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Frequent Asked Questions

Do I have to carry my Permit/License with me when I am carrying?

Do I have to carry my Permit/License with me when I am carrying?
A: Almost every state requires you to carry your Permit/License when carrying your concealed firearm. Many also require you to carry a photo ID along with your Permit/License. If you are not carrying your firearm you do not have to carry your permit.
Almost every state requires you to carry your Permit/License when carrying your concealed firearm. Many also require you to carry a photo ID along with your Permit/License. If you are not carrying your firearm you do not have to carry your permit. 

If stopped by a Police Officer for any reason do I have to tell the Officer I have a firearm concealed on my person?

If stopped by a Police Officer for any reason do I have to tell the Officer I have a firearm concealed on my person?
A: Different states have different laws. Click on the state abbreviation on the main page map to view the info for that state. Wheather you have to inform an officer or not is listed at the top of every state page. In my opinion, I would always tell an officer that you have a concealed Weapon and a permit to carry.
Different states have different laws. Click on the state abbreviation on the main page map to view the info for that state. Wheather you have to inform an officer or not is listed at the top of every state page. In my opinion, I would always tell an officer that you have a concealed Weapon and a permit to carry. 

Can I fly and take my firearms with me?

Can I fly and take my firearms with me?
A: Yes you can. You will see as long as you have the proper packaging for your firearm and check it, you can have the firearms in your checked baggage. There are also links to the Major Airlines in the Travel Links section that will take you to the rules the different airlines may have on flying with your firearms.
Yes you can. You will see as long as you have the proper packaging for your firearm and check it, you can have the firearms in your checked baggage. There are also links to the Major Airlines in the Travel Links section that will take you to the rules the different airlines may have on flying with your firearms. 

Can I carry in a State Park?

Can I carry in a State Park?
A: Some states restrict carry in their State Parks even with a Permit/License that is issued or honored by that state. Click on the map the state you want to find info about and that states page will open. There you will find info about carrying in that states State Parks
Some states restrict carry in their State Parks even with a Permit/License that is issued or honored by that state. Click on the map the state you want to find info about and that states page will open. There you will find info about carrying in that states State Parks. 

Can I carry in National Forests?

Can I carry in National Forests?
A: Some states have state laws against carrying in a National Forest. You must be aware of the state law. There is no Federal Law restricting Concealed Carry in a National Forest. You can see if carry in National Forests in any state is legal by clicking on the state on the main page map you want info about. That states page will open when you click on the map. Do be advised that any building on the National Forest belonging to the Federal Government is off limits to concealed carry even if you can legally carry in the National Forest in that state. They are considered Federal Buildings.
Some states have state laws against carrying in a National Forest. You must be aware of the state law. There is no Federal Law restricting Concealed Carry in a National Forest. You can see if carry in National Forests in any state is legal by clicking on the state on the main page map you want info about. That states page will open when you click on the map. Do be advised that any building on the National Forest belonging to the Federal Government is off limits to concealed carry even if you can legally carry in the National Forest in that state. They are considered Federal Buildings. 

Can I carry in a National Park/National Wildlife Refuge?

Can I carry in a National Park/National Wildlife Refuge?
A: Yes... You can legally carry a concealed firearm in the state the National Park/National Wildlife Refuge is located in you are legal to carry in NP’s/ NWMA’s in that state. If you can not legally carry concealed in the state you are in then you can not carry in the NP’s/NWMA’s in that state. You can not carry into any federally owned buildings in National Parks/National Wildlife Refuges as other federal laws ban the carrying of firearms in federal buildings.
Note: National Monuments, National Preserves, National Historic Sites/Parks, National Rivers, National Memorials, National Recreation Areas and National Seashores all fall under the National Park Service which the Department of Interior operates. This means all these places listed allow carry there if you can legally carry in the state the above mentioned are located. Do be aware that all buildings used for official business are off limits. See 18 USC Sec 930 below. Federal Buildings must be posted or you must be informed they are a federal building.
Yes... You can legally carry a concealed firearm in the state the National Park/National Wildlife Refuge is located in you are legal to carry in NP’s/ NWMA’s in that state. If you can not legally carry concealed in the state you are in then you can not carry in the NP’s/NWMA’s in that state. You can not carry into any federally owned buildings in National Parks/National Wildlife Refuges as other federal laws ban the carrying of firearms in federal buildings.Note: National Monuments, National Preserves, National Historic Sites/Parks, National Rivers, National Memorials, National Recreation Areas and National Seashores all fall under the National Park Service which the Department of Interior operates. This means all these places listed allow carry there if you can legally carry in the state the above mentioned are located. Do be aware that all buildings used for official business are off limits. See 18 USC Sec 930 below. Federal Buildings must be posted or you must be informed they are a federal building. 

