Gun Control: States' Laws and Requirements for Concealed Carry Permits Vary across the Nation
Released: 2012-07-17T00:00:00


Highlights: section_title: Why GAO Did This Study
paragraphs: According to state reporting to GAO, there were at least 8 million active permits to carry concealed handguns in the United States as of December 31, 2011. States and local authorities control the issuance of concealed carry permits. Applicants who wish to obtain such permits are required to meet certain state eligibility requirements, such as minimum age and the lack of a felony conviction. States also decide which other states’ permits to honor. Typically, states enter into reciprocity agreements that establish which out of- state permit holders can carry concealed firearms within each state. In recent years, Members of Congress have introduced legislation that would require each issuing state to recognize any permit. GAO was asked to provide information on the status of concealed carry permitting. This report describes (1) the extent to which states allow concealed carry permits, and how select states’ eligibility requirements and recognition of other states’ permits differ, (2) what processes select states use to help ensure they revoke permits when holders no longer meet eligibility requirements, and (3) how law enforcement officials in select states determine whether permits they encounter are current and valid. GAO gathered information on the number of permits, laws, issuing authorities, and reciprocity agreements for 50 states and the District of Columbia, and conducted a case study on 9 states that issue permits. GAO selected these states to reflect differences among states’ eligibility requirements, state reciprocity of permits, and permit issuing processes; the results cannot be generalized across all states but provide a broad understanding of the different requirements and processes states utilized in issuing permits.

section_title: What GAO Found
paragraphs: The number of states allowing concealed carry permits is increasing, and states broadly differ in eligibility requirements and the extent to which they have reciprocity agreements. In June 2002, 7 states and the District of Columbia prohibited the concealed carry of handguns. As of March 2012, individuals can carry concealed handguns in all but 1 state (Illinois) and the District of Columbia. “Shall-issue” states—in which issuing authorities are required to issue a permit to an applicant that fulfills the objective statutory criteria— generally issue more permits than states with greater discretion in granting permits (“may-issue” states). Because of differing eligibility requirements, some states would issue a permit to an applicant, while others would not. For example, some states define what constitutes a disqualifying felony differently or have different firearms training requirements. As of March 2012, 39 states that issue permits and Vermont (permits not required) recognize concealed carry permits from other states. Of the 9 states that do not grant reciprocity, 8 are may-issue states.

Issuing authorities from all 9 states included in GAO’s case study stated that they take action to confirm an individual’s continued eligibility to hold a permit as part of the permit renewal process; and issuing authorities from 8 of these 9 states reported using mechanisms to monitor resident permit holders’ continued eligibility between issuance and renewal. In these 8 states, issuing authorities told GAO that they are notified if a permit holder commits a disqualifying act within their state through law enforcement or state databases. After detecting a disqualifying criminal offense or other disqualifying factors, each of the 9 states begins the revocation process by notifying the permit holder. The states have varying retrieval processes, and 3 of them have authority to impose a penalty for failure to surrender a revoked permit or continuing to possess one. Law enforcement in the 9 case study states that issue permits told GAO that when encountering permits, such as during routine traffic stops, they visually check them and can take additional steps, such as checking state databases, as needed, to determine whether the permits are current and valid.

Law enforcement in the 9 case study states that issue permits told GAO that when encountering permits, such as during routine traffic stops, they visually check them and can take additional steps, such as checking state databases, as needed, to determine whether the permits are current and valid.

section_title: Letter
paragraphs: In 2010, approximately 118 million handguns were available for sale to, or  were possessed by, civilians in the United States. States regulate if,  where, and how their residents can carry handguns—openly or  concealed. According to state reporting, there were approximately 8  million active concealed carry permits in the United States as of  December 31, 2011. Through the years, gun rights and gun control  advocates have debated the efficacy of carrying a concealed handgun  and constitutionality of the right to carry a concealed handgun. The  debates have included such issues as who may legally carry a concealed  handgun and where the concealed handgun may be legally carried (i.e.,  state parks, government buildings, public arenas, etc.), among other  issues. State and local authorities control the issuance of concealed carry   Applicants who wish to obtain such permits are required to meet  permits.certain state eligibility requirements. For example, in many states, a  person must be at least 21 years old and not have any felony convictions  to receive a permit. Currently, state law determines whether and to what  degree to honor other states’ permits. Typically, states enter into  reciprocity agreements that establish which out-of-state permit holders  can carry concealed firearms within each state. Congress has considered  the issue of concealed carry permitting and the concept of national  reciprocity. Most recently, Members of the 112th Congress have  proposed legislation that would address certain aspects of concealed  carry permitting as well as national reciprocity. Proposed legislation  currently pending in Congress would provide national reciprocity or allow  individuals that have a concealed carry permit issued from one state to be  eligible to carry a concealed weapon in any other state that issues  concealed carry permits. Other proposed legislation would require states  to have minimum standards for the process of issuing concealed carry  permits as well as minimum eligibility requirements to attain a permit.  Both gun rights and gun control advocates have raised concerns with a  variety of proposed legislation related to concealed carry permitting and  national reciprocity. In this context, you requested that we provide  information on the status of concealed carry permitting. Accordingly, this  report describes  the extent to which states allow concealed carry permits, and how  select states’ eligibility requirements and laws regarding recognition of  other states’ permits differ;  the processes select states use to help ensure they revoke permits  when holders no longer meet eligibility requirements; and how law enforcement officials in select states determine whether  permits they encounter are current and valid.

To answer these objectives, we contacted 48 states to obtain information  on the number of valid concealed carry permits, denials, and revocations  in each state. Further, we gathered information for 50 states and the  District of Columbia on their permit issuing laws (as they were as of  March 2012), issuing authorities, and reciprocity agreements, among  other things.  Moreover, we conducted a case study on 9 of the 50  states—Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland,  Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia—which we selected to reflect differing  state eligibility requirements, state reciprocity of permits, and permit-  issuing processes. From these states, we obtained and analyzed state  data and information for 2011 on their eligibility requirements for issuing  permits, procedures for monitoring permit holders’ continued eligibility,  and the number of permits issued and revoked. In the 9 states included in  our case study that issue permits, we also interviewed state and local  officials responsible for issuing permits to obtain information on applicable  laws and procedures for issuing, monitoring, and revoking permits, and  entering into reciprocity agreements. In addition, we interviewed state and  local law enforcement officials in these states to obtain information on  processes they use to determine whether permits are valid when needed.  The results from our case studies cannot be generalized across all states.  However, the information obtained from these case studies provides a  broad understanding of the different requirements and processes states  utilize in issuing permits. To assess the reliability of the data and  information, we asked the states about the systems they use to track the  data, any steps taken to verify accuracy, and any limitations to the data.  Our analysis was largely dependent on the availability of state data on the  number of concealed carry permits. In some cases, statewide data were  not available, and in other cases only data from certain time periods were  available. As a result of these limitations, we determined that the data  were sufficiently reliable solely to illustrate a minimum number of total  active permits and approximate number of state-specific permits.

In addition, we obtained information from and interviewed federal officials  with firearms-related experience and law enforcement responsibilities— the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). We obtained information from and  interviewed FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division  officials on their federal databases that states query when screening  concealed carry permit applicants’ criminal history backgrounds. We  obtained information and interviewed ATF headquarters officials and field  special agents on their experience with and perspectives on state  concealed carry permits. We also interviewed non-governmental groups  representing a cross section of different views on concealed carry permit  issues to gain an understanding of the historical context on these issues.Appendix II contains a more detailed discussion of our objectives, scope,  and methodology.

We conducted our work from August 2011 through July 2012 in  accordance with all sections of GAO’s Quality Assurance Framework that  are relevant to our objectives. The framework requires that we plan and  perform the engagement to obtain sufficient and appropriate evidence to  meet our stated objectives and to discuss any limitations in our work. We  believe that the information and data obtained, and the analysis  conducted, provide a reasonable basis for any findings in this product.
subsections: section_title: Background
subsections: section_title: State Concealed Carry Laws
paragraphs: States’ concealed carry laws can allow handgun owners, under certain  conditions, to carry a loaded handgun either concealed on a person, in a  vehicle, or in public. “Concealed carry” means a person may carry a  handgun in a manner so that others cannot see the handgun. Generally,  these laws apply to handguns—i.e. pistols and revolvers; therefore, for  the purposes of this report, we use this category to define firearms.  States can allow civilians to carry a concealed handgun with or without a  permit. Generally, states regulate whether individuals can carry handguns  in public places such as schools, government buildings, and state and  national parks, among other restricted places.

States can be classified into one of the following four categories based on  their concealed carry laws:

No-issue: The state does not permit residents or nonresidents to carry  concealed handguns.

May-issue: The state applies discretion in granting permits to carry  concealed handguns.

Shall-issue: Issuing authorities are required to issue a permit to an  applicant that fulfills the objective statutory criteria if no statutory  reason for denial exists.

Permit not required: States do not require a permit to carry a  concealed handgun.

State laws also define which entities issue permits in their state. For  example, some states have delegated the authority to issue permits to a  single issuing authority (sometimes referred to as a centralized system),  such as departments of public safety, while other states have multiple  issuing authorities (referred to as a decentralized system), such as local  law enforcement and local courts. There are also states with a mixture of  both centralized and decentralized systems. Of the 48 states that issue  concealed carry permits (2 states do not issue permits—Illinois and  Vermont), 20 states have centralized issuing authorities that process all  applications and issue all permits for their state. Another 23 states have  decentralized issuing authorities that process applications and issue  permits at the jurisdictional level. The remaining 5 states use a combination  of centralized and decentralized issuing authorities. These states generally  utilize decentralized authorities for residents and a centralized authority for  nonresidents (see app. III for a list of states’ issuing authorities).

section_title: Federal Role
paragraphs: There is no federal law specifically addressing the issuance of concealed  carry permits at the state level. While the FBI does not have a direct role  in the issuance of concealed carry permits, the FBI serves as a source for  criminal history background information. States may contact the FBI to  obtain national criminal history records, if any, on applicants who apply for  a concealed carry permit, but checking with the FBI prior to issuing a  state permit is not required by federal law. Generally, states request  name-based background checks from the FBI CJIS Division’s National  Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to help them make a  determination about who is prohibited from receiving or possessing a  handgun and thus prohibited from obtaining a concealed carry permit.  During the course of a NICS background check, the applicant’s  descriptive information is checked against three computerized systems to  determine if the person is eligible to obtain the handgun. Those systems  include the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the Interstate  Identification Index (III), and the NICS Index. If the applicant indicates  that he or she is not a U.S. citizen, a query is generated against the  immigration and naturalization databases maintained by the Department  of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ATF  is the primary agency that enforces federal firearms laws regulating the  commerce of firearms in the United States.

Although the federal government does not have a direct role in the  issuance of concealed carry, there is federal law making it unlawful for  individuals to receive or possess a handgun if they  (1) have been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by  imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year;  (2) are fugitives from justice;  (3) are unlawful drug users or are addicted to any controlled  substance;  (4) have been adjudicated as mental defective or have been  committed to a mental institution;  (5) are aliens illegally or unlawfully in the United States, or certain  other aliens admitted under a nonimmigrant visa;  (6) have been discharged from the Armed Forces under  dishonorable conditions;  (7) have renounced their U.S. citizenship;  (8) are the subject of certain types of a qualifying restraining order  of a court; or  (9) have been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of  domestic violence.

section_title: State Eligibility Restrictions
paragraphs: In practice, state determinations about eligibility to obtain concealed carry  permits depend largely upon a person’s criminal history. When  determining who should receive a concealed carry permit, generally  states use eligibility prohibitors that are similar to the federal eligibility  restrictions that apply for possessing or receiving a handgun. For  example, persons convicted of a felony, the subject of certain types of  orders of protection, or who have been committed to a mental institution  are disqualified from receiving a concealed carry permit in many states.

section_title: States Allowing Concealed Carry Permits Have Increased, but Eligibility Requirements and Extent of Reciprocity Differ
paragraphs: Since 2002, more states are required by law to issue permits and more  permits have been issued to eligible applicants, although some states still  maintain discretion in determining who receives permits. States can issue  to either residents of the state only or to both residents and nonresidents,  depending on state law. Because eligibility requirements differ, an  individual could obtain a permit in one state but not another. In addition,  the number of states that recognize other states’ permits has grown since  2002, but some states do not recognize any other states’ permits.
subsections: section_title: Since 2002, More States Required to Issue Permits to Eligible Applicants, though Some States Have Discretion in Who Receives a Permit
subsections: section_title: More States Are Granting Permits
paragraphs: Over time, more states have changed their concealed carry laws either  from no-issue or may-issue to shall-issue, as shown in table 1 below.

