PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?

No. The public cannot access the Louisiana concealed carry registry.

Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?

Yes. By Louisiana state law, you have a duty to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed weapon. [La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(I)(2)]

No. Louisiana does not have a red flag law.

"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?

No. Not mentioned in state statutes.

Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe of Louisiana You must receive explicit written permission from tribal authority.

Carry While Using Alcohol or a Controlled Dangerous Substance?

Not while under the influence of alcohol (BAC of 0.05 or greater) or a controlled dangerous substance (when a blood test or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in L.R.S. 40:961 and 40:964). [La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(I)(1)] As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

No definition of brandishing was found in Louisiana law. However, negligent carrying of a concealed handgun is the intentional or criminally negligent carrying by any person when it is foreseeable that the handgun may discharge, or when others are placed in reasonable apprehension that the handgun may discharge, or when the handgun is being carried, brandished or displayed under circumstances that create a reasonable apprehension on the part of members of the public or a law enforcement official that a crime is being committed or is about to be committed. [La. Rev. Stat. 40:1382]

DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry Permit?

Yes. Your Louisiana driver’s license is linked to your Louisiana concealed handgun permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.

Yes. As of August 1, 2020, there is statewide preemption of all gun laws. [La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1796]

HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?

Yes. No person shall interfere with the lawful taking of a wild animal by a hunter, trapper, or fisherman or interfere with the process of taking, with intent to prevent the taking on lands or waters managed by the state or upon private lands or waters. [La. Rev. Stat. § 56:648.1]

CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?

Yes. Bow hunters may carry any caliber of firearm on their person, while hunting with a bow. [La. Rev. Stat. 56:116.1(E)]

WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN LOUISIANA?

It is legal to own and open or concealed carry any knife in Louisiana, except that it is not legal to concealed carry an automatic switchblade or any other automatic knife. Knives may not be carried on the property of elementary, secondary, high schools, vocational-technical schools, school buses and school functions/activities. The City of Shreveport prohibits possession of weapons at government facilities and facilities owned by the city. [LRS 14, § 95(4)(a), 95.2 & Shreveport Code § 50-135.2]

WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?

There is no known statute in Louisiana making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. A state statute was identified, making it illegal to wear a hood, mask, or facial disguise with the intention of concealing the person’s identity in any public place. [LRS Tit. 14, § 313]

CARRY IN RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?

Yes, with a valid Concealed Handgun Permit.

CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)?

Yes, with a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit or a permit from a state Louisiana recognizes. [La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1691 and La. Admin. Code Tit. 25 Part IX § 313(C)]

Yes. Per the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Concealed Handguns Frequently Asked Questions, under most circumstances, carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle is legal in Louisiana.

CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?

Louisiana statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?

No property owner, tenant, public or private employer, or business entity shall prohibit any person who lawfully possesses a firearm from transporting or storing a firearm in a locked, privately-owned motor vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage, or other designated parking area. However, firearms must be hidden from plain view or within a locked case or container within the vehicle. This does not apply to properties where the possession of firearms is prohibited under state or federal law. [La. Rev. Stat. § 32:292.1]

Louisiana gun laws & concealed carry reciprocity map

Louisiana is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Concealed weapons permits are processed at the state level by the Department of Public Safety.

There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.

The state of Louisiana does not prohibit the open carry of firearms in public. Therefore, it is legal in Louisiana without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old that is not prohibited from possessing a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including parades and bars.

As of July 4th, 2024, anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm, may concealed carry a firearm without a permit. CHPs are available for residents and members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana; non-resident permits are not available. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of LA and complete a firearms training course. There are exemptions for non-residents who are in the military and have a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. In terms of reciprocity, Louisiana honors permits issued by states that recognize Louisiana permits.

Where can I carry with my Louisiana permit?

Yes

Yes, Constitutional Carry

Yes, Other Restrictions

49 States Honored | 37 Reciprocating States

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Louisiana Concealed Carry License Information

Lost/Stolen Permits:

If your permit is lost or stolen, you need to notify the Concealed Handgun Permit Unit in a notarized written statement completely describing the loss or theft. Include a copy of any police reports made pertaining to this matter. A new permit will be mailed to your address of record.

Valid For:

5 years

Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:

Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. The process is the same as for residents.

Residency Changes:

Moving to Louisiana and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Louisiana issues permits to residents and members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID only. You can apply for your permit with the Department of Public Safety once you have a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID.

Moving from Louisiana and have a Louisiana resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Louisiana permit remains valid?According to LAC 55:I:1309.F, when a permittee ceases to reside in Louisiana the permit becomes invalid and must be returned to the Department of Public Safety. If the individual returns to Louisiana, he or she must reapply for a permit.

However, LRS 40:1379.3 J (4) states that a person who maintains a dwelling in Louisiana, but is residing elsewhere as a member of the United States military or as a student, is still considered to be a resident of Louisiana.

Fees:

Initial permits and renewals - $125 (65 years and older or active duty military personnel - $62.50)Lifetime permits - $500.00 (65 years and older or active duty military personnel - $250.00)

*Note Louisiana exempts HONORABLY DISCHARGED veterans of the U.S. armed forces from all fees associated with 5-year or lifetime concealed handgun permits. This Act doesn’t affect currently active military personnel. Active duty personnel remain eligible to receive the half price discount with a copy of your most recent orders.

