Whether you’re new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed carry permit may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing the laws. Applying for a CCW varies by state. Read about the process for getting a Wyoming Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP) below.

Similar to permit requirements, states vary greatly in their processes for how an applicant obtains a concealed handgun permit, what their permits/licenses are called, whether licenses include photographs, whether fingerprinting is required, license duration, license costs and turnaround times. Some states allow an applicant to complete an application online, while others require an in-person visit to the office of the respective issuing authority. There are even states that require the applicant to provide a list of non-related character references.

Concealed Carry Permit Basics

Wyoming is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Shall-issue means licensing authorities are compelled to issue a license as long as an applicant meets the basic requirements set out by state law. Wyoming Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP) applications are processed on a local level by the county sheriff’s office and issued by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Local law enforcement has some discretion in determining whether or not to issue a concealed weapons permit to an applicant.

Open carry is legal without a permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm. Permitless concealed carry is legal for any legal resident of the U.S. who is 21 years old or older and may lawfully possess a firearm.

Wyoming does not issue non-resident permits. In terms of reciprocity, Wyoming honors permits from other states that recognize Wyoming permits.

Federally Prohibited Persons

The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 make it illegal for a person who fits into any of the prohibited categories to ship, transport, receive or possess firearms or ammunition. These laws prevent a state from issuing a concealed handgun permit/license as it would be illegal for people who fit in these categories, by federal law, to own or possess a gun.

What Are the License Requirements in Wyoming?

An applicant must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Have been a resident of Wyoming for at least six months or hold a valid statewide concealed firearm permit issued in another state that recognizes Wyoming permits
  • Be at least 21 years of age (or at least 18 years of age if the local sheriff makes a personal recommendation on the applicant’s behalf)
  • Demonstrate familiarity with a firearm by past experience or through the completion of certain safety or training courses
  • Not be prohibited by state law from possessing a firearm
  • Not suffer from a physical infirmity that would prevent the safe handling of a firearm
  • Not have been committed to a state or federal facility for the abuse of a controlled substance within the previous year
  • Not have ever been convicted of certain state or federal felony crimes relating to controlled substances, and has not been convicted of certain state or federal misdemeanor crimes relating to controlled substances within the previous year
  • Not chronically or habitually use alcoholic liquor or malt beverages to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired, and not have been involuntarily committed within the past 1-year period to any residential facility as a result of the use of alcohol
  • Not currently be adjudicated to be legally incompetent, and not have been committed to a mental institution
  • Not have been found guilty of, or have pled no contest to, one or more misdemeanor crimes of violence within the last three years
  • Meet federal law requirements

Do I Need Firearms Training in Wyoming?

Yes. An applicant for a concealed weapons permit in Wyoming is required to demonstrate familiarity with a firearm. Any of the following activities constitute sufficient familiarity under Wyoming law:

  • Completion of any certified firearm safety or training course utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or the Wyoming law enforcement academy
  • Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies or any division of law enforcement or security enforcement
  • Experience with a firearm through participation in an organized shooting competition or military service
  • Certified as proficient in firearms safety by any Wyoming law enforcement agency under procedures established by that agency
  • Honorable retirement as a federal or state peace officer who has a minimum of 10 years of service

A Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Class from the USCCA meets permitting requirements in Wyoming. Find a class near you!

How Do I Get a Concealed Handgun Permit in Wyoming?

Step 1: Complete a firearms training course if required.

Step 2: Download the application, fill out the form and print four copies.

Step 3: Obtain a money order or cashier’s check for the application fee, made out to DCI or Wyoming attorney general’s office. They do not accept cash, credit cards or personal checks. Ask your local sheriff’s office about its fees, which will be separate from the DCI fees.

Step 4: Take your completed application to your local sheriff’s office. You will need the following:

    • Completed application
    • Proof of training or evidence of qualification
    • Photo ID

You will be fingerprinted.

Step 5: Take the remaining copy of your application to a Wyoming DOT Driver Services office to have your picture taken for the permit. This must be done within five days of your application.

You will be contacted by the sheriff’s office within 90 days of when they receive your permit.

 

For more information, visit the USCCA Wyoming gun laws page now…