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Getting Your Permit

Getting Ready to Apply for a Carry Permit: A Simple Checklist

Every state does it a little differently. But most applications come down to the same handful of things. Here's how to get ready.

The Carry Desk Staff · · 4 min read
Man at his kitchen table in the evening organizing paperwork into a manila folder next to a laptop
Most of the work is gathering the right paperwork. Start with a folder.

A lot of people think about getting their carry permit for years before they actually do it. Usually it's not because they don't qualify. It's because the process seems confusing, and nobody ever laid it out simply.

So let's do that. Requirements vary by state, and some details will be different where you live. But most permit applications ask for the same basic things. Here's a checklist to get you ready.

1. Find your state's official source

Before anything else, find out who issues permits in your state. Depending on the state, that could be the state police, a department of public safety, the attorney general, or your county sheriff or local court.

Their website is your rulebook. It will list the requirements, forms, fees and steps for your state. When something you read online conflicts with the official site, go with the official site.

2. Check the age requirement

In most states, you need to be at least 21 to get a concealed carry permit. Some states allow certain applicants to apply at 18, often with conditions. Check your state's rule.

3. Confirm residency (or non-resident options)

Most people apply in the state where they live. You'll typically need to show proof of residency, like a driver's license or state ID with your current address.

Some states also issue permits to people who live elsewhere. That's a non-resident permit, and the rules are different. We cover that in resident vs. non-resident permits.

4. Be ready for a background check

Every state that issues permits runs a background check. Many also take fingerprints. In general, things that can disqualify an applicant include:

  • Felony convictions
  • Certain misdemeanor convictions, including domestic violence offenses
  • Active protective or restraining orders
  • Certain mental health adjudications
  • Unlawful drug use

States can have additional disqualifiers beyond federal law, so read your state's list. If you have something in your past you're unsure about, it's worth asking a local attorney before you apply.

5. Find out what training your state requires

This is where states differ the most. Some require a classroom course of a set number of hours. Some require an in-person skills demonstration with a certified instructor. Some accept certain online coursework for part or all of the requirement. And some don't require training for a permit at all.

Make sure any course you take is one your state actually accepts. Your state's official site, or the course provider, should be able to confirm that. Even if your state doesn't require training, a good course is worth your time. It covers the law, safe handling, and how to handle situations calmly.

6. Gather your documents

Requirements vary, but have these ready:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of residency, if your ID doesn't show your current address
  • Training certificate, if your state requires one
  • Passport-style photos, if your state asks for them
  • Fingerprints, if required (your state will explain how and where)
  • Completed application form
  • Payment for the application fee

A simple folder keeps it all in one place. It sounds basic, but it saves a lot of running around.

7. Budget for fees

Application fees vary widely by state, and sometimes by county. There may also be separate costs for fingerprinting, photos and training. Check your state's fee schedule so there are no surprises.

8. Expect some waiting

After you apply, your application gets processed and your background check is completed. Some states set a maximum number of days to make a decision. In others, it depends on how busy the issuing office is. Waits can get longer when lots of people apply at once, which often happens when carry laws are in the news.

We can't tell you how long yours will take. Your issuing agency is the best source for current processing times.

9. Know when it expires

Most permits aren't good forever. They expire after a set number of years, and the term varies by state. Renewal is usually simpler than the first application, but it's not automatic. Put the expiration date on your calendar, and set a reminder a few months ahead.

Also note: if you move to a new state, your old state's permit may not be valid in your new home, or may only be valid for a limited time. Plan to apply in your new state.

The short version: find your state's official source, confirm you meet the age and residency rules, check what training is required, gather your documents, budget for fees, and put your renewal date on the calendar.

The bottom line

Getting a permit isn't complicated. It's mostly paperwork and patience. Once you know what your state requires, the rest is just checking boxes.

And once you have it, you'll have more options than you do today: carrying legally at home, and in the states that honor your permit. (Before you travel, see our road-trip checklist.)

Note: This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change; check your state's official resources.

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