional concealed carry solutions, mostly for very small weapons.
- Change purse
- Specialty accessories (belt buckles, wallets, holster grips)
- Belt pouch
- Hollowed out book
- Paper bag
- Cigarette case
- Camera case
- Package
- Bra
View our clothing and apparel page to view our product recommendations.
Sometimes referred to as CCW (carrying a concealed weapon), concealed carry is when you hide or conceal the handgun or other weapon you are carrying. There are multiple ways to hide your weapon, but you must make sure that once it is hidden, you do not brandish it or let it be shown.
People carry concealed weapons for self-protection and the element of surprise. If you or your family are attacked, the attacker will not know that you have a gun at the ready.
First of all, you will have the advantage of a firearm for protection, but you will also shock the assailant, who thought you were an easy, unarmed target.
This is in contrast with open carry, when you have a firearm in public that is not concealed.
Some states allow for open carry, but the laws are much different for open carry than they are for concealed carry, so please make sure you know the laws of your state before you carry a firearm using either method.
Most states have laws allowing for carrying a concealed weapon, but many require you to get a permit, which means you will likely need to take a concealed carry class.
Click here to find out more about concealed carry classes in your state. This is important information, because not only is it vitally important that you are proficient in weapon usage, but most states require you to prove your proficiency with a firearm.