Source: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/la-gun-laws/
Timestamp: 2020-01-25 03:03:31
Document Index: 18662142

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 40', '§ 56', '§ 95', '§ 32', '§ 40', '§ 40', '§ 40', '§ 14', '§ 56', '§ 11', '§ 40', '§ 40', '§ 95', '§ 50']

Louisiana Concealed Carry Gun Laws | USCCA CCW Reciprocity Map (Last Updated 01/10/2020)
Louisiana	Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
Instagram Updated: 2020-01-10
Carry allowed with my Louisiana permit?
Summary of Louisiana Gun Laws
Louisiana is a shall-issue state. Concealed weapons permits are processed at the state level by the Department of Public Safety.
Open carry is legal in Louisiana without a permit for any adult that is not prohibited from carrying a firearm. Although Louisiana state law indicates 17 as the minimum age, federal law dictates the minimum age as 18 years old. Some areas are off-limits, including parades and bars.
Concealed carry is legal with a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) or a permit/license from a state recognized by Louisiana. CHPs are available for residents only; non-resident permits are not available. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of LA and complete a firearms training course. There are exemptions for non-residents who are in the military and have a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. In terms of reciprocity, Louisiana honors permits issued by states that recognize Louisiana permits.
Louisiana is a Castle Doctrine state with a ” stand your ground” statute. In Louisiana, deadly force is legal when preventing a forcible crime against you or a forcible crime or trespass against your property. This is provided that the force or violence used is reasonable and apparently necessary to prevent the crime. The law applies if you are lawfully inside a dwelling, a place of business or a motor vehicle when the conflict began, it is against a person who is attempting to make an unlawful entry or who has made an unlawful entry, and you reasonably believe that the force or violence is necessary to prevent the entry or to compel the intruder to leave. There is no duty to retreat before using force or violence and a person may meet force with force.
Louisiana Gun Laws at a Glance
Does Louisiana allow constitutional carry?
No. Louisiana does not recognize concealed carry.
Is open carry permitted in Louisiana?
[La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1382(A)]
If Louisiana requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Louisiana is a shall-issue state.
What is the minimum age in Louisiana to get a concealed carry permit?
You must be at least 21 years old to concealed carry in Louisiana.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Louisiana with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. A Louisiana concealed carry permit only allows for the carrying of handguns.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Louisiana?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Louisiana?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Louisiana.
Does Louisiana issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID.
Does Louisiana allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No. The public cannot access the Louisiana concealed carry registry.
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Louisiana?
Yes. Per the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Concealed Handguns Frequently Asked Questions, under most circumstances, carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle is legal in Louisiana.
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Louisiana?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Louisiana?
Yes, with a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit or a permit from a state Louisiana recognizes.
[La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1691]
Can you carry a firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Louisiana?
Yes, but not in the bar area, with a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit or a permit from a state Louisiana recognizes, unless posted. Based on the Louisiana State Police website, for purposes of concealed handgun law, a permittee is considered under the influence of alcohol when a blood alcohol reading of .05% or greater by weight of alcohol in the blood is obtained, or a blood or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a CDS.
[La. Rev. Stat. § 95:5]
Does Louisiana have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
No property owner, tenant, public or private employer, or business entity shall prohibit any person who lawfully possesses a firearm from transporting or storing a firearm in a locked, privately-owned motor vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage, or other designated parking area. However, firearms must be hidden from plain view or within a locked case or container within the vehicle. This does not apply to properties where the possession of firearms is prohibited under state or federal law.
[La. Rev. Stat. § 32:292.1]
Are you required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Louisiana?
Yes. By Louisiana state law, you must notify police that you are carrying a concealed weapon.
[La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(I)(2)]
Does Louisiana have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. Louisiana places no restrictions on capacity for handgun magazines.
Does Louisiana have ammunition restrictions?
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Louisiana? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.
Does Louisiana have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes. There is statewide preemption of all gun laws.
[La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 40:1796]
Does Louisiana have a red flag law?
No. Louisiana law contains no Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) legislation.
Does Louisiana state law define brandishing?
No. However, negligent carrying of a concealed handgun is the intentional or criminally negligent carrying by any person when it is foreseeable that the handgun may discharge, or when others are placed in reasonable apprehension that the handgun may discharge, or when the handgun is being carried, brandished or displayed under circumstances that create a reasonable apprehension on the part of members of the public or a law enforcement official that a crime is being committed or is about to be committed.
[La. Rev. Stat. 40:1382]
Carry While Using Alcohol or a Controlled Dangerous Substance?
Does Louisiana have laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance?