Figure 1 below shows changes in issue designation, by state, for 2002  and 2012. See app. IV for a list of issue designation by state).

Shall-issue states generally issue more permits than may-issue states  relative to the state population. (See app. V for information on the  approximate number of active permits by state as of December 31, 2011.)  Of the 48 states that issue permits, 45 provided us with permit  information. The top 5 states by ratio of active permits issued to the adult  population (20 years or older) are shall-issue states—Utah, Iowa, South  Dakota, Georgia, and Indiana. The ratio of active permits relative to  adult population in Georgia and South Dakota (shall-issue states) is  approximately 9 percent and 11 percent respectively, while the same ratio  in California and Maryland (may-issue states) is approximately 0.1  percent and 0.3 percent respectively.profiles (see apps. III, IV, and V for detailed information on each state).

section_title: Interactive graphic Figure 2: State Concealed Carry Permits Profile 2011
paragraphs: Move mouse over the name of each state for its concealed carry information.

Mont.

Vt.

Wisc.

S.Dak.

Wyo.

Mich.

Nebr.

Ill.

Del.

Colo.

W.VA.

Kans.

Mo.

Ky.

D.C.

N.C.

Okla.

N.Mex.

Ark.

Miss.

Ala.

Ga.

La.

If applicants do not meet states’ eligibility requirements, issuing  authorities may deny the applicant a permit. Of the 45 states that reported  permit information, 36 stated that they track denials and 29 provided  some common reasons for the denials. For example, in 2011, Louisiana  reported that the state denied approximately 400 permits and issued  12,000 concealed handgun permits (this includes original and renewal)  citing failure to provide information within the specified time frames as  required by the state as a common cause of denial. Likewise, Florida  reported that from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, the state issued  approximately 124,000 concealed carry permits (this includes original),  and denied approximately 2,000 permits. Like Louisiana officials, Florida  officials identified failure to provide required information, such as proof of  citizenship and legible fingerprint cards, as common reasons for denial.

Authorities in 26 states (10 may-issue and 16 shall-issue) that grant  permits have discretion in making permit decisions. While 10 may-issue  states have broad discretion in making permit decisions, authorities in 16  shall-issue states have limited discretion in making permit decisions, if no  statutory reason for denial exists. In Virginia (a shall-issue state), for  example, issuing authorities stated that they can deny individuals whom  the court finds are likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to  endanger others, based on a preponderance of the evidence. Similarly,  in Georgia (a shall-issue state), issuing authorities noted that applicants  are subject to denial if the issuing authority determines, among other  things, that the applicant is not of good moral character. However, both  Virginia and Georgia officials told us that although they have the  discretion to deny a permit based on the factors mentioned above, it is  rarely utilized.

In the 10 may-issue states, issuing authorities may issue a permit to  eligible individuals after considering additional requirements, such as the  applicant’s history and personal character. For example, Maryland issues  permits to residents who, on the basis of an investigation, can  demonstrate a good and substantial reason for needing a permit, and  Maryland’s issuing authority is responsible for making the determination  of what constitutes a good and substantial reason. For example, in one  instance, Maryland’s issuing authority denied a permit to a community  activist working in anti-drug and anti-crime programs because, although  the activist claimed that people had told him that others had made threats  of bodily harm against him, the activist could not provide the names of the  persons who had made the threats and had not reported any assaults. In  upholding the denial on appeal, the issuing authority explained that a  good and substantial reason should include additional evidence, rather  than be based solely on personal anxiety or concern about  unsubstantiated threats. Similarly, issuing authorities in California use  discretion to determine if the applicant is of good moral character, and  good cause exists for the issuance of the permit.authorities in California (local law enforcement) told us that an example of  a good cause is a business owner who may regularly retain cash on-hand  used to pay employees. The issuing authorities of the 2 may-issue states  in our case study also conduct additional detailed investigations (e.g.,  physical verification of residency, reviews of applicants’ financial history,  and in-person interviews, etc.) of permit applicants. For example,  Maryland’s issuing authority sends local law enforcement to an  applicant’s neighborhood or place of business to verify the applicant’s  address and help decide whether to issue a permit, according to the  Maryland State Police. Likewise, several of the issuing authorities in  California that we interviewed noted that they hold face-to-face interviews  with applicants when determining permit eligibility.

Of the 48 states that issue permits, 22 states’ laws allow for authorities to  issue only to residents of their state, while 26 allow for issuance to both  residents and nonresidents. State laws allow issuing authorities to issue  permits to nonresidents in 10 of these 26 states on a limited basis. For  example, the issuing authorities in California may issue permits to  nonresidents whose principal place of employment or business is within  the state. The remaining 16 states do not have such limitations. See  appendix VI for a listing of states that issue nonresident permits and the  number of permits issued as of December 31, 2011.

section_title: States’ Eligibility Requirements Differ; Thus Some States Would Issue a Permit to an Applicant and Others Would Not
paragraphs: While the majority of states share some common eligibility requirements  for qualifying an individual for a concealed carry permit, such as firearms  safety training and being at least 21 years of age, the 9 states included in  our case study that issue permits define certain eligibility requirements  very differently, which can affect who is granted a permit (see app. I for  individual state summaries in our case study). States disqualify  individuals convicted of a felony, but these 9 states differed in defining  what crimes constitute a felony (i.e., a particular crime could be a felony  in a particular state, but a misdemeanor in another). For example, in  Virginia, certain types of larceny are considered Class 6 felonies and  would disqualify an individual convicted of these crimes from being   If an individual either takes money  eligible for a concealed carry permit.or an item worth at least $5 directly from a person, or takes goods valued  at $200 or more not directly from a person, he or she could be convicted  of a Class 6 felony in Virginia. Alternatively, in Tennessee, if an individual  commits a crime of theft of property or services that is valued at $500 or  less, it would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor and the individual  would remain eligible for a concealed carry permit. Thus, permit  applicants who have committed a particular crime could be eligible to  receive a permit in some states, but not in others.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 40:1379.3(C)(8). specifically disqualify applicants who suffer from a mental or physical  infirmity, while the other 6 states in our case study that issue permits do  not. Similarly, Texas and Tennessee disqualify applicants for  delinquency on child support. The other 7 states in our case study that  issue permits did not cite this as a factor for denial or revocation. See  table 2 below for a listing of state disqualifiers for the 9 states included in  our case study.

The laws of 8 of the 9 states we examined that issue permits also require  applicants to complete training related to firearms safety to qualify for a  permit; however, the training requirements differ considerably. These  requirements range from a list of approved training courses with no  specified curriculum to a prescriptive state curriculum that can include a  combination of classroom and live fire proficiency testing, which table 3  illustrates (also see app. I for state summaries):  Further, differences in the information required by issuing authorities for  eligibility determination exist not only between states but within states.  Issuing authorities in some decentralized states augment their application  process with additional requirements, which means the steps an  individual must take to get a permit will vary by jurisdiction. For example,  the issuing authority in one of the California counties we interviewed  reported that it requires applicants to have three letters of reference  before considering applicants for a permit. Other California counties in our  review do not have this requirement. In another example, in Virginia, a  shall-issue state, the decision of requiring applicants to submit fingerprints  was left to the discretion of each issuing authority, however this discretion  has been removed by the Virginia legislature effective July 1, 2012.

section_title: Majority of States Recognize Permits of at Least 20 Other States; May- Issue States Generally Do Not Grant Reciprocity
paragraphs: As of March 2012, 39 of the 48 states that issue permits and Vermont allow  concealed carry, and recognize permits from other states. Of these, the  number of other states whose permits they recognize varies, as follows:

7 states recognize permits issued in 1 to 19 states,

17 states recognize permits issued in 20 to 39 states, and

15 states recognize permits issued in 40 or more states—of these, 13  states recognize permits issued in all 47 other states that issue permits.

Vermont does not require a permit to carry concealed handguns and  does not issue permits (residents and nonresidents can carry  concealed handguns).

The other 9 states that issue permits do not recognize permits issued  from other states; 8 of these states are may-issue states. In addition,  Illinois and the District of Columbia do not allow concealed carrying of  handguns or issue permits, nor do they recognize other states’ permits.

Over the last 10 years, shall-issue states have increasingly honored more  states’ permits. For example, Georgia honored 12 states’ permits in 2002,  but increased that number to 26 by 2012. Similarly, Louisiana honored 5  states’ permits in 2002, but honored 38 states’ permits as of March 2012.  Figure 3 shows which states’ permits each state will recognize (see app.  VII for a listing by state).

section_title: Interactive graphic Figure 3: State Reciprocity as of March 2012
paragraphs: Move mouse over the black and teal circle in each state to see carry permit information for states.

Mont.

N.Dak.

Minn.

Vt.

N.H.

Wisc.

S.Dak.

N.Y.

Mass.

Wyo.

Mich.

Pa.

R.I. Conn.

Nebr.

N.J.

Ill.

Ind.

W.VA.

Colo.

Del. Md.

Kans.

Mo.

Va.

Ky.

D.C.

N.C.

Tenn.

Okla.

N.Mex.

Ark.

S.C.

Miss.

Ala.

Ga.

La.

Tex.

Fla.

In general, shall-issue states recognize permits from more states than  may-issue states. For example, Texas honors the permits of 40 states,  while 32 states honor Texas permits; and Arizona and Tennessee honor  the permits of 47 states, while 35 states honor Arizona permits, and 37  honor Tennessee permits. Alternatively, may-issue states do not  generally grant reciprocity. Of the 10 may-issue states, Alabama and  Delaware are the only states whose laws allow for recognition of permits   States may not grant reciprocity for a number of  issued by other states.reasons. For example, states may require that eligibility requirements are  similar to those of their own state, or that similar background checks are  conducted on permit applicants; if this is not the case, they are unlikely to  enter into a reciprocity agreement. For the 9 states included in our case  study, state laws prescribe the criteria for recognizing other states’  permits, as discussed below.

Tennessee and Arizona (shall-issue states), as required by law, will  recognize permits issued in any other state.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(r), (recognizing that a facially valid handgun permit,  firearms permit, weapons permit or license issued by another state is valid in Tennessee  according to its terms and is treated as if it is a handgun permit issued by Tennessee;  provided, however, this is not construed to authorize the holder of any out-of-state permit  or license to carry any firearm or weapon other than a handgun within the state). Ariz.  Rev. Stat. § 13-3112(Q) (recognizing concealed weapon permits issued by other states if  the permit is recognized as valid in the issuing state, and the permit holder is legally  present in Arizona and not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm in Arizona).  However, even when these requirements are met, a person with a permit from another  state may not carry a concealed weapon in Arizona if the person is under 21 years of age,  or is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a felony in any jurisdiction, unless the  conviction has been expunged, set aside or vacated, or the person’s rights have been  restored pursuant to Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3112(S).

Fla. Stat. Ann. § 790.015. criminal history databases that make up NICS when screening  applicants for a concealed carry permit.

Virginia (a shall-issue state) law allows for recognition of permits  issued only in states that provide the means for validation of a permit  24 hours a day, among other things.

California and Maryland (may-issue states) alternatively, by law, do  not recognize permits issued in any other state.

