Georgia's Constitutional Carry Law goes into effect; No permit needed to carry (2024)

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Georgia's Constitutional Carry Law goes into effect; No permit needed to carry? ›

In Georgia, gun owners can carry a concealed handgun — without a permit. The Georgia Constitutional Carry Act, passed in 2022, allows “lawful” gun owners to carry a concealed weapon in most public places without getting a weapons carry license from the state.

In 2022, Georgia enacted “permitless carry” legislation that repealed longstanding protections that had previously required people to obtain a license (called a “weapons carry license”), pursuant to a fingerprint background check, in order to be eligible to carry concealed loaded firearms in public spaces in Georgia.

Which States Allow Constitutional Carry? In 2022, four states — Alabama, Ohio, Indiana and Georgia — passed constitutional carry or permitless carry laws, making them the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th states to do so.

No license is needed to carry a handgun in a person's home, vehicle, place of business, while fishing or hunting, or unloaded in a case.

One of the most significant changes to Georgia gun laws in 2024 involves the concept of concealed carry. Georgia now issues Weapons Carry Licenses (WCL) for any resident who wants to be able to carry their firearms with them in public spaces.

Georgia is a Permitless carry state and anyone 21or older or 18 and older who is Active Military or Honorable Discharged Veteran can carry everywhere a person that has a valid permit can carry. In some states Open Carry is forbidden in places where those with a valid permit/license can carry.

In Georgia, an individual in possession of a Weapons Carry License may legally carry a handgun openly or concealed in any place where it is not illegal for them to possess a handgun under state or federal law. Sounds simple enough, right?

(WTGS) — You no longer need a permit to carry a handgun in Georgia. A new law went into effect on Jan. 1 after Governor Brian Kemp signed the bill in April. The Georgia Constitutional Carry Act, known as Senate Bill 319, means the process of getting a permit to carry a gun is no longer needed.

Guns in Vehicles in Georgia

Georgia generally allows anyone who is not prohibited from possessing firearms to have or carry a firearm on their person inside their motor vehicle.

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Can you ride with a loaded gun in Georgia without a permit? ›

You can carry a gun in your car without a permit if you follow these guidelines: Your firearm must be in the glove compartment, console, or a compartment in the vehicle. If you choose to enclose it, it should be fully enclosed and hidden from sight. If the police stop you, disclose that you have a gun.

Effective July 1, 2023, the state of Florida acknowledges all concealed firearm licenses lawfully issued by another state.

Penalty for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Georgia

The punishment will be a prison term of five years. In addition to the lengthy prison term, a felony conviction can have lasting consequences. After prison, having a felony on your record can make it difficult to obtain housing, employment, or even credit.

Georgia is what is known as a “Stand Your Ground” state. Here, there is no duty to retreat from imminent danger before defending yourself or others. As long as the threat is reasonably imminent, you can use force to protect yourself without being required to first try to get away from the threat.

Georgia Weapons Carry License Renewal Applications must be submitted online. Applicants will complete the application and answer all questions online before coming to court to sign the application.

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