Can I legally carry in the Post Office?

Can I legally carry in the Post Office?
A: No. Never if you really need to ask this question, please dont buy a gun ever :)
No. Never if you really need to ask this question, please dont buy a gun ever :) 

How should I transport my firearm in a state I cannot legally carry in?

How should I transport my firearm in a state I cannot legally carry in?
A: When entering a state you cannot legally carry in, if you unload the firearm, enclose it either in a box or pistol rug and put it in your trunk, you will be legal. Some states require that you keep the ammo separate from the firearm. If you have a vehicle that does not have a trunk, put the unloaded firearm in a “Locked Box” and put it behind the seat in a pickup or all the way in the back of an SUV. See United States Title 18 Part I Chapter 44§ 926A on the Interstate Transportation of Firearms. Some states have specific laws about transporting firearms.
When entering a state you cannot legally carry in, if you unload the firearm, enclose it either in a box or pistol rug and put it in your trunk, you will be legal. Some states require that you keep the ammo separate from the firearm. If you have a vehicle that does not have a trunk, put the unloaded firearm in a “Locked Box” and put it behind the seat in a pickup or all the way in the back of an SUV. See United States Title 18 Part I Chapter 44§ 926A on the Interstate Transportation of Firearms. Some states have specific laws about transporting firearms. 

Are there places that I can’t carry even with a Carry Permit?

Are there places that I can’t carry even with a Carry Permit?
A: Yes. Most states have places that you cannot carry your concealed firearm even with a license/permit.
Yes. Most states have places that you cannot carry your concealed firearm even with a license/permit. 

Will a past arrest prevent me from getting a permit? Will I be able to get a Permit?

Will a past arrest prevent me from getting a permit? Will I be able to get a Permit? Etc., Etc., Etc.
A: If it is a felony Yes. The people you need to ask are the people or offices that issue Permits/Licenses in your state. They are the only ones who can give you a correct answer. Don’t talk to any Attorney or Law Enforcement Officer unless they work for the people or offices that issue such Permits/Licenses. Officers and Attorneys who are not involved in the process do not know the process. Only those who have worked with the process will be able to accurately answer your question, in your state. To check with the people or offices that issue Permits/Licenses, google  â€œAll US State CCW That page will take you to the people or offices that issue Permits/Licenses in the state selected. These are the people who can help you with your questions and have the correct.
If it is a felony Yes. The people you need to ask are the people or offices that issue Permits/Licenses in your state. They are the only ones who can give you a correct answer. Don’t talk to any Attorney or Law Enforcement Officer unless they work for the people or offices that issue such Permits/Licenses. Officers and Attorneys who are not involved in the process do not know the process. Only those who have worked with the process will be able to accurately answer your question, in your state. To check with the people or offices that issue Permits/Licenses, google  â€œAll US State CCW That page will take you to the people or offices that issue Permits/Licenses in the state selected. These are the people who can help you with your questions and have the correct. 

My firearm is in the possession of a court or law enforcement agency. What do I need to do to get it back?

My firearm is in the possession of a court or law enforcement agency. What do I need to do to get it back?
To get your firearm back, you must complete a Law Enforcement Gun Release (LEGR) Application [PDF 297 kb / 2 pg] and send the application along with the appropriate processing fee to the Department of Justice. Each State will have they're own applcation. Please check with your local enforment for this information. The processing fee for a Law Enforcement Gun Release Application is $20.00 for the first firearm (long gun or handgun), and $3.00 for each additional handgun listed on the application. If the court or agency in possession of your firearm determines that the firearm was reported stolen, the fee for the stolen firearms(s) will be waived. You must send documentation from the court or agency confirming that the firearm was reported stolen along with the Law Enforcement Gun Release Application to qualify for the fee waiver. Once DOJ receives your Law Enforcement Gun Release Application, a firearms eligibility check will be conducted to determine if you are lawfully eligible to possess firearms. You will receive a notice of the results. If this notice states that you are eligible to possess firearms, you then take the notice to the court or agency in possession of your firearm to claim it. The notice must be presented to the court or agency within thirty (30) days of the date of the notice. Failure to do so will result in the need to submit a new application and fees to undergo another firearms eligibility check. Typical DOJ processing time for a Law Enforcement Gun Release Application is four to six weeks.