States also have the ability to rescind reciprocity agreements, particularly  if reciprocal states make changes to their concealed carry laws or  requirements. For example, according to a Florida issuing authority  official, Nevada no longer recognizes Florida permits because the time  between renewals, and subsequent background checks, was changed  from 5 to 7 years in 2009, and thus deemed too long for Nevada’s  standards.

Currently, permit holders who want to carry concealed during their travel  to or through other states must know which states will recognize their  permits or else they must obtain a nonresident permit in the state they are  traveling to or through. This can be challenging since state laws change  regularly and permit holders may not always be aware of the most recent  changes, though state websites post information on whose permits they  honor. For example, because of a recent change in Louisiana’s  reciprocity laws, while Louisiana recognizes nonresident permits issued in  other states, Louisiana residents can no longer use a nonresident permit  from another state to carry a concealed weapon in Louisiana.

section_title: Select States Reported Monitoring if Certain Permits Should Be Revoked and Having Processes to Revoke Them when Needed
paragraphs: All 9 states in our case study reported reconfirming permit holders’  eligibility at renewal, and 8 reported having mechanisms to monitor  eligibility between issuance and renewal. These 9 states utilize similar  methods to revoke permits, provide for an appeal process, and use  varying processes to retrieve revoked permits.
subsections: section_title: Select States Reported Having Mechanisms to Monitor Continued Eligibility
paragraphs: Issuing authorities from all 9 states included in our case study reported  that they take action to confirm an individual’s continued eligibility to hold  a permit as part of the permit renewal process, and 8 of these 9 states  also use mechanisms to monitor resident permit holders’ continued  eligibility between issuance and renewal. As part of this process, issuing  authorities consider the length of time permits are valid. During this  period, they look for any violations committed by the permit holders since  issuance of the permit. The length of time that issuing authorities have to  monitor permits holders generally ranges from 1 to 7 years, as shown in  figure 4, with the majority (38 of 48) of the states that issue permits  having a 4 to 5-year period of validity (see app. V for specific state  information on length of time a permit is valid).

In 8 of the 9 states that issue permits in our case study, issuing  authorities are to be notified if a resident or nonresident permit holder  commits a disqualifying act within their state through law enforcement or  state databases. For example, according to officials from the Virginia  State Police, they monitor their state criminal databases on a daily basis  and receive information from the courts that they use to identify resident  permit holders who commit offenses that would make them ineligible to  hold permits. In such cases, the Virginia State Police is to inform the  state’s local permit issuing authorities via fax when permit holders are  convicted of a criminal offense or commit an act that would make them  ineligible. However, authorities may not be made aware if permit holders  commit disqualifying acts outside of their state until conducting  background checks during the renewal period or if an out-of-state law  enforcement official contacts the state issuing authority. In Florida and  Tennessee, issuing authority officials said that they receive arrest reports  and review the reports for matches against their permit databases, and  when necessary, take appropriate action, such as revoking the permit. In  Arizona, California, Louisiana, Maryland, Texas, and Virginia, issuing  authority officials reported that they receive an automatic alert if permit  holders are arrested within their state, which they refer to as “rap back.”The issuing authorities in these states then review the charges and take  appropriate action, to include revoking of a permit if warranted.

According to FBI officials, in response to user needs including those of  law enforcement for notification of nationwide, subsequent criminal  activity, the FBI is developing a national Rap Back service. Specifically,  through the Next Generation Identification’s (NGI) Rap Back Service of  the FBI CJIS Division, states may have the opportunity to subscribe to  this service and automatically be notified of subsequent arrests across  the United States for crimes committed by permit holders and other  individuals who have had a federal background check. In order for states  to use FBI’s NGI Rap Back, technical and legislative updates may be  required. states by the summer of 2014.

The FBI’s NGI Rap Back Service is expected to be available to  In Georgia, the remaining case study state, the state’s 159 county  probate courts that issue permits in the state could become aware of  disqualifying acts committed by permit holders through other means. For  example, according to Georgia permit issuing authority officials, law  enforcement entities within the issuing county may call the issuing  probate courts of permit holders who have committed disqualifying acts,  which may result in the court revoking the permit. Additionally, probate  court officials could become aware of disqualifying acts committed by  permit holders through other means, such as reading or scanning the  local newspaper and watching local news television broadcasts, which  may result in a revocation.

With respect to legislation, states that wish to use the FBI’s NGI Rap Back services  need legislation requiring concealed carry permit applicants to be fingerprinted and a  background check conducted at the federal level. Further, state legislation would also  have to allow for retention of those fingerprints at the federal level for use in the FBI’s NGI  Rap Back Services.

section_title: Most States Track Revocations, and Select States Use Similar Mechanisms to Revoke Permits and Provide for an Appeals Process
paragraphs: Of the 45 states that reported permitting information, 35 reported that they  track revocation information, such as the number of permits revoked and  the general reasons for the revocations. For the 9 states in our case  study, in 2011, the number of revocations per state ranged from  approximately 30 to 900. All except 1 select state (Georgia) provided data   As shown in table 4, the number  on the number of revocations for 2011.of revocations and issuances vary across the case study states.

Generally, issuing authorities in the 9 states in our case study that issue  permits revoke permits when a permit holder commits a criminal offense,  such as a felony, that would make the individual no longer eligible to hold  a permit. In Virginia, an issuing authority reported that a common reason  for a revocation is if a permit holder is found to be driving under the  influence. In Louisiana, the issuing authority reported that a common  reason for a revocation is if a permit holder failed to notify the department  of public safety of an arrest within 15 days. In Virginia, for example, a  revocation could also be warranted if the permit holder has a noncriminal  prohibition against carrying a concealed firearm, such as being diagnosed  with a mental illness or subject to a domestic violence restraining order.  For example, in Arizona, if a judge orders a permit holder to receive  mental health treatment or a permit holder is involuntarily committed to a  mental health facility, the holder’s permit is revoked.

After detecting a disqualifying criminal offense or other disqualifying  factors, officials from each of the 9 states in our case study that issues  permits reported that they begin the revocation process by notifying the  permit holder through a letter or court order, or in some cases, issuing  authorities send law enforcement to deliver the letter and retrieve the  permit. The letter is to outline the procedures for either appealing the  revocation (if applicable) or physically surrendering the permit. Further, all  9 states in our case study have an appeals process. Some states, such  as Louisiana and Texas, have a suspension process until the appeal  process is completed, final disposition is determined by a court, or the  individual surrenders the permit. For example, when a permit holder is  arrested, the issuing authority is to suspend the permit until the final  disposition has been determined by the court. If the court convicts the  permit holder, the issuing authority is to revoke the permit. For example,  Louisiana offers permit holders the option of providing additional evidence  for the issuing authority to consider as part of its appeals process before  final revocation. Texas offers its permit holders the option of requesting a  hearing to review the denial, suspension, or revocation of their permit.

section_title: Select States Use Different Mechanisms to Retrieve Revoked Permits
paragraphs: As mentioned above, the 9 states in our case study that issue permits  have mechanisms for indicating in their respective systems that a permit  has been revoked. In addition, these states have varying retrieval  processes. For example:  In Arizona, the permit holder is required to surrender a revoked  permit. If the holder does not surrender the permit and is caught by  law enforcement with the revoked permit, the law enforcement officer  is directed to seize the permit and return it to the issuing authority.  In California, although doing so is not a requirement in state law, local  law enforcement officials said that permit holders are asked to  physically return their revoked permit to the issuing authority (a city  police department or sheriff’s department).

Some Georgia issuing authorities send a letter communicating the  court order via certified mail notifying permit holders that their permits  have been revoked and to surrender the permits. If the issuing  authorities do not receive a response, they can send local law  enforcement to retrieve the revoked permit.

Virginia’s issuing authorities use different processes to retrieve  revoked permits. For example, one issuing authority in Virginia sends  local law enforcement to the permit holder’s residence to retrieve the  revoked permit. Another jurisdiction requires the permit holder to  come to the circuit court for a hearing. The judge may charge the  permit holder with contempt if the person does not show up for the  hearing.

Of the 9 states in our case study that issue permits, 3 (Georgia, Maryland,  and Tennessee) reported that they can impose a penalty for failure to  surrender a revoked permit or continuing to possess one. Permit issuing  authority officials in 5 out of the remaining 6 states (Arizona, California,  Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Virginia) said that they were not aware of  any instances where individuals have presented revoked permits to law  enforcement and noted that because revocations are annotated in their  state-wide systems available to law enforcement, law enforcement could  know if someone presented a revoked permit.

section_title: Law Enforcement in Select States Visually Check Permits to Verify Validity, among Other Actions
paragraphs: When encountering an individual with a concealed carry permit, such as  during a routine traffic stop, law enforcement officials in our 9 case study  states that issue permits told us that they visually inspect a permit to  verify its status to ensure it is valid and active. They also have  mechanisms available to further validate the permit, as needed, such as  checking a permit against state databases or contacting state  dispatchers. Law enforcement in these states may take steps to confirm a  permit is valid and active if law enforcement knows a person has a permit  and determines a need to take this action. In Texas, permit holders are  required by law to present their permit when encountering law  enforcement and identification is requested. In addition, in 5 of our case  study states (Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Virginia),  permit holders are required to produce a permit if law enforcement  demands it. For example, in 4 of these states (Louisiana, Tennessee,  Texas, and Virginia), law enforcement could become aware if an  individual had an active permit when running his or her driver’s license, as  permits in these states are linked to the driver’s license system. During  these checks, law enforcement in these states would also receive  information on whether the individual had a permit revoked. Permit  holders may also voluntarily present permits to law enforcement officials  immediately when being pulled over for a traffic stop regardless of state  requirements. While Tennessee law does not require permit holders to  present permits unless requested by law enforcement officers, according  to Tennessee issuing authority officials, firearms safety training required  for all Tennessee permit holders teaches them to do so when  encountering law enforcement.

Generally, law enforcement officials in all 9 case study states said that  when presented with a permit, they would visually inspect the permit to  verify that the permit was current and belonged to the individual. All of  these states have a standardized permit prescribed by state law, which  can make it easier for law enforcement to verify. Further, all of these  states’ permits contain the permit holders’ name, permit expiration date,  and unique permit number—this information assists law enforcement in  verifying whether a permit is current. As shown in table 5, the permits  have other physical features such as a photograph, the date of birth, or a  state seal or hologram, among others.

Law enforcement officials in all 9 case study states said they would not  routinely take additional steps to verify a permit beyond visual inspection  and verifying permit information in the driver’s license system in states  where permits are linked to such systems. These officials explained that  their top priorities during a traffic stop would be officer safety and the  reason for the stop (e.g., traffic violation). However, law enforcement in all  of these states has other means to further validate a permit as needed,  although some methods are easier to use than others. According to  issuing authority officials in Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana,  Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, law enforcement within their  state can instantly access state databases, which have permit holders’  information, to validate the status of a permit as needed. In Florida, for  example, issuing authority officials said that they update all information  related to permit holders in the state’s criminal database nightly. The  Florida Department of Law Enforcement —which manages the  database—makes the information available to all law enforcement  agencies. Thus, a law enforcement officer in the field can obtain current  information on the status of a permit usually by contacting the officer’s  dispatcher, or in some Florida jurisdictions, law enforcement can obtain  current permit information from their vehicles’ on-board computer  systems. In Georgia and Maryland, law enforcement officers can call the  issuing authority to verify the status of resident permits. However, law  enforcement may not be able to instantly validate a permit because  permit issuing authorities generally operate during normal business hours  (Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

In addition, law enforcement may have mechanisms to validate permits  issued by other states. As noted above, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, and  Virginia provide access to permit information when officers check these  driver’s licenses; consequently, this check can be used to validate permits  within their state or outside of their state. Further, an out-of-state law  enforcement agency can obtain current information on Florida-issued  permits by submitting an information request to the Florida Department of  Law Enforcement Customer Support Center. Additionally, Arizona, Florida,  Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia input permit information into the  International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets), an information- sharing system available to all states’ law enforcement agencies. Nlets  provides users instant access to permit holder information, such as permit  status (i.e., whether the permit is valid, active, or revoked, etc.), and a  description of the permit holder. Submission of permit holder information  into Nlets is strictly voluntary for states that have a centralized state  database. Currently, approximately 20 states input permit information into  Nlets. States that do not have a centralized state database of permit  holders (e.g., Georgia) cannot make information available in Nlets. Law  enforcement in other states can also call select states’ dispatchers in  Florida and Maryland to validate permits issued by these states. To validate  a permit issued in California, officers from other states could call the  California Department of Justice, which collects permit information from the  issuing authorities throughout the state.

