Alabama Concealed Carry Permit Information

Does Alabama issue concealed weapon permits?
Who issues Alabama Concealed Weapon permits?
Are background checks required for an Alabama Pistol Permit and does it count as a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) check?
How long is an Alabama Pistol Permit valid for?
What is the processing time for an Alabama Pistol Permit?
How much does an Alabama Pistol Permit cost?
What are the requirements for an Alabama Pistol Permit?
What are the required documents when applying for an Alabama Pistol Permit?
How do I renew my Alabama Pistol Permits and what is the cost?
How do you change a name or address on an Alabama Pistol Permit?
What do you do if your Alabama Pistol Permit is lost, stolen, or damaged?
Do I need to inform Law Enforcement that I am carrying a concealed weapon?
What are the laws for carrying a firearm in an automobile in Alabama?
What places are off-limits when carrying a concealed weapon in Alabama?
What are the laws involving alcohol and carrying a concealed weapon in Alabama?
Does Alabama have a Stand Your Ground Law AKA Castle Doctrine Law?
What are the Alabama Open Carry laws?
Does Alabama have laws for No Gun signs?
Are you allowed to carry concealed in Alabama State Parks, State & National Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and/or Road Side Rest Areas?
Other Alabama Firearm Resources
Alabama Concealed Carry Map – Reciprocity
Alabama Concealed Carry Forums
Update Log: Last Updated 1/16/2012

Does Alabama issue concealed weapon permits?
Alabama is a May Issue State and only issues permits to residents of Alabama. May Issue means that the sheriff may or may not issue you a permit even after meeting all requirements for an Alabama Pistol Permit.

Here is the exact text from the Alabama Firearms and Weapons Law:

§ 13A-11-75. License to carry pistol in vehicle or concealed on person –

Issuance; term; form; fee; revocation.
The sheriff of a county, upon the application of any person residing in that county, may issue a qualified or unlimited license to such person to carry a pistol in a vehicle or concealed on or about his person within this state for not more than one year from date of issue, if it appears that the applicant has good reason to fear injury to his person or property or has any other proper reason for carrying a pistol, and that he is a suitable person to be so licensed.

Who issues Alabama Concealed Weapon Permits?
Alabama County Sheriff’s issue Alabama Pistol Permit (or Pistol License) which allow you to carry concealed in Alabama. Contact your local Sheriff for information on how to apply for an Alabama Pistol Permit.

Are background checks required for an Alabama Pistol Permit and does it count as a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) check?
Prior to issuance of an Alabama Pistol Permit, the sheriff may contact available local, state, and federal criminal history data banks to determine whether possession of a firearm by an applicant would be a violation of state or federal law. This is not a requirement but most sheriff’s do when applying for an Alabama Pistol Permit. Your Alabama Pistol Permit does not serve as a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) check when purchasing a new firearm.

How long is an Alabama Pistol Permit valid for?
If granted, the Alabama Pistol Permit is good for up to one (1) year from the date of issue.

What is the processing time for an Alabama Pistol Permit?
Alabama Pistol Permits from Mobile County are immediate and they print it at the counter after they do the background check.  The whole process takes about 20 minutes and cost is $20.

Currently, we have no information on other counties.

How much does an Alabama Pistol Permit cost?
The fee for a new or renewal of your Alabama Pistol Permit varies by each county sheriff and can range anywhere from $5 to $15.

What are the requirements for an Alabama Pistol Permit?
1. Be at least 18 years old. The county sheriff can set the minimum age limit higher.
2. Resident of Alabama.
3. Alabama law states that the applicant must have a good reason for carrying a concealed firearm, but in practice a permit is generally granted to anyone who qualifies.
4. Some counties require training while others do not.

What are the required documents when applying for an Alabama Pistol Permit?
1. Provide photo identification
2. Other documents required very depending on your county sheriff.

How do I renew my Alabama Pistol Permits and what is the cost?
Alabama Pistol Permits must be renewed annually before they expire. Contact your local county sheriff for the renewal application. Some counties send out renewal cards or notifications by mail. Thew Alabama Pistol Permits renewal fees vary depending on which county you are in.

How do you change a name or address on an Alabama Pistol Permit?
If you have a name change or a change of address, contact your local county sheriff to make the change on your Alabama Pistol Permit.

