Georgia Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in Georgia, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
Georgia is a shall-issue state with concealed-carry permits or Weapons Carry Licenses (WCLs) issued at the probate court in your county. Any resident of Georgia at least 21 years old can apply for a Weapons Carry License (WCL) in Georgia. You do not need a WCL to carry or purchase a firearm in Georgia, but it allows holders to legally carry a concealed firearm in reciprocating states.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Georgia?
No. There is no waiting period to buy a gun in Georgia.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Georgia?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a firearm in Georgia.
Do you need to register handguns in Georgia?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in Georgia.
Who is eligible to obtain a Weapons Carry License (WCL) in Georgia?
Any resident of Georgia who is at least 21 years of, or 18 or older if in the military, can apply for a Weapons Carry License (WCL).
Is firearms training a requirement in Georgia for a Weapons Carry License (WCL)?
No. There is no requirement to take a firearms-training course in Georgia to obtain a Weapons Carry License (WCL).
What are the requirements to obtain a Weapons Carry License (WCL) in Georgia?
An applicant for a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) must:
- Be at least 21 years old, or 18 or older and in the military
- Be a legal resident of Georgia
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Have no felony convictions or pending criminal proceedings
- Not have been in a mental hospital, or drug- or alcohol-treatment center, within the last five years
- Meet federal law requirements
What are the steps to obtain a Weapons Carry License (WCL) in Georgia?
- Download or pick up an application in person at the probate court in your county and complete the application.
- Take the completed application, your state ID, proof of residence, passport, and fee to the probate court in your county. You will also need to provide fingerprints. Each probate court’s process for fingerprints varies, check with your local court for instructions.
You will be notified within 60 days if your application has been approved.
How much does a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) cost?
The fee for a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) is $75, but the fee can vary by county.
Does Georgia recognize concealed-carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. Georgia recognizes concealed carry permits from all states.
Is Georgia a Constitutional Carry state?
Yes. Georgia is a Constitutional Carry state.
Is Georgia an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in Georgia. Any lawful weapons carrier can carry handguns openly or concealed in most public spaces without any permit required.
Is Georgia a Stand Your Ground state?
Yes. Georgia is a Stand Your Ground state. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Georgia?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Georgia.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Georgia?
Yes. There are no state magazine-capacity restrictions in Georgia.
Does Georgia have gun-storage laws?
No. Georgia does not have a gun-storage law.
Is Georgia a Red Flag state?
No. Georgia is not a red-flag-law state.
Hi. I thought you should know that this information is a year out of date. The good news is that as of April 12, 2022 Georgia is a Constitutional Carry state and no longer requires a Weapons Carry License.
You are incorrect about Georgia requiring a license to carry openly. Please See O.C.G.A. 16-11-126. Georgia does not differientiate between open and concealed carry.
Can I carry a concealed handgun if I don’t have a gun license?