We provided portions of a draft of this report to state and local officials in  Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Tennessee,  Texas, and Virginia. We did not obtain official comments from the  Department of Justice because we were not directly auditing its  programs. However to ensure the accuracy of the information in the  report that relates to the department provided, the department provided  technical comments, which we incorporated as appropriate.

We are sending copies of this report to the appropriate congressional  committees, the Attorney General of the United States; and other  interested parties. In addition, this report is available at no charge on the  GAO web site at: http://www.gao.gov.

If you or your staff members have any questions about this report please  contact Carol Cha at (202) 512-4456 or chac@gao.gov or Eileen Larence  at (202) 512-6510 or larencee@gao.gov. Contact points for our Offices of  Congressional Relations and Public Affairs may be found on the last page  of this report. GAO staff who made major contributions to this report are  listed in appendix VIII.

section_title: Appendix I: Case Study State Summaries
subsections: section_title: Arizona Summary: Shall- Issue State (Residents and Nonresidents)
paragraphs: Approximate Number of Active Concealed Carry Permit Holders as  of December 31, 2011: 163,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand)

State Adult Population (age 20 or over) per U.S. 2010 Census:  4,572,376  Unlicensed Open Carry Permitted: Yes  Permit to Carry Concealed: Arizona significantly revised its weapons  permit laws in 2010. Arizona had allowed the open carrying of a weapon  without a permit prior to that time, but since 2010, Arizona has allowed  residents to carry a firearm open or concealed without a permit.  However, Arizona does issue concealed carry permits, which may be  used for purposes of reciprocity, and to carry in certain locations.

Length of Permit Validity: 5 years  Eligibility Requirements: The Arizona Department of Public Safety is  required to issue a permit to carry a concealed weapon to a person who  meets all of the following eligibility requirements:  1.  is a resident of Arizona or a United States citizen (i.e., in-state and  2.  is 21 years of age or older;  3.  is not under indictment for and has not been convicted in any  jurisdiction of a felony;4.  does not suffer from mental illness and has not been adjudicated  mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution;  5.  is not unlawfully present in the United States;  6.  has ever demonstrated competence with a firearm (as described in  the training requirement section below) and provides adequate  documentation that the person has satisfactorily completed a training  program  a.  adequate documentation means: a) a current or expired  Arizona permit; b) a certificate or affidavit of completion from  the conductor of the course; c) evidence of current military  service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge  under honorable conditions from the United States armed  forces; d) a concealed weapon permit as described in the  training requirement section below.

Firearms Training Requirements: An applicant shall demonstrate  competence with a firearm through any of the following:  1. Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class that is  available to the general public; that is offered by a law enforcement  agency, a junior college, a college or a private or public institution,  academy, organization or firearms training school; and that is approved  by the Department of Public Safety or that uses instructors who are  certified by the National Rifle Association.  2. Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved  by the Arizona game and fish department or a similar agency of another  state.  3. Completion of any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training  course.  4. Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course  or class that is offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies,  or other divisions or subdivisions of law enforcement or security  enforcement and that is approved by the Department of Public Safety.  5. Evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or  general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States  armed forces.  6. A valid current or expired concealed weapon, firearm, or handgun  permit or license that is issued by another state or a political subdivision  of another state and that has a training or testing requirement for initial  issuance.  7. Completion of any governmental police agency firearms training course  and qualification to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties.  8. Completion of any other firearms safety or training course or class that  is conducted by a Department of Public Safety-approved or National Rifle  Association-certified firearms instructor.

Factors State Considers in Granting Reciprocity: Arizona law requires  that the concealed weapon, firearm, or handgun permit or license issued  by another state or its political subdivision be recognized if the following  conditions are met:  1.  the permit or license is recognized as valid in the issuing state;  2.  the permit holder is legally present in Arizona;  3.  the permit holder is not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm in  Arizona.4.  the permit holder is 21 years of age or older; and  5.  the permit holder is not under indictment for, or been convicted of, a  felony offense in any jurisdiction (unless the conviction has been set  aside in some way, or the applicant’s rights have been restored, and  the permit holder is not a prohibited possessor under state or federal  law).

Revocation Process: The permit must be suspended or revoked if the  person no longer meets the eligibility requirements listed above. The  department must notify the permit holder in writing within 15 working days  of the revocation or suspension and state the reasons for the action.Arizona law also provides that if a person is arrested or indicted for an  offense that would disqualify him or her from obtaining a permit, or  prohibited from possessing a weapon under state law, the permit is  required to be immediately suspended and seized. The permit is to be  restored if the permittee is found not guilty or the charges are  dismissed. Permits may also be suspended when permittees do not  present their permit at the request of law enforcement.

Mechanism Available for Law Enforcement Officers within and  outside the State to Verify the Validity of Permits Issued in This  State:  Law enforcement officials in Arizona, and in states that participate in the  International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets), can run a  Concealed Weapons Query through the system. Law enforcement  officials in states that do not participate in Nlets can call dispatch at the  Arizona Department of Public Safety.

section_title: California Summary: May- Issue State (Residents)
paragraphs: Approximate Number of Active Concealed Carry Permit Holders as  of September 1, 2011: 35,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand)

State Adult Population (age 20 or over) per U.S. 2010 Census:  26,801,914  Unlicensed Open Carry Permitted: No  Permit to Carry Concealed: California law provides license-issuing  authority to various officials: a sheriff of a county; or  the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city, or  city and county.

The issuing authority may issue one or two forms of concealed carry  license: a license to carry a firearm capable of being concealed on the person;  or  in a county of less than 200,000, a license to carry, only in that  county, a loaded and exposed firearm capable of being concealed  upon the person.

The issuing authority may include any reasonable restrictions or  conditions that the issuing authority deems warranted, including  restrictions as to the time, place, manner, and circumstances under which  the person may carry the concealed firearm. These restrictions are to be  indicated on the permit.

Length of Permit Validity: The license is generally valid for a period not  to exceed 2 years. For peace officers, it is 4 years. For judges, it is 3  years.

Eligibility Requirements: The license may be issued if the following  conditions are met:  1.  the person applying is of good moral character;  2.  good cause exists for the issuance;  3.  the applicant is a resident of the county or city within the county;  4.  the applicant has completed a course of training; and  5.  The California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) has determined that  the person is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing,  receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.

Firearms Training Requirements: Applicant must complete a firearms  safety training course:  a.  For new applicants, the course must be acceptable to the  licensing authority, not be longer than 16 hours, and must include  instruction on at least firearm safety and the law regarding the  permissible use of a firearm.  b.  For renewal applicants, the course must be acceptable to the  licensing authority, be at least 4 hours, and must include  instruction on at least firearm safety and the law regarding the  permissible use of a firearm.

Factors State Considers in Granting Reciprocity: California does not  recognize concealed carry permits from other states.

Revocation Process: The license must be revoked by the local licensing  authority if it has either been notified by the CA DOJ or determines that  the person is prohibited by California or federal law from possessing,  receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm. Correspondingly, if the CA  DOJ determines that the licensee is subject to any of these prohibitions, it  must notify the local licensing authority. If the licensing authority revokes  the license, the CA DOJ must be notified of the revocation immediately.  The licensee must also be immediately notified of the revocation in  writing.

If a person moves from his or her original county of residence, the license  will expire 90 days after the move. If the license was to carry a loaded  and exposed firearm, the license will be revoked immediately when the  licensee changes his or her place of residence.

Mechanism Available for Law Enforcement Officers within and  outside the State to Verify the Validity of Permits Issued in This  State:  California law enforcement uses local law enforcement and the CA DOJ  databases to verify the validity of permits; for example:

A California police department enters all concealed carry permit  information into the Police Department Records Management System  which is linked to COPLINK (a computer system that accepts  information from all law enforcement agencies that are linked into  COPLINK). Other law enforcement entities that are linked into  COPLINK can get concealed carry permit information.

Another police department stated that it can check its database or CA  DOJ databases to verify the status of a concealed carry holder’s  permit.

section_title: Florida Summary: Shall- Issue State (Residents and Nonresidents)
paragraphs: Approximate Number of Active Concealed Carry Permit Holders as  of December 31, 2011: 887,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand)

State Adult Population (age 20 or over) per U.S. 2010 Census:  14,288,320  Unlicensed Open Carry Permitted: No  Permit to Carry Concealed: Yes. Under Florida law, it is a crime to carry  a concealed firearm without having a license to carry.

Length of Permit Validity: Licenses are valid for 7 years from the date of  issuance.

Eligibility Requirements: The Department of Agriculture and Consumer  Services is required to issue a license when the applicant meets the  following requirements:a.  Is a resident of the United States or permanent resident alien, in  certain circumstances, a foreign government official;  b.  Is 21 years of age or older;  c.  Does not suffer from a physical infirmity that prevents the safe  handling of a firearm;  d.  Desires a legal means to carry a concealed firearm for lawful self- 2.  Criminal History Information:  a.  Is not ineligible to possess a firearm by virtue of a felony  b.  Is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm by any  other provision of Florida or federal laws.  c.  Has not had adjudication of guilt withheld or imposition of  sentence suspended on any felony or misdemeanor crime of  domestic violence unless 3 years have elapsed since probation or  any other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled, or the  record has been sealed or expunged;  d.  Has not been issued an injunction that is currently in force and  effect and that restrains the applicant from committing acts of  domestic violence or acts of repeat violence;  e.  Licenses must be denied if the applicant has been found guilty of,  had adjudication of guilt withheld for, or had imposition of  sentence suspended for one or more crimes of violence  constituting a misdemeanor, unless 3 years have elapsed since  probation or any other conditions set by the court have been  fulfilled or the record has been sealed or expunged. If the  applicant is charged with a disqualifying crime or injunction related  to domestic violence during the processing, the processing must  be suspended pending final disposition.1.  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Information  a.  Has not been committed for the abuse of a controlled substance  or been found guilty under Florida’s drug laws or similar laws of  another state within 3 years prior to the application submission;  b.  Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages or  other substances to the extent that his or her normal faculties are  impaired;  c.  Has not been adjudicated an incapacitated person under Florida  law or similar laws or another state unless 5 years have elapsed  since the applicant’s restoration to capacity by court order;  d.  Has not been committed to a mental institution under Florida law  or similar laws of another state, unless the applicant produces a  certificate from a licensed psychiatrist that the applicant has not  suffered from the disability for at least 5 years prior to the date of  submission.

Firearms Training Requirements: The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is required to issue a license when the applicant:

Demonstrates competence with a firearm by completion of an  approved class, such as one offered by the National Rifle Association,  a certified instructor, or law enforcement, or through evidence of  experience through the military service, among other things.

Factors State Considers in Granting Reciprocity: Florida will grant  reciprocity to only those states that honor its concealed weapons permit.

Revocation or Suspension Process: Licenses must be revoked if the  licensee has been found guilty of a crime of violence within the preceding  3 years. Once the department has been notified by a law enforcement  agency, court, or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that an  applicant or licensee has been arrested or formally charged for a  disqualifying crime, or an injunction related to domestic violence, the  department must obtain written verification and then must suspend the  license. Florida also provides suspension and revocation authority to the  department if a licensee becomes ineligible due to the previously outlined  physical, mental health or criminal disqualifications.

