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Concealed carrying has become a way of life for many Americans. According to a new survey published in the American Journal of Public Health, roughly 3 million Americans carry loaded handguns every day. The same survey revealed that 1 in 4 gun owners said that they have carried a loaded handgun within the last 30 days. These figures include large numbers of concealed carriers and the truth is that being a responsible concealed carrier can be difficult due to the large number of different restrictions on concealed carrying across the country.
Part of carrying a weapon is responsibility. Being a responsible carrier means knowing state and local laws related to firearms use and carriage. If you plan on traveling to another state, you’ll need to get acquainted with that state’s laws. That state may recognize your out of state concealed carry permit. This is known as concealed carry reciprocity. These reciprocity laws are agreements between state governments and they are often put in place by state attorney generals. This article will provide you with some information about concealed carry reciprocity so you won’t run into trouble when traveling out of state.
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY EXPLAINED
The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 is a bill that would amend Title 18 of the United States Code and require all states to recognize concealed carry permits granted by other states. Under this legislation it would be legal to transport concealed firearms across state lines if both states allow you to do so. The law would also amend the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 to allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons in school zones.
While all states and territories allow weapons to be carried in some form, restrictions and regulations on carrying firearms varies widely by jurisdiction. Every state has laws which place restrictions on certain locations such as bars, schools, hospitals, and government buildings. 39 states currently require permits for concealed carrying in public. The remaining 11 states do not require a permit for you to carry a concealed weapon. Applications for concealed carry permits also vary significantly. In some states you will need to submit a reason for wanting to concealed carry. In others you’ll need to take training courses. These are just a few of the ways these laws very so always check your own state laws. CCW reciprocity is possible when one state recognizes the validity of a CCW permit from another state.
Concealed carry permits will vary in their duration and their renewal processes. Some states only give reciprocity to states with similar permit requirements and laws. Some states simply recognize permits from any state. CCW reciprocity laws are currently implemented on a per state basis although some legislators are looking to bring these agreements to the national level.
There are plenty of misunderstandings about concealed carry reciprocity. Here are some of the myths:
MYTH #1: Concealed carry permits are just like driver’s licenses. They are valid in every state.
FACT: The laws governing driver’s licenses are different from those that govern concealed carrying. There is very little variation in driver’s license requirements and for that reason all states recognize each others’ licenses as valid. This isn’t the case with concealed carry permits and that’s why CCW reciprocity is on a state by state basis.
MYTH #2: CCR respects individual gun state laws.
FACT: As mentioned, concealed carry laws vary dramatically from one state to another. Currently, there are 23 states that allow people with violent misdemeanor restrictions to carry a concealed firearm, 19 states that do not require firearm safety training for a CCW permit, and 12 states allowing concealed carrying without a permit. All of these differences are hurdles for a streamlined policy on CCW reciprocity laws.
MYTH #3: Current concealed carry laws are a confusing patchwork of laws that can easily turn law-abiding citizens into law-breakers.
FACT: Federal laws are designed to protect law-abiding gun owners from getting into trouble when passing through states where they are unfamiliar with gun laws. If concealed carry reciprocity became a federal policy with the current state of concealed carrying requirements, it would mean that the lowest requirement states would set the bar. Most people don’t like the idea of someone with no gun safety training being allowed to carry a concealed weapon in their state. This is why no nation-wide reciprocity agreement has been reached.
MYTH #4: CCR would not make it easier for felons to carry guns.
FACT: Nation-wide CCR could possibly make it easier for convicted felons to carry concealed handguns across the country. This is because of very lax concealed carrying restrictions in some states. 12 states don’t require a permit to carry so if someone from one of these states is asked for a permit in another state they can simply say they don’t need one. People from those states will have no responsibility to do anything else to qualify to concealed carry in other states. There is also the problem of some states’ poorly run permit systems. Due to system failures, sometimes people receive permits when they should not.
MYTH #5: For most of the country, reciprocity is the norm because most states have already made reciprocity agreements with other states.
FACT: Current laws give each state the option to choose which out-of-state permits to recognize. 7 states do not recognize any other states’ permits as valid. 18 states only honor some permits.
MYTH #6: CCR would make people safer.