Not while under the influence of alcohol (BAC of 0.05 or greater) or a controlled dangerous substance (when a blood test or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in L.R.S. 40:961 and 40:964).
[La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(I)(1)]
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Louisiana?
No. You do not need a permit to buy a handgun in Louisiana.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Louisiana?
Louisiana Permit Exempts from Background Check?
Does my current Louisiana concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Yes. Five-year concealed handgun permits issued on or after March 9, 2015 qualify. Lifetime permits do not qualify.
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Louisiana?
No. There is no waiting period to purchase a handgun in Louisiana.
Do handguns need to be registered in Louisiana?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Louisiana.
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Louisiana?
You must be at least 17 years old to transport or possess a handgun in Louisiana.
[LRS § 14:95.8]
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Louisiana?
Can you concealed carry while bowhunting in Louisiana?
Yes. Bow hunters may carry any caliber of firearm on their person, while hunting with a bow.
[R.S. 56:116.1 (E)]
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Louisiana?
Yes. No person shall engage in any of the following activities on lands or waters managed by the state or upon private lands or waters where a hunter, trapper, or fisherman has been given permission by the owner or his agent to take wild animals:
Interfere with the lawful taking of a wild animal by a hunter, trapper, or fisherman or interfere with the process of taking, with intent to prevent the taking.
Disturb a wild animal, or engage in any activity or place any object or substance that will tend to disturb or otherwise affect the behavior of a wild animal, with intent to prevent or hinder its lawful taking.
Disturb any hunter, trapper, or fisherman who is engaged in the lawful taking of a wild animal or who is engaged in the process of taking, with intent to dissuade or otherwise prevent the taking, or to prevent such person's enjoyment of the outdoors.
Enter or remain upon state-managed lands or waters or upon private lands or waters with intent to violate the provisions of this Section.
Enter or remain upon any private property, including nonnavigable water, owned by another through the use of a floating duck blind or any other float or boat used for the purpose of hunting migratory waterfowl without the express, written permission of the landowner, lessee, lessor, or hunting club or organization authorized to hunt on the land.
[LRS § 56:648.1]
The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny."
ARTICLE 1, § 11
Louisiana Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Louisiana honor?
North Dakota (at least 21 years old)
Louisiana honors permits issued by states that recognize Louisiana permits. The minimum age to conceal carry is 21 years old.
Other States' Reciprocity With Louisiana
Which states honor permits from Louisiana?
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Louisiana
Louisiana offers resident and non-resident permits. “Resident only” indicates the states below only honor Louisiana resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
Wisconsin (issued/renewed on or after 3/9/2015)
Have completed a firearms training course;
Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor in this or any other state relating to a controlled dangerous substance within the last 5 years;
Not have been convicted of a crime of violence within the last 5 years;
Not have been convicted of a crime of violence or any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of 1 year or greater. However, a person who has been convicted of a violation of 18 U.S.C. 491(a) shall be permitted to qualify for a concealed handgun permit if 15 or more years have elapsed;
Not have a history of engaging in violent behavior (there is a rebuttable presumption that an applicant has a history of engaging in violent behavior upon proof that, within the last 10 years, the applicant has, on 3 or more occasions, been arrested for or charged with any “crime of violence,” or has on 2 or more occasions been arrested for or charged with any crime of violence punishable by death);
Not have had a permit revoked within 4 years prior to the most recent application;
Not have had a permit denied within 1 year prior to the most recent application;
Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, depressants, stimulants or narcotic drugs;
Not have been adjudicated to be mentally deficient or been committed to a mental institution (unless the applicant’s right to possess a firearm has been legally restored);
Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States; and
Initial permits and renewals - $125 (65 years and older or active duty military personnel - $62.50)
Lifetime permits - $500.00 (65 years and older or active duty military personnel - $250.00)
*Note Louisiana exempts HONORABLY DISCHARGED veterans of the U.S. armed forces from all fees associated with 5-year or lifetime concealed handgun permits. This Act doesn’t affect currently active military personnel. Active duty personnel remain eligible to receive the half price discount with a copy of your most recent orders.
*Note If any applicant has not continuously resided in Louisiana for the past 15 years an additional $50.00 fee is required (HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS ONLY are exempt from this fee).
No state law on file
Link to application packet/form
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. The process is the same as for residents.
Any permittee must notify the Department of any address or name change within 30 days of the change. Failure to timely notify the department of a name or address change may result in suspension of the permit for up to 30 days.
Complete the online change of address form.
If your permit is lost or stolen, you need to notify the Concealed Handgun Permit Unit in a notarized written statement completely describing the loss or theft. Include a copy of any police reports made pertaining to this matter. A new permit will be mailed to your address of record.
Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit
Firearms Training Requirements in Louisiana
An applicant shall demonstrate competence with a handgun by any one of the following:
Completion of any National Rifle Association handguns safety or training course conducted by a National Rifle Association certified instructor;
Completion of any Department of Public Safety and Corrections approved firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school;
Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
Completion of small arms training while serving with the Armed Forces of the United States of America as evidenced by a DD-214 or service record evidence of having successfully completed small arms training and qualification.
The National Rifle Association’s personal protection course.
Refresher training is required for all permit renewal applications.
Find a Gun Range in Louisiana.
Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit
Permit holders will be notified in writing at their address of record, approximately 120 days prior to the expiration of the permit. The renewal application should be returned to the Department no less than 90 days prior to the expiration of the permit to allow sufficient time for processing. A renewal application must be submitted within 60 days of the expiration date. If the permit expired over 60 days, a new permit application is required.
Complete firearms refresher training within one year of renewal. All applicants shall demonstrate competence with a handgun by attending a course taught by a department approved instructor consisting of the following:
1. instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures for a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol;
2. instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting;
3. instruction on handgun shooting positions;
4. instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution which shall include a review of Louisiana R.S. 14:18-14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to use of deadly force;
5. instruction on child access prevention; and
6. actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures:
a. live range fire shall include at a minimum 12 rounds each at 6 feet, 10 feet and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds;
b. each applicant or permittee shall perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance;
c. each applicant or permittee shall score 100 percent hits within the silhouette portion of an N.R.A. B-27 type silhouette target with at least 36 rounds.
Apply for a renewal permit in one of the following ways:
Complete and submit the new online Concealed Handgun Permit Application;
Download the application from the State Police website and complete the instructions found on pages one and two of the application; or
Request an application via telephone at (225) 925-4867.
Complete the renewal application, and submit the following:
A photocopy of your driver's license; and
Online applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submission of their application and another email upon acceptance of their application. The acceptance email will contain a link to submit a credit card payment. If payment is not made within 30 days, the application will be purged from the system and will require a new submission to proceed.
Louisiana Rev. Stat. §§ 40:1379.1.3 and 1.4 establish the state requirements for LEOs and RLEOs to carry under LEOSA. The statutes indicate that once qualified, the officers may carry a concealed firearm anywhere in the state, including any place open to the public. Annual firearm qualification is conducted by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST). The POST procedures state that if a retired officer was certified at the time of retirement and has not experienced a five-year break in full-time law enforcement service, the officer need only qualify with his weapon. If the retired officer failed to maintain his firearms qualification, he must successfully complete the Pre-Academy Firearms Course as prescribed by POST. POST has over 600 certified firearms instructors across the state.
RLEO Handgun Qualification Procedures and Form
Louisiana Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Louisiana?
Carry in restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, in the restaurant area only, provided you are not under the influence (See the At A Glance table).
Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Louisiana?
Any school campus, school bus or within 1000' of a school;
A law enforcement office, station or building;
A detention facility, prison or jail;
Any portion of an airport facility where the carrying of firearms is prohibited under federal law, except that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal, if the firearm is encased for shipment for the purpose of checking such firearm as lawful baggage;
Any church, synagogue, mosque or similar place of worship, unless permission is received;
A parade or demonstration for which a permit was issued by a governmental entity;
A private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person;
Any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises (for restaurants with bars, the bar areas are off-limits);
Designated gaming areas of casinos other than for full-time commissioned law enforcement officers who are on duty and within their respective jurisdiction or on-duty gaming security personnel who are licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners [La. Rev. State 42:17.2905]; and
La. Rev. Stat. §§ 40:1379.3(N) & (O)
FAQ: Louisiana Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Louisiana?
It is legal to own and open or concealed carry any knife in Louisiana, except that it is not legal to conceal carry an automatic switchblade or any other automatic knife. Knives may not be carried on the property of elementary, secondary, high schools, vocational technical schools, school buses and school functions/activities. The City of Shreveport prohibits possession of weapons at government facilities and facilities owned by the City.
[LRS 14, § 95(4)(a), 95.2 & Shreveport Code § 50-135.2]
Related Information & Links for Louisiana Gun Laws
LA State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Unit Information
LA State Police Concealed Handgun Permit FAQ
Louisiana Gun Laws Updates:
Removed school from Where I Can't Carry section due to enactment of HB 602 based on member's info (Thanks!). Permitholders are now exempt from this gun-free zone.
Added initial CCW law and reciprocity information for Louisiana