Georgia requires applicants for a concealed carry permit to be 21 years old. Active duty personnel stationed in Georgia who are 18 years old are eligible as well. The probate court in the county of residence is responsible for issuing concealed permits. With the exception of military personnel stationed in GA, the state does not issue non-resident permits. At the time of application, residents must pay a $30 fee. It is worth noting that there is no required firearms competency training in order to obtain a concealed carry permit. Upon approval, a Georgia issued concealed permit is valid for 5 years, and is accepted by 33 other states.

 

 

 

This information was last updated in January 2019.

Reciprocity Map for Georgia

Use the tabs below to display states that will accept an Georgia concealed carry permit or those states that Georgia will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.

States That Honor Georgia Concealed Carry
  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  3. Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  4. Arkansas
  5. Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
  6. Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
  7. Idaho
  8. Indiana
  9. Iowa
  10. Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  11. Kentucky
  12. Louisiana
  13. Maine
  14. Michigan
  15. Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  16. Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  17. Montana
  18. New Hampshire
  19. North Carolina
  20. North Dakota
  21. Ohio
  22. Oklahoma
  23. Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
  24. South Carolina – Resident Permit ONLY
  25. South Dakota
  26. Tennessee
  27. Texas
  28. Utah
  29. Vermont
  30. Virginia
  31. West Virginia
  32. Wisconsin
  33. Wyoming
 
Georgia Will Honor The Following States
  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arizona
  4. Arkansas
  5. Florida
  6. Idaho
  7. Indiana
  8. Iowa
  9. Kansas
  10. Kentucky
  11. Louisiana
  12. Maine
  13. Michigan
  14. Mississippi
  15. Missouri
  16. Montana
  17. New Hampshire
  18. North Carolina
  19. North Dakota
  20. Ohio
  21. Oklahoma
  22. Pennsylvania
  23. South Carolina
  24. South Dakota
  25. Tennessee
  26. Texas
  27. Utah
  28. Virginia
  29. West Virginia
  30. Wisconsin
  31. Wyoming
 

How To Apply for a Georgia Concealed Carry License

Can I get a concealed carry permit in Georgia?

Georgia is a shall issue state. If you meet the requirements outlined by the state in the following code, you should be able to obtain a concealed carry permit in Georgia.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-129

What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in GA?

Georgia requires applicants for a concealed carry permit be at least 21 years old. However, a person who is 18 and is actively serving in the Armed Forces or was honorably discharged is also eligible to apply for a concealed permit.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-129

Who issues a concealed carry permit in Georgia?

Georgia residents should submit their completed application to the probate court of the county in which they reside. Applicants will also be required to submit fingerprints for investigation, upon referral by the probate court.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-129

How long is a Georgia concealed carry permit good for?

Georgia concealed carry permits are valid for 5 years. However, any change in residency should be reported to the new county of residence. The newly issued license will be valid for the same time period as the one surrendered to the court.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-129

Does GA issue concealed permits to non-residents?

The state of Georgia does not supply concealed carry permits to non-residents of the state. However, residents of the state who are not United States citizens are eligible to obtain a concealed permit. These applicants will need to provide sufficient information for background investigations. See the following code for further detail.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-129

How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?

According to Georgia state code, the judge of the probate court will issue a license within 35 days of receiving the application. There is a five day period allotted for fingerprint investigation against national records. The investigating agency will provide a report within 20 days if such a report is required. Upon receipt the judge of the probate court will issue a license within 10 days.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-129

How much does a concealed carry permit cost?

At the time of submission, applicants for a concealed carry must pay a fee of $30. Renewals of concealed carry permits are subject to the same fee. However, the agency responsible for processing fingerprints related to concealed permit issuance can charge $5 for these services. Furthermore, should a user require a temporary license, an additional fee of $1 shall be paid to the probate court at the time of renewal application.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-129

What are the accepted forms of competency training?

While the state may issue firearms safety information to new licensees, Georgia does not require proof of competency as part of their concealed carry application process.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-129

Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Georgia

Is Georgia an Open Carry State?

Georgia has a unique policy with regard to open carrying of firearms. Openly carrying a firearm is permitted in Georgia if you have a concealed carry permit. However, any individual can carry a firearm provided it is in a case and unloaded.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-126

Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?

Georgia protects an individuals’ right to carry in their vehicle without a license.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-126

Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?

Georgia allows individuals to carry concealed in state parks, provided they have a valid concealed carry permit. However, certain areas may be restricted by federal law, and carrying concealed in these areas is prohibited.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-126

Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?

Restaurants are not on the list of locations where concealed carry is prohibited. Furthermore, there is no distinction in the firearms code between bars and restaurants with regard to concealed carry.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-127

Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?

Unlike many other states, Georgia specifically addresses places of worship in the state code. Individuals with a concealed carry permit are not allowed to carry in churches or other places of worship unless specifically authorized by “the governing body or authority.”

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-127

Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?

Financial institutions are not referenced in Georgia state codes’ list of unauthorized locations for concealed carry. However, individuals should follow any posted signage declaring that concealed carry is forbidden.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-127

Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?

Georgia state code does not specifically define hospitals as places where concealed carry is prohibited. However, the code does provide the following regarding mental healthcare facilities.

“[…]state mental health facility as defined in Code Section 37-1-1 which admits individuals on an involuntary basis for treatment of mental illness, developmental disability, or addictive disease[…]”

However, the code further explains that concealed carry permit holders are permitted to carry in all locations unless:

“[…]that private property owners or persons in legal control of private property through a lease, rental agreement, licensing agreement, contract, or any other agreement to control access to such private property shall have the right to exclude or eject a person who is in possession of a weapon or long gun on their private property[…]”

Therefore, adhere to any posted signage declaring an area gun-free.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-11-127

The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.