FACT: Many law enforcement organizations across the country are against CCR. They argue that its federalization would endanger law enforcement and make their communities less safe. If current laws stand it could also mean more people with violent backgrounds and no gun safety training carrying concealed weapons in places where they aren’t supposed to be.
TIPS FOR CARRYING WEAPONS ACROSS STATE LINES
A lot of responsible concealed carriers get themselves in trouble because they travel with their firearms without verifying if the state that they are traveling to will recognize an out-of-state permit. If you get pulled over, you could find yourself in an unfortunate mess. Here are some tips to make concealed carry reciprocity laws easier for you.
Know Your Concealed Carry Reciprocity Laws
As we’ve discussed, the possibility of a national reciprocity law is not looking good at the time being, so before driving or traveling with your concealed carry to another state, check if CCW reciprocity applies in your case. If the state where you are going will not recognize your permit, try to find out if openly carrying your firearm will be okay. This is one workaround for your problem at least.
Store Your Weapon Safely
Some states require you to store or lock up your firearms when not in use. So we definitely recommend you have the equipment to do so when you’re traveling through a state which has no CCW reciprocity laws. A locking case might be necessary. Make sure to keep your ammo and firearms in separate containers as some states require this. Some states also require that weapons be unloaded and only stored in certain parts of a vehicle such as the trunk.
Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986
The Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 has a provision that allows you to pass through states with strict guns laws while keeping your firearms with you. As stated in the link to Wikipedia above:
One of the law’s provisions (codified in section 926A of title 18 of the U.S. Code) was that persons traveling from one place to another have a defense for any state firearms offense in a state that has strict gun control laws if the traveler is just passing through (short stops for food and gasoline), provided that the individual is not otherwise prohibited from possession of a firearm, the firearms and ammunition are not readily accessible, that the firearms are unloaded and, in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearms are located in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
Definitions of certain terms in the law include:
Transporting – Not staying for any determined length of time. Passing through on the way to some place.
Unloaded – No ammunition in the firearm. In the case of McDaniel v. Arnold, the courts upheld a conviction based on the interpretation that the accused had a loaded firearm despite not having a round in the chambered position.
Not readily accessible – There are no clear court decisions or interpretations available but this term is widely regarded as meaning not capable of being reached quickly for operation.
Locked container – A hard-sided container that is locked such as to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access.
Traveling by Bus, Plane, or Train? Check for CCR
Generally there are procedures in place for you to transport your firearms via transportation services like trains, planes, and buses. There may be some specific restrictions. To travel with your firearms by air, for example, you’ll have to place your firearms in your checked baggage and won’t be able to bring them with you in carry-on luggage. Metro lines and buses may have their own specific restrictions as is the case for buses. If transferring make sure you are aware of laws in whatever locale you find yourself in. Companies may have their own policies for firearms which is the case for many airlines. It might be easiest to contact a company directly to learn about any company-specific restrictions. Remember, concealed carry reciprocity will only matter if you are actually able to get where you’re going with your gun.
State Gun Restrictions
There are states that not only ignore CCW reciprocity but also heavily restrict the style and class of guns you can have with you. The list includes California, DC, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Nevertheless the Firearms Owner Protection Act of 1986 should protect your ability to travel through these states if your travel is only brief (as defined by the law). To benefit from the full protection of this law, make sure to do the following:
Ensure that your firearm is unloaded.
Lock up your firearms in a secure compartment that is not easily accessible. The provision here is quite unclear and can be used against you so take all possible steps to make sure your firearm is not “easily accessible.”
If you will be traveling to a state that prohibits carrying magazines with more than 10 rounds, then don’t bring those magazines. While it might be inconvenient to do so, it’ll make things a lot easier for you if you run into the law. Law enforcers will confiscate these magazines if they see them. It’s best to check if the state you are traveling to has magazine restrictions as part of their CCW reciprocity laws.
Duty to Inform
Some states have duty to inform policies which means that you will need to inform any law enforcement officials that you are carrying a weapon even if you are not asked about it. Be aware of this when passing through any states with these laws because the responsibility falls on you to inform about your weapon before being asked. You should always travel with any permits for carrying your firearm because you will likely need to show them to officers to prove that you are a valid and licensed carrier if you get pulled over.