*Note If any applicant has not continuously resided in Louisiana for the past 15 years an additional $50.00 fee is required (HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS ONLY are exempt from this fee).

Processing Time:

No state law on file

Name/Address Changes:

Any permittee must notify the Department of any address or name change within 30 days of the change. Failure to timely notify the department of a name or address change may result in suspension of the permit for up to 30 days.

Complete the online change of address form.

Requirements:

An applicant must:

Be at least 21 years old;
Have completed a firearms training course;
Be a resident of the state of Louisiana or a member of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana;
Be a U.S. citizen;
Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor in this or any other state relating to a controlled dangerous substance within the last 5 years;
Not have been convicted of a crime of violence within the last 5 years;
Not have been convicted of a crime of violence or any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of 1 year or greater. However, a person who has been convicted of a violation of 18 U.S.C. 491(a) shall be permitted to qualify for a concealed handgun permit if 15 or more years have elapsed;
Not have a history of engaging in violent behavior (there is a rebuttable presumption that an applicant has a history of engaging in violent behavior upon proof that, within the last 10 years, the applicant has, on 3 or more occasions, been arrested for or charged with any “crime of violence,” or has on 2 or more occasions been arrested for or charged with any crime of violence punishable by death);
Not have had a permit revoked within 4 years prior to the most recent application;
Not have had a permit denied within 1 year prior to the most recent application;
Not be a fugitive from justice;
Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, depressants, stimulants or narcotic drugs;
Not have been adjudicated to be mentally deficient or been committed to a mental institution (unless the applicant’s right to possess a firearm has been legally restored);
Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States; and
Meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Louisiana.

Application:

Link to online application Link to application packet/form

How to get a Louisiana Concealed Weapons Permit

Step 1:

Complete a firearm training course if required.

Step 2:

Download the application or apply online.

Step 3:

Contact your local police office, sheriff’s department or State Police Headquarters in Baton Rouge for fingerprinting.

Step 4:

You will need some of the following documents:

Application with the 3 affidavits completed and notarized;
Copy of Louisiana driver’s license or state identification card;
Correct fee;
Proof of training;
Two sets of fingerprints on an FBI Applicant Card;
Marital Status – If you are divorced, copies of the divorce settlement, decree or final judgment along with any orders or injunctions of the court must be included;
Arrests – If you have been arrested, you must include certified-true copies of court minutes as requested in the “Arrests, Detention and Litigation Section” of the application. You must still list violations that were EXPUNGED, DISMISSED or SET ASIDE or for which you were PARDONED;
Military – If you have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, you must include a copy of your DD-214. If you are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, you must include a copy of your current orders or a copy of your military ID if allowed; and
Medical Summary Disposition – If you answered “yes” to any medical questions in #13-19, the Medical Summary must be completed by the treating physician. This information MUST be included with your application.

Step 5:

Submit your application and documents by mail to:

Louisiana State PoliceConcealed Handgun Permit UnitP.O. Box 66375Baton Rouge, LA 70896

Step 6:

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Louisiana Self-Defense Laws

Defense of Others

It is justifiable to use deadly force when it is reasonably apparent that the person attacked could have justifiably used such means himself, and when it is reasonably believed that such intervention is necessary to protect the other person.

[La. Rev. Stat. 14:19, 14:20 & 14:22]

Use of Force in Defense

The use of force is justifiable under either of the following circumstances:

When committed for the purpose of preventing a forcible offense against the person or a forcible offense or trespass against property in a person’s lawful possession, provided that the force or violence used must be reasonable and apparently necessary to prevent such offense.
When committed by a person against an unlawful entry into the dwelling, place of business or motor vehicle, and the person using the force or violence reasonably believes that the use of force or violence is necessary to prevent the entry or to compel the intruder to leave the dwelling, place of business or motor vehicle.

Self-Defense

Louisiana is a Castle Doctrine state with a “stand your ground” statute. There is no duty to retreat in any place a person has the legal right to be before using force or violence and a person may meet force with force.

Louisiana Gun Law Updates

DateDetails

2025-04-07

Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.

2024-12-04

Added tribal land information under carry location section.

2024-07-04

Updated to reflect constitutional carry

2021-05-18

Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table

Yes, Selected State:	Louisiana
Yes, Constitutional Carry:	Idaho, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Iowa, Alabama, Wyoming, Kentucky, Nebraska, Utah, Alaska, Texas, Indiana, Florida, South Carolina, Arkansas, Ohio, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Vermont, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Arizona, Georgia, West Virginia, Kansas
Yes, Allowed to Carry:	Minnesota, Virginia, Nevada, Washington, North Carolina
Yes, With Restrictions:	Colorado, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan
No, Carry Not Allowed	Massachusetts, Hawaii, New York, Illinois, New Mexico, District of Columbia, Rhode Island, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Delaware, New York City, California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey

Louisiana gun laws & concealed carry reciprocity map

Louisiana Concealed Carry Reciprocity Details

Key Louisiana Gun Laws

Important Concealed Carry Information

Louisiana Concealed Carry License Information

How to get a Louisiana Concealed Weapons Permit

Concealed Carry Locations FAQ

Louisiana Self-Defense Laws