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.