Mechanism Available for Law Enforcement Officer’s within and  outside the State to Verify the Validity of Permits Issued in this  State:  Law enforcement (in-state and out-of-state) can check the validity of a  Florida permit through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s  database.

section_title: Georgia Summary: Shall- Issue State (Residents)
paragraphs: Approximate Number of Active Concealed Carry Permit Holders as  of December 31, 2011: 600,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand)

State Adult Population (age 20 or over) per US 2010 Census:  6,906,024  Unlicensed Open Carry Permitted: No  Permit to Carry Concealed: Georgia law allows an individual to carry a  weapon in a concealed or open manner—in the person’s home, car, or  place of business.

An applicant is eligible for a license to carry a concealed  1.  is domiciled in that county.

This also includes non-citizens, who  provide certain identifying information.  2.  is at least 21 years of age. 3.  has not been convicted of a felony by any court (unless pardoned);  4.  does not have felony proceedings pending against the person;  5.  is not a fugitive from justice;  6.  is not federally prohibited from possessing or shipping a firearm;  7.  has not been convicted of the offense of unlawful manufacture or  distribution of a controlled substance or other dangerous drug;8.  has not had his or her weapons carry license revoked;  9.  has not been convicted of specified weapons-related offenses, such  as carrying a weapon without a license, unless it has been 5 years  since any related restraint or supervision or other conviction; and10. has not been convicted of a drug-related offense and is not subject to  related restraint and supervision, a second drug related conviction, or  a conviction related to (6)–(8) above, in the 5 years prior to the date of  application.

May also provide licenses to military personnel. Ga. Code Ann. §16-11-129(a).

Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-129(b)(2)(A).

Mental Health and Substance Abuse  11. Has not been hospitalized as an inpatient in any mental hospital or  alcohol or drug treatment center within the 5 years immediately  preceding the application; however, the judge has discretion to issue  the weapons carry license or renewal license, considering the  circumstances surrounding the hospitalization and the  recommendation of the superintendent of the hospital or treatment  center where the individual was a patient.

Firearms Training Requirements: Not Required  Factors State Considers in Granting Reciprocity: Georgia law  provides that an out-of-state resident who is licensed to carry a weapon in  a state whose laws recognize Georgia licenses can carry a weapon in  Georgia. The license holder must follow Georgia law in carrying the  weapon. Other states’ permits are not valid for Georgia residents.

Revocation Process: If the judge learns or has brought to his or her  attention any reasonable ground to believe that the licensee is not eligible  to have the license, after notice and hearing, the judge may revoke the  license. The judge must find that the person does not meet the weapons  carry license eligibility requirements, has falsified the application, is  mentally incompetent, or chronically uses alcohol or narcotics.

Possession of a revoked license is a misdemeanor offense.

Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-129(e).

Law enforcement officers within and outside of the state can call the  issuing probate court during normal business hours to verify the validity of  permits. Some probate courts require documentation or other proof that  the person requesting is a member of law enforcement (a faxed request  on letterhead, or an in-person request by a uniformed officer with a proper  identification such as a badge).

section_title: Louisiana Summary: Shall- Issue State (Residents)
paragraphs: Approximate Number of Active Concealed Carry Permit Holders as  of December 31, 2011: 40,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand)

State Adult Population (age 20 or over) per U.S. 2010 Census:  3,279,135  Unlicensed Open Carry Permitted: Yes  Permit to Carry Concealed: The Deputy Secretary of Public Safety  Services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections is required  to issue a concealed handgun permit to any Louisiana resident who  qualifies for a permit under the Louisiana permit eligibility provisions.

Length of Permit Validity: 5 years.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 40:1379.3(H)(2).

There is a rebuttable presumption that an applicant has a history of engaging in violent  behavior upon proof that, within a 10-year period immediately preceding the date of the  application, the applicant has been arrested or charged on three or more occasions for  any crime of violence, or has been arrested or charged on two or more occasions for any  crime of violence that may be punished by death.

6.  not have been discharged from the U.S. armed forces under certain  circumstances (e.g., dishonorable discharge).  7.  Prior permit applications:  a.  not have had a permit denied within 1-year prior to the most  b.  not have a permit revoked within 4 years prior to the most recent  application.8.   demonstrate competence with a handgun.

Firearms Training Requirements: Upon application to the department  for a permit, all applicants shall demonstrate competence with a handgun  by any one of the following:  a.  completion of any Department of Public Safety and Corrections- approved firearms safety or training course that shall include at  least a minimum of 9 hours of instruction as detailed below:  i.  ii.  iii.  iv.  v.  vi. one hour of instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe  handling procedures of a revolver and semi-automatic pistol;  one hour of instruction on ammunition knowledge and  fundamentals of pistol shooting;  one hour of instruction on handgun shooting positions;  three hours of instruction on the use of deadly force and  conflict resolution that will include a review of La. Rev. Stat.  Ann. §§14:18 through 14:22 and which may include a review  of any other laws relating to the use of deadly force;  one hour of instruction on child access prevention; and  two hours of actual live range fire and proper handgun  cleaning procedures:  1.  live range fire shall include 12 rounds each at 6 feet, 10  feet, and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds;  2.  each applicant or permittee must perform at least one safe  reload of the handgun at each distance;  3.  each applicant or permittee must score 100 percent hits  within the silhouette portion of a National Rifle Association  (NRA) B-27-type silhouette target with at least 36 rounds;  b.  completion of the NRA personal protection course including  instruction in child access prevention conducted by a NRA  certified instructor;  c.  completion of the NRA basic pistol shooting course including  instruction in child access prevention conducted by a NRA  certified instructor;  d.  completion of a firearms training course approved by the  Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners, in  accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 37:3284 et seq., including  instruction in child access prevention;  e.  possession of a current valid license or permit to carry a  concealed handgun issued by a parish law enforcement officer;  f.  completion of a law enforcement training academy program  certified by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training;  or  g.  proof of completion of small arms training while serving with the  armed forces of The United States of America as described in La.  Rev. Stat. Ann. § 40:1379.3(D)(1).

Factors State Considers in Granting Reciprocity: While Louisiana law  recognizes the validity of out-of-state permits when carried by out-of-state  residents, it does not allow Louisiana residents to obtain permits from  other states for the purpose of carrying a concealed weapon in Louisiana.

The permits of out-of-state residents are valid in Louisiana in the following  circumstances:  1.  The permit is current and valid;  2.  the permit holder is at least 21 years of age; and  3.  the state in which the permit was issued recognizes permits issued by  Louisiana.

Louisiana residents may not use permits issued by another state for the  purpose of authorizing the carrying of a concealed weapon in Louisiana.

The Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Services is authorized to enter  into reciprocity agreements with other states so that full-time active peace  officers commissioned in another state have the same authority as a  person issued a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun  while in Louisiana, regardless of whether or not they are in the official  discharge of their duties.

Revocation Process: A permit is to be revoked if the permittee fails to  satisfy any of the qualification requirements.

Permit holders are prohibited from carrying a weapon while under the  influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance; the permit is  considered automatically suspended and is not valid.  The department  is required to revoke the permit where the holder has carried the weapon  in these circumstances, refuses to submit to a chemical test, or where the  holder commits negligent carrying of a concealed handgun.

Permit holders are required to make law enforcement officers aware that  the holder has a weapon and the permit is to be revoked for violation of  this requirement.

Whenever a peace officer determines that grounds under exist for the  revocation of a concealed handgun permit, the officer is to prepare an  affidavit indicating the reasons for the revocation and all other available  information regarding the revocation. A copy of the peace officer’s report  relating to the incident must be attached to the affidavit when submitted to  the department.

Mechanism Available for Law Enforcement Officers within and  outside the State to Verify the Validity of Permits Issued in This  State:  Law enforcement officers can access concealed carry permit status when  checking a Louisiana resident’s driver’s license.

section_title: Maryland Summary: May- Issue State (Residents and Nonresidents)
paragraphs: Approximate Number of Active Concealed Carry Permit Holders as  of October 1, 2011: 12,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand)

State Adult Population (age 20 or over) per U.S. 2010 Census:  4,256,926  Unlicensed Open Carry Permitted: Maryland state law requires a  person to have a permit issued “before the person carries, wears, or  transports a handgun.” The person must have the permit in his or her  possession whenever carrying, wearing, or transporting a handgun.

Permit to Carry Concealed: A permit is to be issued to a person when  the Secretary of the Maryland State Police finds that the applicant meets  specific eligibility requirements.

Length of Permit Validity: Permits expire on the last day of the holder’s  birth month following 2 years after the date the permit is issued and may  be renewed for successive 3-year periods.

Eligibility Requirements: A permit is to be issued to a person when the  Secretary of the Maryland State Police finds that the applicant:  1.  is an adult;  2.  has not been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor for which a  sentence of imprisonment of more than 1 year has been imposed;3.  has not been convicted or a crime involving the possession, use, or  distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;  4.  is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled  dangerous substance, unless under legitimate medical direction;  5.  based on an investigation, has not exhibited a propensity for violence  or instability that may reasonably render the person’s possession of a  handgun a danger to the person or to another; and  6.  based on an investigation, has good and substantial reason to wear,  carry, or transport a handgun, such as a finding that the permit is  necessary as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger.

When an applicant is under 30 years of age, the Secretary must  additionally find that the applicant has not been:  1.  committed to a juvenile facility for longer than 1 year after an  adjudication of delinquency by a juvenile court; or  2.  adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court for an act that if committed  by an adult would be a crime of violence, a felony under Maryland  law, or a misdemeanor under Maryland law that carries a statutory  penalty of more than 2 years.

These requirements are in addition to those enumerated in Maryland law  to legally possess a firearm.

Firearms Training Requirements: Maryland does not require handgun  safety training for residents wishing to obtain a concealed handgun permit  for specific purposes of personal protection.

Factors State Considers in Granting Reciprocity: Maryland does not  recognize other states’ concealed carry handgun permits with the  exception of other states’ armored car personnel who possess a valid  permit who are on duty in Maryland.

Revocation Process: The Secretary may revoke the permit after finding  that the holder does not meet the permit application requirements listed  above, or did not have the permit in the person’s possession when  carrying, wearing, or transporting a handgun. The failure to return a  revoked permit is a misdemeanor offense, subject to the imprisonment of  up to 1 year, and/or a fine between $100 and $1,000. A permit holder is  prohibited from wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun while under  the influence of alcohol or drugs, and doing so may result in a  misdemeanor violation subject to 1 year of imprisonment and/or a fine of  up to $1,000.

Mechanism Available for Law Enforcement Officers within and  outside the State to Verify the Validity of Permits Issued in This  State:  Law enforcement officers within Maryland can check the Maryland  Automated Firearms Services System to verify the validity of concealed  carry weapons permits. Law enforcement officers from other states can  call the Licensing Division of the Maryland State Police during normal  business hours to verify the validity of permits.

section_title: Tennessee Summary: Shall- Issue State (Residents and Nonresidents)
paragraphs: Approximate Number of Active Concealed Carry Permit Holders as  of January 3, 2012: 341,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand)

State Adult Population (age 20 or over) per U.S. 2010 Census:  4,669,984  Unlicensed Open Carry Permitted: No  Permit to Carry Concealed: Permit holders do not have to carry  handguns in a concealed manner.

Length of Permit Validity: Permits are generally valid for 4 years.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(n).

