Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer

Concealed Carry in Georgia

The Law Offices of Matthew W. Kilgo

What is "concealed carry"?

“Concealed carry” refers to the practice of carrying a concealed firearm in public.

Concealed carry in Georgia is legal for residents and certain non-residents considered “lawful weapons carriers”. This means an individual is eligible to obtain a Georgia Weapons Carry License (GWCL). A Lawful Weapons Carrier in Georgia has the right to open or concealed carry of a firearm.

Eligibility Requirements for GWCL:

Must be at least 21 years of age (or 18 if a current member of the military).
Must be a resident of Georgia, or a non-resident stationed in Georgia as a member of the military.
Cannot be a convicted felon.
Cannot have certain misdemeanor convictions within the last five years.
Must not have been hospitalized in a mental hospital or drug or alcohol treatment center in the last five years.

Georgia recognizes concealed carry permits from certain other states, and likewise, certain states recognize Georgia’s GWCL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "weapons carry license" and do I need one?

Most states issue licenses to carry weapons to qualified applicants on a “shall-issue” basis: so long as the license applicant is not prohibited by law (state or federal) from possessing a firearm, a Weapons Carry License must be issued. Georgia is just such a state. A minority of states rely on issuing authorities to issue licenses (called “may-issue” states), while eleven states allow concealed carry of weapons without any permit from authorities (these are “constitutional carry” states). Twenty states require a permit to carry weapons; twenty-six states allow open carrying of weapons without a permit; and four states, including Washington D.C, expressly prohibit the open carrying of weapons.

Where can I carry a firearm?

In Georgia, an individual in possession of a Weapons Carry License (or eligible to obtain one) may legally carry a handgun openly or concealed in any place where it is not illegal for them to possess a handgun under state or federal law. Sounds simple enough, right? The places both permitted and prohibited under Georgia law can be found in O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126 and § 16-11-127, among other scattered laws and regulations. In addition, because a Weapons Carry License is issued by the State of Georgia and not the federal government, a Weapons Carry License holder may not legally carry a handgun onto federal property unless specifically authorized by law.