Open Carry Laws by State (2026)
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view, unconcealed. Unlike concealed carry, open carry laws are not governed by a national permitting framework — each state sets its own rules. Some states allow open carry without any permit; others require a license; and several ban open carry entirely. Laws also vary for handguns versus long guns. Always verify local ordinances, as some cities impose restrictions beyond state law.
Open Carry — Key Rules and Exceptions
State Law vs. Local Ordinances
Many states that allow open carry at the state level permit cities and counties to enact stricter local restrictions. Oregon is a notable example — open carry is legal statewide, but Portland, Salem, Beaverton, and Multnomah County ban loaded open carry for non-license holders. Always check local ordinances, especially in major cities.
Handguns vs. Long Guns
Most state open carry laws apply primarily to handguns. Long gun (rifle, shotgun) open carry rules may differ. Some states that ban handgun open carry allow long gun open carry, or have no statute addressing long guns at all. California bans open carry of both; some states are more permissive with long guns.
Loaded vs. Unloaded
Some states permit open carry of an unloaded firearm but not a loaded one. California allows unloaded open carry in very limited circumstances. Check whether the state's open carry permission includes carrying a loaded chamber — an unloaded open carry right has limited practical value for self-defense.
Permit Requirements
Some states require a carry permit even for open carry, while others allow it without any license. States that allow open carry without a permit typically still allow (and encourage) obtaining a permit for reciprocity purposes when traveling. Constitutional carry states generally allow both open and concealed carry without a permit.
Private Property Rights
Even where open carry is legal, private property owners retain the right to prohibit firearms on their premises. Businesses, employers, and private individuals can lawfully ask you to leave or prohibit carry. Posted signs may or may not carry the force of law depending on the state.
Prohibited Locations Still Apply
Open carry is subject to the same prohibited location rules as concealed carry — schools, government buildings, courthouses, polling places, and other restricted areas ban both forms of carry. Federal prohibitions (GFSZA 1,000-foot school zone, federal buildings, post offices) apply regardless of state open carry law.
States That Allow Open Carry (44)
These states permit open carry of a handgun at the state level. Local restrictions may apply — always verify city and county ordinances.
States That Prohibit Open Carry (6)
These states ban open carry of handguns statewide (with limited exceptions). Some may allow open carry of unloaded firearms in specific circumstances.
Notable State-Specific Rules
Open carry became legal after a September 2025 court ruling. Subject to same prohibited location rules as concealed carry. Cannot carry openly into businesses that post notice prohibiting firearms.
Open carry legal statewide, but Portland, Beaverton, Salem, and Multnomah County ban loaded open carry for those without a concealed handgun license. Effectively banned in those localities for non-license holders.
Open carry of handguns (loaded or unloaded) is prohibited statewide. Some limited exceptions exist for on a person's own property or in unincorporated areas, but effectively banned for practical purposes.
Open carry is prohibited. The CCIA (2022) and its successor provisions ban open carry and designate extensive 'sensitive locations' where even licensed concealed carry is prohibited.
Open carry of loaded firearms is prohibited statewide. Illinois is concealed-carry-only for handguns. Long gun transport rules differ.
Open carry is technically permitted with an LTC (License to Carry), but local police chiefs can restrict licenses to 'target and hunting' only, effectively eliminating open carry rights in practice in many municipalities.
Open carry is permitted statewide without a license. Philadelphia previously required an LTCF for open carry, but the Pennsylvania Superior Court struck down that requirement in June 2025. Open carry is now uniformly legal across the state.
Vermont is the original constitutional carry state and has never required a permit for open or concealed carry. Vermont issues no carry permits at all, so residents needing reciprocity in other states must obtain a non-resident permit from another state.
US Territories — Open Carry
All US territories prohibit open carry. Firearm laws in US territories are generally highly restrictive:
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