As of 2025, more than 30 states in the U.S. allow open carry of firearms, often without requiring a permit. Some notable states where open carry is allowed without a permit include Arizona, Texas, West Virginia, Montana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Nebraska. However, a number of states require a permit for open carry or have specific restrictions, especially for loaded firearms or urban areas. There are also states where open carry is largely prohibited, such as California, New York, Illinois, Florida (recently changed), and others. Here is a summary of the open carry status:
States Allowing Permitless Open Carry
- Arizona
- Texas (with some restrictions)
- West Virginia
- Montana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Many other states also allow permitless open carry generally outside of restricted locations.
States That Require a Permit to Open Carry (Partial List)
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Hawaii (permits rare)
- Indiana
- Iowa (urban areas)
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- North Dakota (loaded firearms only)
- Oklahoma (under 21 or non-residents)
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Utah (loaded firearms only)
States Where Open Carry is Prohibited or Highly Restricted
- California
- New York
- Illinois
- District of Columbia
- Florida (ban recently ruled unconstitutional but recently changed)
- South Carolina (restricted)
- Others with specific local restrictions
The specifics of open carry laws can vary significantly by state, with distinctions based on loaded or unloaded firearms, urban vs rural areas, and whether the firearm is a handgun or long gun.
