For educational reference only. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Georgia's official issuing authority before carrying a firearm. This is not legal advice.
Permitless (Constitutional) Carry State
Georgia allows eligible residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. A voluntary permit is still available and provides reciprocity benefits in other states. Effective April 12, 2022 (HB 1358). Must be 21+, legally eligible to possess firearm, not prohibited.
CCW Permit Guide
Georgia Concealed Carry Permit 2026
Georgia concealed carry requirements: permit fees, training hours, reciprocity states, prohibited locations, and official application information.
Georgia enacted permitless carry in 2022 (HB 1358 — Georgia Constitutional Carry Act). Eligible residents 21+ may carry concealed or openly without a Weapons Carry License (WCL). The WCL is still available for reciprocity.
Permitless Carry
Shall-Issue State
Open Carry Allowed
2026 CCW Quick Facts
Reference 2026
Resident Fee
$30
Optional permit
Validity
5yr
Renewal required after expiration
Training
Not Required
Training not mandated but recommended
Processing
30
typical processing time
Permit Details
Georgia CCW Permit Requirements
Official requirements for obtaining a Georgia concealed carry permit or weapon license.
Issuing Authority
County Probate Court (Weapons Carry License)
— Official Site
Permitless Carry
Constitutional Carry — eligible residents may carry without a permit
Effective April 12, 2022 (HB 1358). Must be 21+, legally eligible to possess firearm, not prohibited.
Issue Standard
Shall Issue — the issuing authority must issue a permit to any qualified applicant who meets the requirements
Open Carry
Allowed
— no permit required for open carry
Resident Fee
$30.00
Permit Valid
5 years from issuance date — renewal required
Minimum Age
21 years old (resident permit)
Background Check
Required — FBI NICS background check required for permit application
Processing Time
30
Duty to Inform
No Requirement — no legal duty to proactively disclose, though voluntary disclosure is generally recommended
Training Requirements
Georgia CCW Training Requirements
No Mandatory Training
Georgia does not require firearms training to obtain a concealed carry permit. However, voluntary training is strongly recommended for all carriers to improve safety and legal knowledge.
Reciprocity
States Whose Permits Georgia Honors
Georgia recognizes concealed carry permits from the following states (34 states):
Verify current status before traveling. Each state's carry laws still apply.
Prohibited Locations
Where You Cannot Carry in Georgia
Schools (K-12) unless permitted, government buildings with security checkpoint, jails and prisons, courthouses, polling places, nuclear power facilities, bars and nightclubs unless owner permits, places of worship during services unless church permits
Note: Federal law also prohibits carry in federal facilities, federal courthouses, and other locations regardless of state law. Always check both state and federal restrictions.
Important Notes
Georgia-Specific CCW Information
Georgia does not issue non-resident WCL permits. WCL fee of $30 is among the lowest in the US. Background check required for WCL but not for permitless carry (presumed background check occurs during firearm purchase).
Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Concealed carry laws in Georgia are subject to change through legislation and court decisions. Always verify current requirements with County Probate Court (Weapons Carry License) or a qualified firearms attorney before carrying a firearm.