A resident is someone who has lived in Tennessee for more than 30 days, is employed  in the state, would qualify as registered voter, or has taken action to establish the state as  his or her principal place of domicile. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-102(47). b.  that the applicant is not currently subject to any order of  protection and, if so, the applicant must provide a copy of  the order; and  that the applicant is not a fugitive from justice; c.  3.  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Information:  a.  that the applicant is not an unlawful user of or addicted to  alcohol or any controlled substance, and the applicant has  not been a patient in a rehabilitation program or  hospitalized for alcohol or controlled substance abuse or  addiction within 10 years from the date of application;  b.  that the applicant has not been adjudicated as a mental  c. defective; has not been judicially committed to or  hospitalized in a mental institution; has not had a court  appoint a conservator for the applicant by reason of a  mental defect; has not been judicially determined to be  disabled by reason of mental illness, developmental  disability, or other mental incapacity; and has not, within 7  years from the date of application, been found by a court to  pose an immediate substantial likelihood of serious harm  because of mental illness; and  that the applicant is not receiving Social Security disability  benefits by reason of alcohol dependence, drug  dependence, or mental disability;  1.  that the applicant is not an alien and is not illegally or  unlawfully in the United States;  2.  that the applicant has not renounced the applicant’s United  3.  that the applicant has not been discharged from the armed  forces under dishonorable conditions.

The applicant must also provide two sets of classifiable fingerprints and  must be photographed for the permit.  The applicant must present photo  identification to the department when filing the application; the name and  photo must match those of the application.

Firearms Training Requirements: The department must require  applicants to provide proof of successful completion of an approved  handgun safety course. The course must include both classroom hours  and firing range hours, as well as instruction on alcohol and drugs; the  effects of those substances on a person’s reflexes, judgment, and ability  to handle a firearm; and laws related to possession of a firearm while  intoxicated.

An applicant may be exempt from the firing range and classroom hours  requirements if, within the past 5 years, the applicant completed training  or had been certified related to being a law enforcement officer, security  guard, or in the military.

Once a permit has been obtained, permit holders cannot be required to  complete a handgun safety course to maintain or renew a permit.

Factors State Considers in Granting Reciprocity: An out-of-state  permit is valid in Tennessee to carry a handgun, and the holder must  carry the permit at all times the person carries a handgun in Tennessee.

Tennessee law requires the Commissioner of Safety to enter into  reciprocity agreements with other states that require the execution of  such agreements. The Commissioner is to publish a list of the states that  honor the permits of Tennessee, as well as a list of the states that refuse  to enter into reciprocity agreements with the state, or honor Tennessee  handgun carry permits. If another state imposes conditions on Tennessee  permit holder in a reciprocity agreement, the conditions will apply to the  other state’s permit holder when they carry a handgun in Tennessee.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(r)(1)-(2). already has a permit. If the permit application is denied in Tennessee,  that person cannot carry a handgun based on the former state’s permit.

Persons who work in Tennessee: If a person is a resident and a permit  holder of another state, but is employed in Tennessee and wants to carry  a handgun in Tennessee, once the person has been working in  Tennessee for 6 months, the person has 6 months to obtain a Tennessee  handgun permit. If the state the person has a permit from has  substantially similar permit eligibility requirements, the permit may be  issued based on the fact that the person already has a permit. If the  application for a permit is denied in Tennessee, that person cannot carry  a handgun based on the former state’s permit. These provisions do not  apply if the state of residence of the person employed has a reciprocity  agreement with Tennessee.

Revocation Process: The department is required to suspend or revoke a  handgun permit when its records or other evidence show that the holder:  1.  is prohibited from purchasing a handgun under applicable state or  2.  has not accurately disclosed material information required for  3.  poses a material likelihood of risk of harm to the public;  4.  has been arrested for a felony that involves the use or attempted  use of force, violence, or a deadly weapon, or for a felony drug  offense;  5.  has been convicted of a felony;  6.  has violated any provision of the Tennessee code related to  7.  has engaged in conduct that would make the holder ineligible to  apply for or obtain a permit under the permit eligibility  requirements;  8.  has been convicted of domestic assault or other misdemeanor  crime of domestic violence and is still subject to the disabilities of  such a conviction;  9.  is subject to a current order of protection; or  10. has been judicially committed to a mental institution or adjudicated  as a mental defective.

Once the department suspends or revokes a permit, the department is  required to send notice to the holder and appropriate law enforcement  officers. In addition to stating that the permit has been suspended or  revoked, the notice must tell the holder to surrender the permit within 10  days and that it is a crime not to do so, and that the permit holder has 30  days to request a hearing, among other things.

The permit holder has 10 days to surrender the permit once the holder  has notice it has been surrendered or revoked. Failure to do so is a Class  A misdemeanor.

The permit holder has a right to have the suspension or revocation  reviewed in court. If the holder has been arrested and charged with  certain felony offenses, including a felony offense involving violence or  the use of a firearm, the court with jurisdiction over the criminal charge is  required to find out if the defendant has a permit and order the surrender  of the permit. On other felony charges, the permit holder can petition for a  hearing to keep the permit and may retain the permit if the court  determines that the permit holder will not present a material risk of  physical harm to the public if released and allowed to retain the permit. If  the holder is acquitted of charges, the permit is restored; if the holder is  convicted, the permit is revoked. Permits are suspended during pre-trial  diversion or judicial diversion. Permit holders must also surrender their  permits if convicted of a Class A misdemeanor for the term of the  sentence imposed. Permit holders who have received a notice of  suspension or revocation may make a written request for review of the  determination at a hearing. The hearing must be scheduled within 30  days. After this determination, there is a right of review in court.

Mechanism Available for Law Enforcement Officers within and  outside the State to Verify the Validity of Permits Issued in This  State:  Information about the status of a Tennessee handgun permit (whether it  is valid, or revoked, or there is no permit) is in the Tennessee driver’s  license system and the status is shown on the driver’s license. However,  there is no way to check all states’ databases to determine the status of a  permit unless the states’ permits are linked to their driver’s license  systems.

section_title: Texas Summary: Shall- Issue State (Residents and Nonresidents)
paragraphs: Approximate Number of Active Concealed Carry Permit Holders as  of December 31, 2011: 519,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand)

State Adult Population (age 20 or over) per U.S. 2010 Census:  17,523,847  Unlicensed Open Carry Permitted: No  Permit to Carry Concealed: If specific eligibility and application  requirements are met, the Texas Department of Public Safety is required  to issue a license to the applicant.

Length of Permit Validity: Texas licenses to carry concealed weapons  expire on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the fourth  anniversary of the date of issuance, and renewed licenses expire on the  license holder’s birth date, 5 years after the date of the expiration of the  previous license.

Texas’s eligibility statute gives further content to these requirements. Specifically, there  is a definition for what constitutes a felony. Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 411.172(b).

A person is incapable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and  storage of a handgun if the person has been diagnosed with or suffers from certain  psychiatric disorders or conditions; has been declared incompetent to manage the  person’s own affairs; or has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, among other  things. Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 411.172(d). Evidence that a person has a psychiatric  disorder, or condition may include, for example, involuntary psychiatric hospitalization;  inpatient or residential substance abuse treatment in the preceding 5-year period; or  diagnoses by a physician that the person is dependent on alcohol or drugs, or has certain  mental disorders including bipolar disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or chronic  dementia, among others. Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 411.172(e). The person may, however,  provide a certificate from a physician stating that the disorder or condition is in remission  and not likely to develop at a future time. Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 411.172(f).

9.  is not subject to a restraining order or court protective order; and  10. has not made any material misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any  material fact in the permit application.

Firearms Training Requirements: The Department of Public Safety is  required to establish minimum standards for handgun proficiency,  develop a course to teach proficiency, and administer examinations to  measure proficiency. One part of the course is to be classroom, and the  other part range instruction, where the applicant must demonstrate the  applicant’s ability to safely and proficiently use the applicable category of  handgun.

The course must be administered by a qualified instructor. The course  must include between 10 and 15 hours of instruction on 1) laws related to  deadly force; 2) handgun use, proficiency, and safety; 3) nonviolent  dispute resolution; and 4) proper storage practices.

The department must also develop a continuing education course for  holders who want to renew a license. The course must be administrated  by a qualified instructor and must include at least 4 hours of the subjects  from the initial course.

The proficiency exam includes a written exam on the subjects taught in  the course and a physical demonstration of proficiency and handgun  safety procedures. The qualified handgun instructor may submit to the  department a recommendation concerning an applicant’s proficiency.

Certain applicants and license holders do not have to complete the range  instruction portion of the course. These include persons who are currently  serving or were honorably discharged from the U.S. or Texas state  military forces; and who within the last 5 years have completed a course  in handgun proficiency with the military forces. Applicants and license  holders that work in the criminal justice system may also avail themselves  of alternative proficiency procedures.

Unique State Disqualifiers/Prohibitions: Delinquent taxes or child  support payment.

Factors State Considers in Granting Reciprocity: Texas law requires  the Governor to negotiate reciprocity agreements with any other states  that provide conceal carry licenses, if the Texas Attorney General  determines that the authorities of the other state initiate background  checks of its applicants. The background check must include a search of  the FBI’s National Crime Information Center database and the Interstate  Identification Index.

Every year, the Texas Attorney General must submit a report listing the  states that the Attorney General has determined qualify for reciprocity and  review the statutes of states that do not to determine whether changes to  their statues are necessary to qualify.

Revocation Process: Licenses are to be revoked if the holder:  1.  was not entitled to the license when it was issued;  2.  made a material misrepresentation or failed to disclose a material fact  3.  becomes ineligible, unless the only basis of ineligibility is being  charged with the commission of a crime (in which case the license is  suspended);  4.  is convicted of an offense related to the unlawful carrying of a  handgun by a license holder;  5.  is determined to have engaged in conduct constituting a reason to  suspend a license (listed above) after the person’s license has been  previously suspended twice for the same reason; or  6.  the holder’s fee is returned and the holder does not repay it plus $25,  within 30 days of being notified.

The holder can reapply for a license after 2 years and the reason for  revocation does not exist and has not existed for 2 years. A holder whose  fee was returned can reapply at any time.

After receiving written notice of a denial, revocation, or suspension of a  license, the holder has 30 days to request a hearing before a justice of  the peace acting as an administrative hearing officer. The hearing must  be scheduled within 30 days of the request and held within no more than 60 days. The ruling may be appealed within 30 days to a county court.

Mechanism Available for Law Enforcement Officers within and  outside the State to Verify the Validity of Permits Issued in This  State:  Law enforcement officials in Texas, and other states, have access to  concealed carry permit information when they run a wanted person check  on permit holders. Texas law enforcement officers can also access  concealed carry permit information from the computers of squad cars.

section_title: Virginia Summary: Shall- Issue State (Residents and Nonresidents)
paragraphs: Approximate Number of Active Concealed Carry Permit Holders as  of December 31, 2011: 279,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand)

State Adult Population (age 20 or over) per U.S. 2010 Census:  5,917,339  Unlicensed Open Carry Permitted: Virginia allows residents to carry  firearms openly without a permit.

Permit to Carry Concealed: Persons wishing to apply for a concealed  carry permit can apply to the clerk of the circuit court of their county or  city.

Length of Permit Validity: 5 yearsEligibility Requirements: The applicant must be 21 years of age or  older and the following persons are ineligible to be issued a permit: Criminal History:  1.  Persons who have been convicted of a felony;  2.  individuals subject to a restraining or protective order and prohibited  from purchasing or transporting a firearm;  3.  persons who have been adjudicated delinquent for certain crimes,  unless they file a petition to the circuit court that is granted;  4.  individuals who have been convicted of two or more misdemeanors  within the 5 years prior to the application, if one of the misdemeanors  was Class 1; if two or more of the misdemeanors are not Class 1,  then the judge has discretion;  5.  individuals who have been convicted of driving while under the  influence or public drunkenness within the 3-year period preceding the  application, or have been determined to be a habitual drunkard under  Virginia law.  6.  fugitives from justice;  7.  individuals who have been convicted within 3 years of the application,  or have a charge pending for, specified crimes, including assault,  assault and battery, sexual battery, discharging a firearm, and  brandishing a firearm;  8.  individuals who have been convicted of or have a charge pending for  9.  Individuals who have previous convictions or adjudications of  delinquency that would have been a felony if committed by an  adult;  Mental Health and Substance Abuse:  10. persons who were admitted to outpatient treatment; adjudicated  mentally incapacitated or legally incompetent; or were acquitted by  reason of insanity under Virginia or similar state law, unless the  person was discharged or released from custody, or competency was  restored, as applicable, more than 5 years prior to the date of  application;  11. individuals addicted to, using, or distributing any controlled substance;  12. individuals who have received mental health treatment or substance  abuse treatment in a residential setting within 5 years prior to the date  of their application; and  13. individuals who within the 3 years prior to the date of application were  found guilty of any criminal offense set forth in Virginia’s controlled  substances laws, or of illegal possession or distribution of any  controlled substance; this prohibitor also applies where the court find  the facts sufficient for a finding of guilty but ordered probation or other  conditions;  Other:  14. aliens not lawfully admitted for permanent residence;  15. persons who have been discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces  under dishonorable conditions; and  16. individuals who the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence,  based on specific acts by the applicant, are likely to use a weapon  unlawfully or negligently to endanger others.