To get your firearm back, you must complete a Law Enforcement Gun Release (LEGR) Application [PDF 297 kb / 2 pg] and send the application along with the appropriate processing fee to the Department of Justice. Each State will have they're own applcation. Please check with your local enforment for this information. The processing fee for a Law Enforcement Gun Release Application is $20.00 for the first firearm (long gun or handgun), and $3.00 for each additional handgun listed on the application. If the court or agency in possession of your firearm determines that the firearm was reported stolen, the fee for the stolen firearms(s) will be waived. You must send documentation from the court or agency confirming that the firearm was reported stolen along with the Law Enforcement Gun Release Application to qualify for the fee waiver. Once DOJ receives your Law Enforcement Gun Release Application, a firearms eligibility check will be conducted to determine if you are lawfully eligible to possess firearms. You will receive a notice of the results. If this notice states that you are eligible to possess firearms, you then take the notice to the court or agency in possession of your firearm to claim it. The notice must be presented to the court or agency within thirty (30) days of the date of the notice. Failure to do so will result in the need to submit a new application and fees to undergo another firearms eligibility check.

Typical DOJ processing time for a Law Enforcement Gun Release Application is four to six weeks.

 

I’ve been working in a firearms store for several years. My duties include showing potential buyers various types of firearms. My employer recently told me I have to get a COE. Does he have a right to require that?

I’ve been working in a firearms store for several years. My duties include showing potential buyers various types of firearms. My employer recently told me I have to get a COE. Does he have a right to require that?
A, Yes. Effective January 1, 2004, licensed firearms dealers may require employees who handle, deliver or sell firearms to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Justice. Upon application, a firearms eligibility check will be conducted to determine whether the applicant is eligible to lawfully possess firearms. If so, the applicant is issued a COE. A copy of the COE must be provided to the employer by the Employee COE holder, and must be renewed annually, as required by the licensee. For more information, please see the Firearm Dealer FAQs.
Yes. Effective January 1, 2004, licensed firearms dealers may require employees who handle, deliver or sell firearms to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Justice. Upon application, a firearms eligibility check will be conducted to determine whether the applicant is eligible to lawfully possess firearms. If so, the applicant is issued a COE. A copy of the COE must be provided to the employer by the Employee COE holder, and must be renewed annually, as required by the licensee. For more information, please see the Firearm Dealer FAQs. 

I am a collector of firearms and I want to purchase a pair of consecutively-numbered pistols. Does the one-handgun-per-30-day restriction apply?

I am a collector of firearms and I want to purchase a pair of consecutively-numbered pistols. Does the one-handgun-per-30-day restriction apply?
A, No. If you possess a valid federal Curio Relics Collector's license and a valid for your state Certificate of Eligibility, you are exempt from the one-handgun-per-30-day restriction.
No. If you possess a valid federal Curio Relics Collector's license and a valid for your state Certificate of Eligibility, you are exempt from the one-handgun-per-30-day restriction. 

My firearm purchase was denied by the DOJ and the dealer won't tell me why. How do I find out the reason for the denial?

My firearm purchase was denied by the DOJ and the dealer won't tell me why. How do I find out the reason for the denial?
A, Contact the Bureau of Firearm’s Denial Review Unit at (916) 227-3749 and have a copy of your DROS form handy.
Contact the Bureau of Firearm’s Denial Review Unit at (916) 227-3749 and have a copy of your DROS form handy. 

I live in CA and I want to sell a gun to another person, i.e., a private party transfer, is it required to conduct the transaction through a licensed California firearms dealer?

