Gun laws in Alabama are very liberal and permissive. Alabama has the right to bear arms in their Constitution and state law governing the purchase, sale, and ownership of guns, ammunition, and accessories override local rules. The rules for dealerships require that they perform FBI background checks, keep detailed records of gun purchases with a signature from the customer. Private sale of guns is allowed without a background check, but it is illegal to sell to a person who is a felon or subject to other restrictions. Although Alabama does have an open carry law, citizens are prohibited from carrying firearms to a demonstration, public schools, or a private home that you do not own. Alabama does have concealed carry licenses, and anyone over the age of nineteen can apply as long as they are not a felon or have a mental illness. Citizens with past felonies can apply to have a pardon and their gun rights restored, but they must also get their NCIC record updated before they can purchase.
State CCW Quick Facts
Shall IssueState gun policy
YesOpen Carry Permitted
NoConstitutional Carry
YesCarry In Restaurants
YesCarry In Vehicle
ResidentsLicense issued to
755,618Number of Active CCW Permits
32# of states that honor Alabama license
52# of state licenses that Alabama honors
20% of state’s population with a permit
5 Yearslicense is valid
100$ cost of the license
Alabama’s policy is Shall Issue in practice and its license is issued to residents. You can carry a handgun in: state parks, state and national forests, road side rest areas, vehicle, all areas of the state not listed as forbidden.
Alabama CCW Reciprocity Map
Thirty-two states honor reciprocity with Alabama for carrying guns across state lines. Those states that allow permits from Alabama are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Accordingly, Alabama honors carry permits from these states as well: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Thirteen states refuse to honor an Alabama carry permits, and they are California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Permit honored
Permit not honored
Issuing state
Alabama Concealed Carry Permit and Laws
Alabama is a “shall issue” state and the local county sheriffs issue concealed carry permits. Anyone who is 19 or older and considered a "suitable person,” without any felony convictions or other restrictions may apply. Alabama issues permits to residents of the county only, non-residents may not apply. The license permits you to carry a concealed weapon on your person or in your vehicle without limitation, and it is good for five years. Alabama also honors all 51 states concealed carry laws. Alabama does not require notifying an officer that you are carrying, and you may carry within a liquor store, bar or restaurant. The state also allows you to carry a concealed weapon in state parks and you have the right to open carry if you like. There are no stipulations regarding “no weapon” signs for Alabama. Alabama does have a list of “off limits” areas where you cannot carry a weapon, they are: schools, school buses, demonstrations, universities, police stations, athletic events, mental care facilities, courthouse, prison, jail, detention center, the D.A.’s office, county commissioner or city council office and any other building that is listed as “off limits” by the federal government.
CCW Eligibility: Qualify or Pre-Qualify?
Applying for a Pistol Permit, as they are called in Alabama is quite easy. Alabama is a “shall issue” state meaning if you pass the few requirements, you can have a permit. You can get the application from your local sheriff’s office or download it from their website. You must be at least 19 years old, not diagnosed with any mental illness, and you cannot be a convicted felon. When applying, you must pay a $50 fee, and the license is good for five years. You can renew it again at that time for another five years.
Alabama Gun Background Check
Alabama requires gun dealers to contact the FBI for a background check before selling a firearm to any customer. The background check must be processed through the NICS system, and the licensed dealer must collect identification information from the buyer before selling. Gun buyers must usually fill out ATF Form 4473 and sign it before consenting to the background check. You must be a U.S. citizen to purchase, have no violent convictions on your record, you cannot have any drug or alcohol issues, or mental illness when you apply. Your application can be approved in as little as thirty minutes.
Reside in the county where you file the application
Have no convictions of violence
Must be a US citizen or legal alien
Must not be a drug addict or habitual drunkard
Must be of sound mind and not have been involuntarily admitted to psychiatric or drug treatment facility
Federal law requirements
Gun CCW Permit Application
Obtain the application form from your local county Sheriff
Complete the form.
Submit your application to the Sheriffs Office in the county you reside in.
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.
CCW Renewal
You must renew an Alabama Pistol Permit before it’s expiry date.
The renewal can be done by your local County Sheriff.
Some counties will advice you in advance that your permit needs to be renewed. However, do not rely on a renewal notice being sent as not all counties send out reminders.
AL Concealed Carry License Fee information
Permit type
Fees when getting a new permit
Renewal
Current license amendment
Fingerprint scan fee
Fee for firearm classes
Additional state fees
License to carry concealed handgun
$5 - $20.00 per year depending on sheriff
$5 - $20.00 per year
Alabama does not require training to obtain your concealed carry license
Places Where You Can & Can’t Carry a Gun in Alabama
Allowed
Forbidden
State parks
Premises of a public school composed of K12 grades
State and national forests
School bus used for K12 grades
Road side rest areas
Demonstrations at public places
Vehicle
University of Alabama
All areas of the state not listed as Forbidden
Building of a police, sheriff, or highway patrol station
Any facility hosting a professional athletic event
Facility which provides care of those with psychiatric, mental, or emotional disorders
Courthouse or courthouse annex
Prison, jail, halfway house, community corrections facility, or other detention facility
Building in which a District Attorney’s office is located
Building in which a county commission or city council is currently having a meeting
Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law
Alabama CCW Contact
Alabama Bureau of Firearms
Hours
Monday – Friday:
N/A
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Contact
Address:
Office of the Attorney General 501 Washington Avenue
City:
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone:
(334) 242-7300
CCW Licensing Offices in Alabama
Autauga County Sheriff Office
Office Address 162 West 4th Street Prattville, AL 36067