This final condition provides for limited discretion to deny a permit. To  support this finding, the sheriff, chief of police, or attorney for the  Commonwealth may submit to the court a sworn written statement  indicating the applicant is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently  to endanger others. This statement is to be based on personal knowledge  or that of a sheriff, police officer, or assistant attorney for the  Commonwealth, or a sworn statement of a competent person having  personal knowledge of specific acts.

Firearms Training Requirements: Each applicant is required to submit  proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence with a handgun.  This can be satisfied in one of the following ways:  1.  Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by  the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or a similar agency of  another state;  2.  completing any National Rifle Association (NRA) firearms safety or  3.  completing any firearms safety or training course or class that is  available to the general public that is approved by the Department of  Public Safety or that uses NRA-certified instructors. The course may  be offered by a law enforcement agency, a junior college, a college or  a private or public institution, academy, organization, or firearms  training school;  4.  completing any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or  class approved by the department of public safety offered for security  guards, investigators, etc;  5.  presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through  participation in organized shooting competition or current military  service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the  armed services;  6.  obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in  Virginia or a locality, unless such license has been revoked for cause;  7.  completing any firearms training or safety course or class, including  an electronic, video, or on-line course, conducted by a state-certified  or NRA-certified firearms instructor;  8.  completing any governmental police agency firearms training course  and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties;  or  9.  completing any other firearms training that the court deems adequate.

The documentation must include one of the following: a photocopy of a  certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes, an affidavit from  the instructor or organization that conducted the course or class attesting  to the completion by the applicant, or a copy of any document that shows  completion of the course or evidences participation in a firearms  competition.

Factor(s) State Considers in Granting Reciprocity: Virginia law  provides for an out-of-state permit to be valid if the following requirements  are met:  1.  the holder is at least 21 years of age;  2.  the issuing state authority provides the means for instantaneous  verification of the validity permits issued within that state, accessible  24 hours a day; and  3.  the requirements and qualifications of that state’s law are adequate to  prevent possession of a permit by persons who would be denied a  permit in Virginia (other than the age requirements and the type of  weapon authorized to be carried).

The Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the  Attorney General, is required to determine whether states meet these  requirements, maintain a registry of the qualifying states on the Virginia  Criminal Information Network, and enter into agreements for reciprocal  recognition with qualifying states. The registry is to be available to law  enforcement officers for investigative purposes  Revocation Process: Virginia law provides for revocation of a permit for  generally any offense that would disqualify a person from obtaining a  permit and also provides for some specific grounds for revocation. Any  person who is convicted of an offense that would disqualify that person  from obtaining a permit, or who made materially false statements on the  person’s application, is required to forfeit his or her permit and surrender  it to the court. When the Central Criminal Records Exchange obtains a  record of arrest, conviction or occurrence of any other event that would  disqualify a person from obtaining a concealed handgun permit, the  Central Criminal Records Exchange must notify the court that issued the  permit. The court will then revoke the permit of the disqualified person,  and notify the State Police and the person whose permit was revoked.

The permit is also required to be revoked if the permit holder is under the  influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while carrying the handgun in a public  place, which is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The convicting court is  required to revoke the permit and notify the issuing circuit court. The  permit holder is ineligible to apply for a permit for 5 years.

The court must revoke the permit of a person who is admitted to  outpatient treatment or adjudicated mentally incapacitated or legally  incompetent under Virginia or similar state law, and must notify the State  Police and the permit holder of the revocation.

Virginia law provides for suspension only in limited circumstances, where  a person has a felony charge pending for stalking or assault, assault and  battery, sexual battery, discharging a firearm, or brandishing a firearm. In  these instances, the court hearing the charge or the court that issued the  permit may have the permit suspended while the charge is pending.

Mechanism Available for Law Enforcement Officers within and  outside the State to Verify the Validity of Permits Issued in This  State:  Law enforcement officials in Virginia can check the Virginia Crime  Information Network to obtain information related to the status of permits  issued in Virginia. Law enforcement officials from other states can run a  Concealed Weapons Query in the International Justice and Public Safety  Network to verify the status of permits issued in Virginia. Law  enforcement officials from other states can also query the Federal Bureau  of Investigation’s Interstate Identification Index, or call the Duty Sergeant  at the Virginia State Police to verify the validity of a Virginia permit.

section_title: Appendix II: Objectives, Scope and Methodology
paragraphs: This report describes (1) the extent to which states allow concealed carry  permits, and how select states’ eligibility requirements and laws regarding  and recognition of other states’ permits differ, (2) what processes select  states use to help ensure they revoke permits when holders no longer meet  eligibility requirements, and (3) how law enforcement officials in select  states determine whether permits they encounter are current and valid.

To address all three objectives, we conducted a case study on 9 states— Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Tennessee,  Texas, and Virginia—which we selected to illustrate a variety of  applicable state laws and procedures. However the results cannot be  generalized across all states. The information obtained from these case  studies provides a broad understanding of the different requirements and  processes states utilize in issuing permits. Our selection covers states  representing each of the factors outlined below:

States from each of the permit issue designations-states classify  themselves based on their issuing laws: (1) no-issue: where  concealed carry is prohibited; (2) may-issue: the issuing authority  has discretion to grant concealed carry permits to eligible  individuals; (3) shall-issue: a concealed carry permit must be  issued if no statutory reason for denial exists; and (4) permit not  required to carry concealed handguns. We selected states that  issue to residents only, and states that issue to both residents and  nonresidents.

Issuing authority—states with a centralized (singular) issuing  authority and decentralized—multiple issuing authorities within a  state.

Reciprocity—the number of states that have reciprocity with each  other and the number of agreements in place.

The selection includes states that represent a range of the length  of time concealed carry permits are valid, as well as differing  eligibility requirements such as mandatory training on a gun safety  program or demonstrating proficiency of firing a handgun, and  reason(s) for requesting the permit.

To determine states’ concealed carry permit practices and whose permits  they honor, we gathered information on permit issuing laws, issuing  authorities, and reciprocity agreements for the 50 states and the District  of Columbia. This report presents the states’ laws as they were as of  March 2012. To obtain data on the current number of active concealed  carry permits, and the length of time a permit is valid, we contacted 48  states. We also contacted the 48 states to obtain information on their  permit tracking systems, reasons for denials, and revocations. Of the 48  states, we received data from 45 states. We requested data for the  period 2007 through 2011 to illustrate any trends; however some states  could not provide complete data for this period. Most states were able to  provide 2011 data. To assess the reliability of these data, we asked the  states questions about the systems they use to track the data, any steps  taken to verity accuracy, and any limitations to the data. Our analysis was  largely dependent on the availability of state data on the number of  concealed carry permits. In some cases, statewide data were not  available, and in other cases only data from certain time periods were  available. As a result of these limitations, we determined that the data  were sufficiently reliable solely to illustrate a minimum number of total  active permits and approximate number of state specific permits.

In addition, we obtained information from and interviewed federal  agencies with firearms-related experience and law enforcement  responsibilities—the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and  Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). We  obtained information from and interviewed FBI headquarters officials on  their audits of select states that utilize federal databases that states query  when screening concealed carry permit applicants. We obtained  information and interviewed ATF headquarters officials and field special  agents on their experience and perspective on state permits. In addition,  we interviewed non-governmental groups representing a cross section of  different views on concealed carry permit issues to obtain information  regarding a historical perspective of carry conceal issues.

To obtain more detailed information about specific state laws and  procedures for carry concealed permits, we met with officials at various  state and local agencies in the 9 states in our case study. We obtained  and analyzed information about state laws, eligibility requirements, and  procedures including, (1) how states screen, approve, and deny permit  applicants and (2) factors considered by states when entering into  reciprocity agreements with other states and the number of current  reciprocity agreements in place. We also obtained and analyzed state  data on state-maintained statistics on the number of active and denied  permits, and other firearms-related information such as specific  requirements and training guidance.

To determine how the 9 states we selected for our case study monitor  active holders to ensure they remain eligible to possess firearms and  what actions the states take to revoke permits when permit holders  become ineligible, we obtained information from the 9 states that issue  permits: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland,  Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Of these 9, 3 states (California, Georgia,  and Virginia) have a decentralized process for issuing permits. We  obtained information and interviewed the issuing officials (county sheriffs,  probate court staff, and circuit court staff) from three to five jurisdictions  per state. From the 9 states, we selected for our case study that issue  permits, we obtained and analyzed available data on the number of  permits revoked, and the extent to which states recovered revoked  permits from permit holders. We also interviewed state and local officials  responsible for issuing permits to obtain information on applicable laws  and procedures for monitoring, and revoking permits.

To identify how law enforcement officials in the 9 select states that issue  permits determine whether permits they encounter are current and valid,  we obtained information on the physical features embedded in each state’s  permit, and the state and federal systems utilized to check the status of  permits, and we interviewed state and local law enforcement officials  across the 9 states to obtain information on processes they use to validate  permits. These law enforcement officials included those representing state  department of law enforcement, state departments of public safety, state  police or state highway patrol, county sheriffs, and city police.

We conducted our work from August 2011 through July 2012 in  accordance with all sections of GAO’s Quality Assurance Framework that  are relevant to our objectives. The framework requires that we plan and  perform the engagement to obtain sufficient and appropriate evidence to  meet our stated objectives and to discuss any limitations in our work. We  believe that the information and data obtained, and the analysis  conducted, provide a reasonable basis for any findings in this product.

section_title: Appendix III: State Issuing Authority, as of March 2012
subsections: section_title: Type of authority Decentralized
paragraphs: Local police or Colonel of the State Police  Counties Concealed Weapon Licensing Boards  17  Approximate number  of authorities  (if decentralized)

Clerk of Circuit Courts for residents, Department  of State Police for nonresidents  Chiefs of police of municipalities, county sheriffs  Not applicable (N/A)

Attorney General’s Office through the Division of  Criminal Investigation  For states that have a + symbol beside the number of authorities, the approximate number of  authorities may be significantly higher.

section_title: Appendix IV: State Concealed Carry Permit Designation, as of March 28, 2012
paragraphs: While there is no federal law specifically addressing the issuance of  concealed carry permits, 48 states have passed laws allowing the state to  issue citizens concealed carry permits. A few states do not require a  permit to carry certain firearms in public within that particular state, but  issue permits for reciprocity purposes in other states. See table 6 below.

section_title: Appendix V: Number of Valid Permits
subsections: section_title: Approximate number of active permits (as of December 31, 2011 or unless otherwise noted) 13,000
paragraphs: Length of time  permit/license  valid (years)  for initial applicants  5 years  1.5  4 years (5 years for retired  law enforcement)      3 years in New York City; 5  years for Nassau, Suffolk,  and Westchester; Until  Revoked for all other  counties  3.2  5 years on/after 3/14/07; 4  years prior to 3/14/07  4.5  5 or 10 years (optional if no  prohibitions)  4 years; 5 years after  renewal  5 years  States that have missing data either do not track, could not provide, or declined to provide the  information requested.  Of the four counties that issue permits in Hawaii, only two provided information.  New York has no mechanism to purge inactive files. The New York State Police became the  repository for concealed carry permit data in 1936. As of December 31, 2011, New York had  1,281,662 applications on file since 1936.  However, this number is not an accurate count of people  who possess a valid carry concealed weapons permit from the state of New York.  Some permit  holders may have died and some permit holders may have had their permits revoked or cancelled  since 1936.

section_title: Appendix VI: Approximate Total Number of Active Permits by Residency
paragraphs: Of the 48 states that issue concealed carry permits, 26 issue to residents  and nonresidents of their state, and of these 26 states that issue to  nonresidents, 10 provided data on the number of valid nonresident  permits, as shown in the table.

section_title: Appendix VII: State Reciprocity, as of March 2012
paragraphs: Permits from other states  that are recognized by this state  AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS,  MO, NH, NC, ND, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, WY (23)

States that recognize  permits issued in this state  AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS,  MO, NH, NC, ND, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, WY (23)

AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, IA,  KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE,  NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA,  MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH,  OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WY (35)

AL, AK, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, IA,  KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE,  NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA,  MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK,  PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, WY (35)

AL, AK, AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA,  ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, ND, NC,  OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV,  WY (38)

AL, AK, AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA,  ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NC, ND, OH,  OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY  (37)

CA does not honor permits issued in other states.