CCW RECIPROCITY IS AN ONGOING DEBATE
The debate goes on about a national policy for concealed carry reciprocity. Many gun rights advocates, for example the NRA, support such legislation. But since states have such different views on firearms restrictions it might be hard to find a way to make this possible anytime soon. For now we have state by state CCW reciprocity laws and we hope this article has helped you understand them better.
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Concealed Carry Reciprocity: What You Need to Know?
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
Concealed carrying has become a way of life for many Americans. According to a new survey published in the American Journal of Public Health, roughly 3 million Americans carry loaded handguns every day. The same survey revealed that 1 in 4 gun owners said that they have carried a loaded handgun within the last 30 days. These figures include large numbers of concealed carriers and the truth is that being a responsible concealed carrier can be difficult due to the large number of different restrictions on concealed carrying across the country.
Part of carrying a weapon is responsibility. Being a responsible carrier means knowing state and local laws related to firearms use and carriage. If you plan on traveling to another state, you’ll need to get acquainted with that state’s laws. That state may recognize your out of state concealed carry permit. This is known as concealed carry reciprocity. These reciprocity laws are agreements between state governments and they are often put in place by state attorney generals. This article will provide you with some information about concealed carry reciprocity so you won’t run into trouble when traveling out of state.
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY EXPLAINED
The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 is a bill that would amend Title 18 of the United States Code and require all states to recognize concealed carry permits granted by other states. Under this legislation it would be legal to transport concealed firearms across state lines if both states allow you to do so. The law would also amend the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 to allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons in school zones.
While all states and territories allow weapons to be carried in some form, restrictions and regulations on carrying firearms varies widely by jurisdiction. Every state has laws which place restrictions on certain locations such as bars, schools, hospitals, and government buildings. 39 states currently require permits for concealed carrying in public. The remaining 11 states do not require a permit for you to carry a concealed weapon. Applications for concealed carry permits also vary significantly. In some states you will need to submit a reason for wanting to concealed carry. In others you’ll need to take training courses. These are just a few of the ways these laws very so always check your own state laws. CCW reciprocity is possible when one state recognizes the validity of a CCW permit from another state.
Concealed carry permits will vary in their duration and their renewal processes. Some states only give reciprocity to states with similar permit requirements and laws. Some states simply recognize permits from any state. CCW reciprocity laws are currently implemented on a per state basis although some legislators are looking to bring these agreements to the national level.
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY MYTHS & MISUNDERSTANDINGS
There are plenty of misunderstandings about concealed carry reciprocity. Here are some of the myths:
MYTH #1: Concealed carry permits are just like driver’s licenses. They are valid in every state.
FACT: The laws governing driver’s licenses are different from those that govern concealed carrying. There is very little variation in driver’s license requirements and for that reason all states recognize each others’ licenses as valid. This isn’t the case with concealed carry permits and that’s why CCW reciprocity is on a state by state basis.
MYTH #2: CCR respects individual gun state laws.
FACT: As mentioned, concealed carry laws vary dramatically from one state to another. Currently, there are 23 states that allow people with violent misdemeanor restrictions to carry a concealed firearm, 19 states that do not require firearm safety training for a CCW permit, and 12 states allowing concealed carrying without a permit. All of these differences are hurdles for a streamlined policy on CCW reciprocity laws.
MYTH #3: Current concealed carry laws are a confusing patchwork of laws that can easily turn law-abiding citizens into law-breakers.
FACT: Federal laws are designed to protect law-abiding gun owners from getting into trouble when passing through states where they are unfamiliar with gun laws. If concealed carry reciprocity became a federal policy with the current state of concealed carrying requirements, it would mean that the lowest requirement states would set the bar. Most people don’t like the idea of someone with no gun safety training being allowed to carry a concealed weapon in their state. This is why no nation-wide reciprocity agreement has been reached.
MYTH #4: CCR would not make it easier for felons to carry guns.
FACT: Nation-wide CCR could possibly make it easier for convicted felons to carry concealed handguns across the country. This is because of very lax concealed carrying restrictions in some states. 12 states don’t require a permit to carry so if someone from one of these states is asked for a permit in another state they can simply say they don’t need one. People from those states will have no responsibility to do anything else to qualify to concealed carry in other states. There is also the problem of some states’ poorly run permit systems. Due to system failures, sometimes people receive permits when they should not.