What do you do if your Alabama Pistol Permit is lost, stolen, or damaged?
If your Alabama Pistol Permit is lost, stolen or damaged, contact your local county sheriff to obtain a new permit. The fee for a duplicate Alabama Pistol Permit vary depending on the county you are in.

Do I need to inform Law Enforcement that I am carrying a concealed weapon?
From what we have found in our research there is no duty to inform law enforcement when you are carrying a concealed weapon in the State of Alabama. One USA Carry members posts, “General legal advice in Alabama is that you should inform the officer only if the traffic stop or other engagement with an officer proceeds beyond something routine.”

What are the laws for carrying a firearm in an automobile in Alabama?
It is illegal to carry a pistol in a vehicle in Alabama without a license except under the following conditions:
1. A person permitted by law to possess a pistol may, without a license, carry a pistol which is not loaded and is in a secure wrapper in a vehicle from the place of purchase to his home or place of business.
2. A person permitted by law to possess a pistol may, without a license, carry a pistol which is not loaded and is in a secure wrapper in a vehicle to and from his home or business to a place of repair.
3. A person permitted by law to possess a pistol may, without a license, carry a pistol which is not loaded and is in a secure wrapper in a vehicle when moving from one place of abode or business to another.

What places are off-limits when carrying a concealed weapon in Alabama?
Possession of firearms by persons participating in, attending, etc., demonstrations at public places is unlawful. – Section 13A-11-59

What are the laws involving alcohol and carrying a concealed weapon in Alabama?
We have found no Alabama state law that prohibits carrying a concealed weapons in a establishment that serves alcohol. There are some counties that list this as prohibited on the permit itself. We recommend going by what your local sheriff and/or permit says. Click here to view a discussion about carrying a concealed weapon in establishments that serve alcohol in our Alabama Firearms Forums.

USA Carry recommends that you do not sit at the bar area of a restaurant, carry within a bar or carry a firearm while under the influence or alcohol or drugs.

Does Alabama have a Stand Your Ground Law AKA Castle Doctrine Law?
Yes, Alabama is a Castle Doctrine state and has a stand-your-ground law. To view the exact laws click here.

What are the Alabama Open Carry laws?
Open carry is allowed in Alabama but you may not open carry in a vehicle without an Alabama Pistol Permit.

Does Alabama have laws for No Gun signs?
Properties that display a No Gun sign do not have the force of law unless that property is specifically mentioned in the State Law as being off limits to permit holders.

If you are asked to leave a property then you must leave. Refusing is breaking the law and you can be charged.

Are you allowed to carry concealed in Alabama State Parks, State & National Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and/or Road Side Rest Areas?
State Parks: YES Admin Code 220-5-.08
State Forests NO Admin Code 390-X-7
National Forests YES Rules
WMA’s: YES Admin Code 220-2
Road Side Rest Areas: YES

Other Alabama Firearm Resources:
Alabama Gun Reciprocity Law
Alabama Weapon Law
NRA-ILA: Alabama Gun Laws

Please join the Alabama Concealed Carry Forums.

These are the Alabama Concealed Carry Reciprocity Maps which allow you to view which states accept Alabama Pistol Permits and which states Alabama allows. To view Concealed Carry Laws, Permits, and Regulations in another state, simply click on the state below.


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Alabama Concealed Carry Permit Information Update Log:
1/16/2012 – Complete overhaul of permit info page and all information verified.

  • Cujo26i

    can i get a ccw permit for AL. i have a ccw for Ohio

  • Anonymous

    If you are a resident of Alabama you can apply for one.

  • Mdhsabh

    Conflicting info: The sheriff interview says open carry is Not allowed, but the text above says it IS. Elsewhere, I’ve also seen it stated that AL is an open carry state. And there are lots of videos online showing where people exercising their right in an open carry state being hassled by law enforcement who doesn’t seem to know the State law allows it. Damn lawyers, always trying to find a way to write the laws so that the average citizen needs a lawyer to understand their basic rights. Why not make it simple? One other comment–when asked about the open carry law, the Sheriff says he doesn’t know of a law *allowing it. Isn’t he familiar with the concept that the constitution 2nd ammendment, applies? Lacking any State law prohibiting something, you don’t need a law permitting something.