AK, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KY, MI, MO, MT, NE, NC, OK, SD,  TN, TX, UT, WI (17)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI,  MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN,  TX, UT, WI, WY (30)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA,  MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD,  TN, TX, UT, WI, WY (30)

CT does not honor permits issued in other states.

AK, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KY, MI, MO, MT, NE, NC, OK, SD,  TN, TX, UT, WI (17)

AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, KY, ME, MI, MO, NM, NC, ND,  OH, OK, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV (19)

AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, ID, IN, IA, KY, ME, MI, MO, NM,  NC, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV (23)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA,  MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WY (35)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA,  MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WY (33)

AL, AK, AR, AZ, CO, FL, IA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI, MS,  MO, MT, ND, NH, NC, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, WI,  WY (26)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS,  MO, MT, NH, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, WI,  WY (26)

HI does not honor permits issued in other states.

AK, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, NC, OK, SD,  TN, TX, UT, WI (17)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IN, IA,  KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE,  NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MO,  MT, NE, NH, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT,  WI, WY (27)

IL does not honor permits issued in other states.

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA,  KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE,  NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS,  MO, MT, NH, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, WI,  WY (26)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN,  KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE,  NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI, MO,  MT, NE, NH, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, WI,  WY (26)

Permits from other states  that are recognized by this state  AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV,  NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, WV (23)

States that recognize  permits issued in this state  AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO,  MT, NE, NV, NC, ND, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT,  WI, WV (27)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA,  IN, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE,  NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, LA,  MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH,  OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, WY (36)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME,  MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, NH, NC, ND, OH,  OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY  (38)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME,  MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NC, ND, OH, OK,  PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY (36)

AR, DE, LA, MI, ND, PA, SD, WY (8)

AK, AZ, AR, DE, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MO, NE, NC,  ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, UT, WY (20)

MD does not honor permits issued in other states.

AK, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KY, MI, MO, MT, NC OK, SD, TN,  TX, UT, WI (16)

MA does not honor permits issued in other states.

AK, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KY, MI, MO, MT, NC, OK, SD, TN,  TX, UT (15)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA,  IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE,  NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY,  LA, ME, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND,  OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV,  WY (38)

AK, AR, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NM, NV, OH, OK, TN, TX,  UT, WY (15)

AK, AZ, AR, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, MT,  NE, NM, NC, OK, SD, TN, UT, VA, WI, WY (23)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO,  MT, NH, NC, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WY  (25)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI,  MO, MT, NH, NC, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV,  WY (26)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA,  IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MT, NE, NV,  NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC,  SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY,  LA, MI, MN, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH,  OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WY (36)

AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY,  LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY,  NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA,  WA, WI, WV, WY (41)

AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS,  MO, NE, NM, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA,  WI, WY (27)

AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA,  ME, MI, MN, MT, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK,  OR, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WY (34)

AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO,  MT, NV, NC, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI,  WY (26)

AK, AZ, AR, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NE, NM, NC, OH, TN,  RI, WV (15)

AK, AZ, AR, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MT,  NE, NC, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT (20)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI,  MO, MS, NC, ND, OK, PA, TN, UT, WY (22)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI,  MS, MO, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, UT, WY (23)

NJ does not honor permits issued in other states.

AK, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MO, MT, NE, NC, OK,  SD, TN, TX, UT (17)

AK, AZ, CO, DE, FL, KY, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND,  OH, OK, SC, TN, TX , VA, WY (19)

AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI,  MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NC, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX,  UT, VA, WV, WI, WY (30)
subsections: section_title: Permits from other states that are recognized by this state NY does not honor permits issued in other states
paragraphs: States that recognize  permits issued in this state  AK, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KY, MI, MO, MT, NC, OK, SD, TN,  TX, UT, WI (16)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA,  IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT,  NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY,  LA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, ND, OH, OK,  PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY (36)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY,  LA, ME, MI, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY (35)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY,  LA, ME, MI, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA,  SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (34)

AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL, ID, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NE, NM,  NC, ND, OK, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV, WY (23)

AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN,  MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OK, SC, SD, TN, UT,  VA, WA, WV, WY (29)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA,  IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT,  NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI,  SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY,  LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH,  PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WY (35)

OR does not honor permits issued in other states.

AK, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KY, MI, MO, MT, NE, NC, OK, SD,  TN, UT (15)

AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, LA. ME, MI,  MO, MT, ND, NH, NC, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI,  WV, WY (27)

AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MI,  MO, MT, NH, NC, ND, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV,  WI, WY (27)

RI does not honor permits issued in other states.

AK, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KY, MI, MO, NE, NV, NC, OK, SD,  TN, TX, UT (16)

AK, AZ, AR, FL, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NC, OH, OK, TX,  TN, VA, WV, WY (17)

AK, AZ, AR, FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MT,  NE, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV,  WY (26)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA,  IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT,  NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA,  RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME,  MI, MS, MO, MT, NC, ND, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA,  WV, WY (27)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA,  IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT,  NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA,  RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY,  LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND,  OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY  (37)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID,  IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM,  NC, ND, NJ, NV, NY, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA,  WA, WV, WY (41)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY,  LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NC, ND, OK, PA,  SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, WI, WV, WY (33)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO ,CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA,  IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT,  NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA,  RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (47)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA,  MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA,  SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY (34)

VT does not require concealed weapons carriers to  have a permit. Therefore, reciprocity does not apply in  the state. Local statutes may vary.

Permits from other states  that are recognized by this state  AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE,  NC, ND, NM, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WA,  WV, WY (27)

States that recognize  permits issued in this state  AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO,  MT, NE, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX,  UT, WV, WI, WY (29)

AR, FL, LA, MI, MS, MO, NC, ND, OH, OK, TN, UT (12)  AK, AZ, AR, FL, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, MT,  NC, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI (23)

DC does not honor permits issued in other states.

AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, NM, NC,  ND, OK, OH, PA, SC, SD, TX, TN, UT, VA, WI (24)

AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS,  MO, MT, NE, NV, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TX,  TN, UT, VA, WY (29)

AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, GA, HI, ID, IA, IN, KS, KY, LA,  MD, MI, MN, MT, NE, NM, NY, NC, ND, PA, TN, TX,  UT, VA, WA, WY (29)

AK, AZ, AR, CO, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO,  MT, NE, NV, NH, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, UT, WV  (26)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME,  MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK,  PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV (33)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME,  MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK,  PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI (33)

section_title: Appendix VIII: GAO Contacts and Staff Acknowledgments
subsections: section_title: GAO Contacts

section_title: Staff Acknowledgments
paragraphs: In addition to the contacts named above, Kirk Kiester (Assistant Director),  Aditi S. Archer, Willie Commons III, Michele C. Fejfar, Sally P. Gilley,  Andrew C. Moore, and Janet G. Temko made significant contributions to  the work. Also contributing to this report were Katherine M. Davis, Eric  Hauswirth, Linda S. Miller, and Robert Robinson.


Question-summary annotations: questions: question: How are the number of states with concealed carry permits changing?
answer: The number of states allowing concealed carry permits is increasing, and states broadly differ in eligibility requirements and the extent to which they have reciprocity agreements.
child_questions: question: How has the number changed since 2002?
answer: In June 2002, 7 states and the District of Columbia prohibited the concealed carry of handguns. As of March 2012, individuals can carry concealed handguns in all but 1 state (Illinois) and the District of Columbia.

question: How do "shall-issue" states differ in permitting rates from "may-issue" states?
answer: “Shall-issue” states—in which issuing authorities are required to issue a permit to an applicant that fulfills the objective statutory criteria— generally issue more permits than states with greater discretion in granting permits (“may-issue” states).
child_questions: question: How does this affect permitting standards across states?
answer: Because of differing eligibility requirements, some states would issue a permit to an applicant, while others would not. For example, some states define what constitutes a disqualifying felony differently or have different firearms training requirements.

question: To what extent do states recognize permits from other states?
answer: As of March 2012, 39 states that issue permits and Vermont (permits not required) recognize concealed carry permits from other states. Of the 9 states that do not grant reciprocity, 8 are may-issue states.

questions: question: To what extent do the 9 states studied take action to confirm continued eligibility?
answer: Issuing authorities from all 9 states included in GAO’s case study stated that they take action to confirm an individual’s continued eligibility to hold a permit as part of the permit renewal process; and issuing authorities from 8 of these 9 states reported using mechanisms to monitor resident permit holders’ continued eligibility between issuance and renewal.
child_questions: question: How do these 8 states review continued eligibility?
answer: In these 8 states, issuing authorities told GAO that they are notified if a permit holder commits a disqualifying act within their state through law enforcement or state databases.

question: If disqualified, how is the permit revoked?
answer: After detecting a disqualifying criminal offense or other disqualifying factors, each of the 9 states begins the revocation process by notifying the permit holder. The states have varying retrieval processes, and 3 of them have authority to impose a penalty for failure to surrender a revoked permit or continuing to possess one.

question: How can law enforcement check permit validity?
answer: Law enforcement in the 9 case study states that issue permits told GAO that when encountering permits, such as during routine traffic stops, they visually check them and can take additional steps, such as checking state databases, as needed, to determine whether the permits are current and valid.

questions: question: How many concealed carry permits have been granted in the United States?
answer: According to state reporting to GAO, there were at least 8 million active permits to carry concealed handguns in the United States as of December 31, 2011.

question: Who controls the issuance of concealed carry permits?
answer: States and local authorities control the issuance of concealed carry permits.
child_questions: question: How is eligibility for these permits determined?
answer: Applicants who wish to obtain such permits are required to meet certain state eligibility requirements, such as minimum age and the lack of a felony conviction.

question: To what extent do states recognize permits from other states?
answer: States also decide which other states’ permits to honor. Typically, states enter into reciprocity agreements that establish which out of- state permit holders can carry concealed firearms within each state.

question: What does this report examine?
answer: This report describes (1) the extent to which states allow concealed carry permits, and how select states’ eligibility requirements and recognition of other states’ permits differ, (2) what processes select states use to help ensure they revoke permits when holders no longer meet eligibility requirements, and (3) how law enforcement officials in select states determine whether permits they encounter are current and valid.
child_questions: question: How did GAO source their data for this study?
answer: GAO gathered information on the number of permits, laws, issuing authorities, and reciprocity agreements for 50 states and the District of Columbia, and conducted a case study on 9 states that issue permits. GAO selected these states to reflect differences among states’ eligibility requirements, state reciprocity of permits, and permit issuing processes; the results cannot be generalized across all states but provide a broad understanding of the different requirements and processes states utilized in issuing permits.