I live in CA and I want to sell a gun to another person, i.e., a private party transfer, is it required to conduct the transaction through a licensed California firearms dealer?
A, Yes. Firearm sales must be conducted through a fully licensed California firearms dealer. Failure to do so can be a violation of the law. The buyer (and seller, in the event that the; buyer is denied, must meet the normal firearm purchase and delivery requirements. "Antique firearms," as defined in Section 921(a)(16) of Title 18 of the United States Code, and curio or relic rifles/shotguns, defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are over 50 years old, are exempt from this requirement. Firearms dealers are required to process private party transfers upon request. Firearms dealers may charge a fee not to exceed $10 per firearm for conducting a private party transfer. Example: a. For a private party transfer involving one or more handguns, the total allowable fees, including the DROS, safety, and dealer transfer fees, are not to exceed $35.00 for the first handgun and $31.00 for each additional handgun involved in the same transaction. b. For private party transfers involving one or more long guns, or a private party transfer involving one handgun, the total allowable fees, including the DROS, safety, and dealer transfer fees, are not to exceed $35.00. The dealer may charge an additional dealer-service fee of$10.00 per each additional firearm transferred

Yes. Firearm sales must be conducted through a fully licensed California firearms dealer. Failure to do so can be a violation of the law. The buyer (and seller, in the event that the; buyer is denied, must meet the normal firearm purchase and delivery requirements. "Antique firearms," as defined in Section 921(a)(16) of Title 18 of the United States Code, and curio or relic rifles/shotguns, defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are over 50 years old, are exempt from this requirement. Firearms dealers are required to process private party transfers upon request. Firearms dealers may charge a fee not to exceed $10 per firearm for conducting a private party transfer.

Examples:

A: For a private party transfer involving one or more handguns, the total allowable fees, including the DROS, safety, and dealer transfer fees, are not to exceed $35.00 for the first handgun and $31.00 for each additional handgun involved in the same transaction.

B: For private party transfers involving one or more long guns, or a private party transfer involving one handgun, the total allowable fees, including the DROS, safety, and dealer transfer fees, are not to exceed $35.00. The dealer may charge an additional dealer-service fee of $10.00 per each additional firearm transferred

 

How much is the Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) fee?

How much is the Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) fee?
A: The State's DROS fee is about $20.00, which covers the costs of the background checks and transfer registry. There is also a required $1.00 Firearms Safety Testing fee and a $5.00 Safety and Enforcement fee. If the transaction is being processed by is a dealer sale, consignment return, or return from pawn, the dealer may impose other charges, as long as this amount is clearly shown as a "dealer fee" and not misrepresented as a state fee. In the event of a private party transfer, the firearms dealer may additionally charge a fee of $10 per firearm transferred. When settling on the purchase price of a firearm and before completing the transaction, you may want to ask the dealer to disclose and identify any and all fees he/she is charging to complete the transaction.
The State's DROS fee is about $20.00, which covers the costs of the background checks and transfer registry. There is also a required $1.00 Firearms Safety Testing fee and a $5.00 Safety and Enforcement fee. If the transaction is being processed by is a dealer sale, consignment return, or return from pawn, the dealer may impose other charges, as long as this amount is clearly shown as a "dealer fee" and not misrepresented as a state fee. In the event of a private party transfer, the firearms dealer may additionally charge a fee of $10 per firearm transferred. When settling on the purchase price of a firearm and before completing the transaction, you may want to ask the dealer to disclose and identify any and all fees he/she is charging to complete the transaction. 

Am I required by law to store my firearms where children cannot access them?

Am I required by law to store my firearms where children cannot access them?
A, Yes. In most cases, if you keep any loaded firearm within any premise which is under your custody or control and know or reasonably should know that a child (person under 18 years of age) is likely to gain access to the firearm, you may be guilty of a felony if a child gains access to that firearm and thereby causes death or injury to any person unless the firearm was in a secure locked container or locked with a locking device that rendered it inoperable.
Yes. In most cases, if you keep any loaded firearm within any premise which is under your custody or control and know or reasonably should know that a child (person under 18 years of age) is likely to gain access to the firearm, you may be guilty of a felony if a child gains access to that firearm and thereby causes death or injury to any person unless the firearm was in a secure locked container or locked with a locking device that rendered it inoperable. 

Will this online course be recognized in my state for concealed carry permit ?

This course meets all classroom requirement for most states, nationwide. In most states you do NOT have to have live fire. You do have to have firearm safety  training and have knowledge of gun laws, by a certified firearm instructor.  If your state is more strict and you need live fire, no problem. You can take our course online, then go shoot live rounds with a instructor. We find that online learning is great for the fundamentals and to build a solid foundation, but we encourage everyone to seek solid training in personal as well.

This is an alternative from the typical live class. Its still faster and cheaper...And much, much better I might add!

 

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Will this online course be recognized in my state for concealed carry permit ?

This course meets all classroom requirement for most states, nationwide. In most states you do NOT have to have live fire. You do have to have firearm safety  training and have knowledge of gun l...
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