    • Ray

      Why in the hell do you want to OPEN carry a gun. Who are you trying to impress? Answer: Yourself.

      • chester arthur

        If you can’t carry it concealed legally,what choice is there if you desire to protect yourself?With such a vacuous statement,you haven’t impressed anyone,Ray-Ray.

      • Abc

        not allowing open carry is a great way to get cracked down on the moment you accidentally print or show.

      • Robertceckerjr

        The bill of rights (specifically the 2nd amendment) does not limit us to carrying our firearms concealed only. It is lawful and there is absolutely nothing wrong with carrying openly. I believe that everybody should carry in the manner in which they feel most comfortable. I am tired of hearing from elitists who think that they are the only people who know how a firearm should be carried. That is the type of  thinking that anti gun liberals seem to use. Your criticism sounds extremely liberal and anti-gun. I see people open carry quite often here in Alabama. I also observed many people open carrying in my native Pennsylvania prior to my retiring here. I dont have a problem with you stating that you dont like the idea of open carry. It is your heavy handed method in which you did so. I think perhaps it is you who were trying to impress someone. 

      • C4user73

        Ur mom was and she went down on me quick….so Im in agreement it does impress! Im looking for ur sister now…

  • Capice2003

    You can get a CCW in Jefferson county for 7.50. I agree with the second amendment on this case but, I am still checking it out because I want to open carry my FDE FNP tactical

  • http://aloc.info Kyle B McDonald

    Ask the sheriff if he is aware of a law ‘allowing’ you to walk and chew gum at the same time. That’s not the way Law works. Alabama Code section 13A-1-3 spells out that the purpose of the criminal code is to list the actions that are illegal and their punishments. You aren’t going to find a section that says ‘X’ is legal without it being a specific exception to ‘Y’ is illegal unless ‘X’.

    The fact of the matter is, the gun laws in Alabama (both open and concealed carry) are very simple. They are made more complicated by people abusing their power to enforce their own opinions of what is, or should be, the law. They are the people that ignore the multiple AL Supreme Court decisions, the many Appeals Court decisions, several Attorney General opinions, and a plain reading of the laws as written.

    A final nail in the coffin is that both the Brady Bunch and the Legal Community Against Violence both recognize that Alabama is an Open Carry state. Sadly, that makes the sites of these anti-gunners more accurate than that of the NRA-ILA.

  • Robertceckerjr

    I relocated from Pa. to Alabama approximately four weeks ago. I am currently staying with my son and am trying to decide if I want to stay and become a legal resident. However I am somewhat conflicted. I have a resident PA permit and an AZ permit so I am currently covered to carry my weapon according to the Alabama AG website. However in reading the mobile county sheriffs informational packet on CCW, it states I must be a legal resident for 6 months before I can obtain a Alabama permit. Alabama law states that if I become a Alabama resident that they will no longer honor my out of state permits. I guess that means i have to forfeit my 2nd amendment rights for six months till I meet their requirements. Am I misunderstanding the law here? Any help would be appreciated.

  • Don Deal

    I have an Alabama ccw and am going to travel to Colorado. Is my permit considered to be an “Al. resident permit” according to the map above?

    • Abc

      it is if you actually have a resident permit.  i believe in some states, including AL, you can get a permit in that state even if you are a non-resident, but it’s a different permit.  if you are a resident of AL and have an AL resident permit, then Colorado honors your permit.

  • Sherri Wike

    Is a Pistol Permit the same thing as a CCW?  My dad won’t do anything against the law.  He has a pistol permit and has asked me to find out if he is allowed to carry the gun in his glove box (car) with what he has.  Or, does he have to get a different license? 

  • Russ

    What is a Res permit?

  • Jeffreytull2

    I have a concealed carry in NCAA and it is good in several states including Alabama. I have moved back to Alabama a year ago. Is my concealed carry still OK here in Alabama as it is still valid and can I renew here in Alabama?

  • Mike

    I’m from Massachusetts but living in Alabama as a student. I’m shocked it says that AL does not honor MA licences due to how ridiculous it was to get a MA licence. Does anyone know how I should go about having an AL licence but not being an official resident?