| Subject/Law |
Long guns |
Handguns |
Relevant Statutes |
Notes |
| State Permit to Purchase? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| Firearm registration? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| "Assault weapon" law? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| Owner license required? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| Carry permits issued? |
No |
Yes |
OCGA Ā§16-11-129 |
Concealed or open carry allowed with permit. See also OCGA Ā§43-38-10 which is a special permit for armed security guards.
|
| State Preemption of local restrictions? |
Yes |
Yes |
OCGA Ā§16-11-173 |
Despite state preemption, several localities continue to have local gun restrictions. Recent court rulings have resulted in many of these ordinances being withdrawn. |
| NFA weapons restricted? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| Peaceable Journey laws? |
No |
No |
None |
Federal rules observed. |
| Unlicensed open carry? |
Yes |
No |
OCGA 16-11-128 |
A Georgia Firearms License (GFL), or a recognized out-of-state permit, is required for open carry of any pistol or revolver outside of one's home, motor vehicle, or place of business. |
Georgia is a "shall issue" state, and issues firearms permits to residents through a county probate court. Georgia recognizes permits from any other state which recognizes Georgia's permit, provided the non-resident individual would meet the eligibility requirements for a Georgia Firearms License as a resident.
Vehicle carry is allowed if the possessor is eligible for a permit. An eligible person without a permit must keep a firearm unloaded in a case separated from ammunition, or loaded and fully exposed to view (Lindsey vs State of Georgia indicates that the firearm must be fully visible to all possible observers),[53] or loaded in a closed compartment of the vehicle. Permit holders may carry a firearm open or concealed anywhere within a vehicle.
State preemption laws prohibit localities from regulating the ownership, transportation, and possession of firearms. Georgia also has a law preventing localities from enacting ordinances or lawsuits to classify gun ranges as nuisances.
Firearm regulations are uniform throughout the state, and a firearms permit is valid throughout the state, in all areas other than in a few specially-defined areas. These specially-defined prohibited areas include:
- federally-controlled areas (such as national parks, inside the boundaries of which guns must be kept securely locked)
- nuclear power facilities
- any federal buildings or property
- any public gathering (includes, but is not limited to, athletic or sporting events, churches or church functions, political rallies and/or functions, publicly owned or operated buildings)
- any place licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on premises (excluding restaurants that serve alcohol)
- wildlife management areas, except by a licensed hunter in an appropriate open season (not during a primitive weapon season)
- any school building or grounds (except for authorized teachers and staff)
On May 14, 2008, Governor Sonny Perdue signed House Bill 89. The bill removed public transportation, state parks, and restaurants that serve alcohol (excluding bars) from the list of specially-defined prohibited areas.[54][55]
As of July 1, 2006, Georgia became a "Castle Doctrine" state, and requires no duty to retreat before using deadly force in self defense, or defense of others.[56]
Georgia law allows private firearm sales between residents without requiring any processing through an FFL.
A Kennesaw, GA city ordinance requires that all homeowners own a firearm and ammunition (Sec 34-1a). No one has ever been charged with violating this ordinance. An amendment exempts those who conscientiously object to owning a firearm, convicted felons, those who cannot afford a firearm, and those with a mental or physical disability that would prevent them from owning a firearm.
Discuss Georgia in the Georgia Forum
State Legal Statute Source:
Georgia Code 16-11-129
State Department Locations:
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
P.O. Box 370748
Decatur, Georgia 30037-0748
Phone: (404) 244-2501
Georgia Attorney General
40 Capitol Square, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-1300
Phone: 404-656-3300
State/Federal Park Locations:
State parks, historic sites, and recreational areas; the term 'park, historic site, or recreational area' means a park, historic site, or recreational area which is operated by or for and is under the custody and control of the Department of Natural Resources. It is unlawful for any person to use or possess in any park, historic site, or recreational area any firearms, bows and arrows, spring guns, air rifles, slingshots, or any other device which discharges projectiles by any means, unless the device is unloaded and stored so as not to be readily accessible or unless such use has been approved within restricted areas by prior written permission of the commissioner of natural resources or his authorized representative. (A person can have a firearm in their possession only if the firearm is unloaded and stored. The only exception to this rule is the person has to obtain written permission from an authorized rep from DNR to have readily accessible a firearm.) It shall be unlawful to refuse to leave a park, historic site, or recreational area after violating any law or regulation of the Board of Natural Resources promulgated pursuant to Code Section 12-3-9and after being directed to leave by an authorized representative of the department. (If you are caught carrying a firearm or breaking any of the other rules, then you can be asked to leave the park area by authorized rep from DNR.) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Code section commits the offense of criminal trespass. (If you refuse to leave after being asked too, then you can be arrested for criminal trespass) (12-3-10) Georgiapacking.org
Permit Costs & Info:
$39-$47 5 years
Issuing Authority: County Probate Judge
Open Carry Information:
Georgia is not a traditional open carry state. However, open carry IS legal with a Georgia permit. It is also worthy of note that you MAY openly carry a firearm without a permit in a motor vehicle.
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States that Honor Georgia's CCW Permit:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, WyomingState CCW Permits that Georgia Honors:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wyoming,
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