Concealed carry refers to a practice of carrying a firearm on one’s person or in close proximity in public in a way that is not visible or noticeable. The person carrying the firearm is obliged to do so in a manner that will not expose it to public view – hence the term ‘concealed carry’. They’re required to cover the firearm and ensure that the weapon is concealed at all times.
Carrying a handgun in public without possessing a concealed carry license or permit is considered a crime, regardless of whether the individual carrying it did so openly or concealed the firearm. If you are considering applying for a concealed carry license, here’s everything that you need to know prior to starting the application process.
What is a concealed carry license?
A concealed carry license is a type of permit that allows individuals to carry concealed handguns in public settings. Acquiring the permit is a prerequisite for a concealed carry in 34 states, and the requirements vary depending on the state. Once obtained, the person is able to legally carry a concealed firearm in public. Some states allow licensees to carry only handguns, while others may issue concealed carry permits for other weapons such as knives and electronic weapons.
Civilians who obtain a concealed carry license don’t have to worry about the validity of their license for a four-year period (depending on the state) starting from the date when the license was issued – unless their license gets revoked or suspended. That said, they do need to attend a concealed carry refresher course every two years and practice basic gun safety at all times.
How can I get a concealed carry license?
In order to be able to obtain a concealed carry license, civilians need to meet different federal and state-specific requirements. Start by doing your homework and researching different requirements that apply to your particular state. Keep in mind that meeting all the requirements does not guarantee you will get your permit. This will largely depend on whether you live in a shall-issue or may-issue state.
The next step is to look for concealed carry group training offered by a reputable company in your area. These training courses give participants the confidence they need to handle a gun properly while also teaching them how to deal with a threat in a legal manner. In doing so, the participants can not only prevent any lawsuits but also save a life. After training completion, you will need to apply for a conceal carry license, submit paperwork, and wait until you’ve obtained it.
What are the requirements for getting a concealed carry license?
There are, of course, certain requirements when it comes to applying for a concealed carry license, and they vary from state to state. For starters, the applicants mustn’t be under 21 years of age. The gun for which they are issuing a permit must be their own, and they must meet requirements regarding their residency. The applicants also need to disclose information about their domestic partner/spouse, along with any other residents of their home including the applicant’s children. Other requirements include four character references, evidence of firearms safety training completion, and information about past and present social media accounts from the past three years.
Depending on your state, you may be able to apply for the permit online, but in some cases, an in-person visit to the office may be required. In the state of New York for instance, the newly enacted firearms laws require the applicant to attend an in-person interview with a licensing officer. Once obtained, the license must be renewed as required, and the licensee needs to remain updated on information regarding gun laws while also keeping their training and shooting skills current.
What are the restrictions for concealed carry license holders?
For starters, concealed carry licensees are prohibited from carrying handguns into certain spaces, neither openly nor concealed. These include schools and university premises (unless over 19 and in vehicle), preschools, courts, airport security zones, public buses, federal properties, certain private properties, and tribal land.
Other than the restrictions regarding the areas in which they can carry handguns, it’s also important to mention what licensees are prohibited from doing while carrying a concealed firearm. According to a California law passed in 2023, everything from going to a bar to consuming alcoholic beverages to being under the influence of controlled substances, medication, or alcohol is off limits for concealed carry license holders. The same goes for any display of a lethal firearm that’s not justified or false representation of themselves as peace officers. Not carrying their license with them as well as carrying firearms they’re not licensed to carry are prohibited by the law, and so is violating criminal law, be it local, state, or federal. Finally, they must not hinder a police officer on their duty, and must obey when asked by an officer to provide license or the firearm.
One step closer to obtaining a concealed carry license
Different individuals consider applying for a concealed carry license for different reasons. While the reasons for wanting to own this kind of permit vary, the only way to acquire it is by completing the multi-step process. The more familiarized you are with these steps, the better prepared you’ll be when it comes to completing the application process.
