How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit
Once you have made the decision to carry a concealed handgun, what type of handgun you want to carry, and how you want to carry it, you then need to obtain a concealed carry permit for your state of residence and then familiarize yourself with the laws pertaining to carrying a concealed weapon and the use of deadly force in your state. Be aware that both the process of obtaining a concealed carry permit as well as the laws pertaining to carrying a concealed weapon do vary from state to state.
There are certain mandates set forth by the U.S. Federal Government that are the same in all states. For instance, all persons wishing to obtain a concealed carry permit in their sate of residence must first pass a federal back ground check. Also, some states require you to attend and pass an approved handgun safety course offered by a handgun safety school and instructor that are certified by the U. S. Department of Safety. In this course, you will be taught the laws of your state as they pertain to concealed carry as well as the use of deadly force in defense of one's self, family, and/or others. This usually, but not always, involves attendance of a classroom course taught by a certified instructor followed by a written exam of the knowledge you have been taught which is then followed by a shooting session at a local handgun range in which you are required to demonstrate your ability to safely load, operate, and fire your chosen firearm at a paper target.
However, as mentioned previously, these requirements do vary from state to state. For instance, as of 2009, only Wisconsin and Illinois do not have concealed carry permit options at all. On the other hand, Vermont and Alaska allow all non-felons, aged at least 16 in Vermont and 21 in Alaska, to carry a concealed handgun at will without any permit. In addition, nine states have what are commonly known as "may issue" laws in which citizens are required to demonstrate a need when applying for a permit. However, Alabama, Connecticut, and Iowa do grant most applications received while conversely, in the states of New York, Massachusetts, and California, citizens are at the mercy of local officials and thus, people living in rural areas are more likely to be granted a concealed carry permit than those living in urban locations. Also, in the states of Maryland, New Jersey, and Hawaii, permits are almost never granted; despite a state law that says they may be issued. The remaining 39 states on the other hand all have "shall-carry" laws in effect which means that no qualified applicant will be denied a concealed carry permit. However, it should be noted that all convicted felons are non-eligible for concealed carry permits in any state.
There are certain mandates set forth by the U.S. Federal Government that are the same in all states. For instance, all persons wishing to obtain a concealed carry permit in their sate of residence must first pass a federal back ground check. Also, some states require you to attend and pass an approved handgun safety course offered by a handgun safety school and instructor that are certified by the U. S. Department of Safety. In this course, you will be taught the laws of your state as they pertain to concealed carry as well as the use of deadly force in defense of one's self, family, and/or others. This usually, but not always, involves attendance of a classroom course taught by a certified instructor followed by a written exam of the knowledge you have been taught which is then followed by a shooting session at a local handgun range in which you are required to demonstrate your ability to safely load, operate, and fire your chosen firearm at a paper target.
However, as mentioned previously, these requirements do vary from state to state. For instance, as of 2009, only Wisconsin and Illinois do not have concealed carry permit options at all. On the other hand, Vermont and Alaska allow all non-felons, aged at least 16 in Vermont and 21 in Alaska, to carry a concealed handgun at will without any permit. In addition, nine states have what are commonly known as "may issue" laws in which citizens are required to demonstrate a need when applying for a permit. However, Alabama, Connecticut, and Iowa do grant most applications received while conversely, in the states of New York, Massachusetts, and California, citizens are at the mercy of local officials and thus, people living in rural areas are more likely to be granted a concealed carry permit than those living in urban locations. Also, in the states of Maryland, New Jersey, and Hawaii, permits are almost never granted; despite a state law that says they may be issued. The remaining 39 states on the other hand all have "shall-carry" laws in effect which means that no qualified applicant will be denied a concealed carry permit. However, it should be noted that all convicted felons are non-eligible for concealed carry permits in any state.
The best way to determine the correct process for obtaining a concealed carry permit in your state is to contact your local Sheriff Department. There, they can not only inform you as to what the correct procedure is, they can also direct you to certified instructors in your area if required who can administer the required classroom course and shooting proficiency test. Also, after passing any required test or tests in your state, most states then require you to be fingerprinted so that your prints will be on file and then to submit to and pass a federal background check similar to the one required to purchase a handgun. In addition, some states require that you pay a non-refundable fee upon submitting your application and then, if you are issued a valid permit, it will either be mailed to you or you will be required to stop by your local Sheriff's Department to pick it up.
So what happens after you get your permit? Tens of thousands of people who already have a Concealed Weapons Permit like to stay sharp with training, reviews, legislative/legal updates, and real stories from experts who carry concealed every day by reading Concealed Carry Magazine.