MYTH #5: For most of the country, reciprocity is the norm because most states have already made reciprocity agreements with other states.
FACT: Current laws give each state the option to choose which out-of-state permits to recognize. 7 states do not recognize any other states’ permits as valid. 18 states only honor some permits.
MYTH #6: CCR would make people safer.
FACT: Many law enforcement organizations across the country are against CCR. They argue that its federalization would endanger law enforcement and make their communities less safe. If current laws stand it could also mean more people with violent backgrounds and no gun safety training carrying concealed weapons in places where they aren’t supposed to be.
TIPS FOR CARRYING WEAPONS ACROSS STATE LINES
A lot of responsible concealed carriers get themselves in trouble because they travel with their firearms without verifying if the state that they are traveling to will recognize an out-of-state permit. If you get pulled over, you could find yourself in an unfortunate mess. Here are some tips to make concealed carry reciprocity laws easier for you.
Know Your Concealed Carry Reciprocity Laws
As we’ve discussed, the possibility of a national reciprocity law is not looking good at the time being, so before driving or traveling with your concealed carry to another state, check if CCW reciprocity applies in your case. If the state where you are going will not recognize your permit, try to find out if openly carrying your firearm will be okay. This is one workaround for your problem at least.
Store Your Weapon Safely
Some states require you to store or lock up your firearms when not in use. So we definitely recommend you have the equipment to do so when you’re traveling through a state which has no CCW reciprocity laws. A locking case might be necessary. Make sure to keep your ammo and firearms in separate containers as some states require this. Some states also require that weapons be unloaded and only stored in certain parts of a vehicle such as the trunk.
Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986
The Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 has a provision that allows you to pass through states with strict guns laws while keeping your firearms with you. As stated in the link to Wikipedia above:
One of the law’s provisions (codified in section 926A of title 18 of the U.S. Code) was that persons traveling from one place to another have a defense for any state firearms offense in a state that has strict gun control laws if the traveler is just passing through (short stops for food and gasoline), provided that the individual is not otherwise prohibited from possession of a firearm, the firearms and ammunition are not readily accessible, that the firearms are unloaded and, in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearms are located in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
Definitions of certain terms in the law include:
Traveling by Bus, Plane, or Train? Check for CCR
Generally there are procedures in place for you to transport your firearms via transportation services like trains, planes, and buses. There may be some specific restrictions. To travel with your firearms by air, for example, you’ll have to place your firearms in your checked baggage and won’t be able to bring them with you in carry-on luggage. Metro lines and buses may have their own specific restrictions as is the case for buses. If transferring make sure you are aware of laws in whatever locale you find yourself in. Companies may have their own policies for firearms which is the case for many airlines. It might be easiest to contact a company directly to learn about any company-specific restrictions. Remember, concealed carry reciprocity will only matter if you are actually able to get where you’re going with your gun.
State Gun Restrictions
There are states that not only ignore CCW reciprocity but also heavily restrict the style and class of guns you can have with you. The list includes California, DC, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Nevertheless the Firearms Owner Protection Act of 1986 should protect your ability to travel through these states if your travel is only brief (as defined by the law). To benefit from the full protection of this law, make sure to do the following:
If you will be traveling to a state that prohibits carrying magazines with more than 10 rounds, then don’t bring those magazines. While it might be inconvenient to do so, it’ll make things a lot easier for you if you run into the law. Law enforcers will confiscate these magazines if they see them. It’s best to check if the state you are traveling to has magazine restrictions as part of their CCW reciprocity laws.
Duty to Inform
Some states have duty to inform policies which means that you will need to inform any law enforcement officials that you are carrying a weapon even if you are not asked about it. Be aware of this when passing through any states with these laws because the responsibility falls on you to inform about your weapon before being asked. You should always travel with any permits for carrying your firearm because you will likely need to show them to officers to prove that you are a valid and licensed carrier if you get pulled over.
CCW RECIPROCITY IS AN ONGOING DEBATE
The debate goes on about a national policy for concealed carry reciprocity. Many gun rights advocates, for example the NRA, support such legislation. But since states have such different views on firearms restrictions it might be hard to find a way to make this possible anytime soon. For now we have state by state CCW reciprocity laws and we hope this article has helped you understand them better.