Georgia Concealed Carry Permit Information

Click here to view the Georgia Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Map.

If you would like to contribute to this page, please post the information in the State Forums.

Concealed Permit:

Shall Issue to Residents Only

Example Resident Permit:

Georgia Concealed Weapon Permit
Georgia Concealed Weapon Permit

Issuing Authority:

Probate court in the county in which you reside. Contact info for all 159 of them are listed here: http://www.georgiapacking.org/gfl1.php


NICS/Background Check:
License qualifies as NICS check during firearm
purchases.

Cost:
$75-$89 depending on the county

Required Documents:
Identification and Proof of Residency, most counties will accept a valid
GA Drivers License, some counties will require more. Note that
providing SSN is optional.
Informing Law Enforcement of Carry:
Georgia does not require that a licensee volunteer to LEO’s that he is carrying but does require that the GFL be presented on request.

Automobile carry:
Without a GA or Reciprocal License – fully open to view (such as uncovered in passenger seat, partially sticking out below or beside seat is not allowed). If you are not prohibited from obtaining a firearm carry license, it can be in a closeable compartment like the glove box or center console (map pockets that are not closeable are not acceptable) ith a GA or Reciprocal License – Anywhere in the car.
Places off-limits when
carrying:

Deadly Force / Castle Doctrine:

Georgia has a castle doctrine and imposes no duty to
retreat before reasonably resorting to deadly force (“stand your ground”) if you
are lawfully present where you are threatened and are not engaged in illegal
conduct at the time.

Open Carry:

Prohibited unless one possesses a recognized license.

Localities with Varying Laws:

Georgia has generally pre-empted the regulation of
firearms with the exception that cities/counties may regulate the discharge
of firearms and laws governing the carry of firearms by city/county
employees while working.


This text is replaced by the Flash movie.

  • Travis Shelton

    The cost for GA has been raised to $75-$89 depending on the county

  • Anonymous

    Thanks, this info has been updated.

  • Anonymous

    Thanks, this info has been updated.

  • Vampyre2022

    ga now does require the GFL holder to notifiy the LEO that he is carrying if stopped in your car also in ga you cannot carry in a building with more than 200 people, bank church, school, or any goverment building just thought you should know

    • Xmanhockey7

      Is that the only PFZ as far as there being no more than 200 people or are there others?

    • Jlcnuke

      This post is only partially somewhat correct.  Ignore it please and visit the actual code or a site that is up to date please

    • 9mmJeff

      Since the passage of SB308, the 200 people and Bank prohibit have been removed. School, church, and government buildings are still off limits (you can have in your vehicle)

  • Devoshire

    Kindly cite applicable statutes in regard to notifying leos that youre carrying, as well as those pertaining to the 200 person rule, as well as banks.
    Thank you

    • Jlcnuke

      200 person rule does not exist.  Prior to passage of SB308 in 2010 there was a prohibition against carrying at “public gatherings” and that has been eliminated.  Notification of a GWL is NOT required (contrary to info on this page).  It IS required that a person have their GWL in their possession if it is required to be lawfully carrying.

  • Bill

    Can the weapon be loaded while in the vehicle?

    • Jlcnuke

      yes, but only if you have (or are not prohibited from obtaining) a GWL.

  • Ronnie Cole

    with a ga permit can you carrying it concealed

    • Jlcnuke

      With a valid GWL (or for non-residents, a permit issued by a state which GA recognizes their permit), open or concealed carry is permitted anywhere not specifically designated off-limits by federal legislation or 16-11-various subsection of OCGA.

  • Jeben725

    List states that are reciprocal with Ga.

  • Steveshadburn

    Georgia (my home state) has a bullshit ccw policy. Thank God I have an Ohio and Utah ccw permits. Maybe one day GA will catch up to the rest of the country.

    • Kfamoor

      How do you mean, Steve? How is GA behind? Not trying to piss on your garden, honestly trying to figure out your meaning.  I am about to get my CCW, so I’m curious… 

      • Jerry Huber

         Steve please tll us the difference in the Ga. and Ohio ccw

        • Fred

          We relocated FROM Kommiefornia to Georgia and we LOVE it!  Compared to California, Georgia’s CCW policy is like breathing actual air.  Each county in California has either a “may issue” or “shall issue.”  Ours was a “may issue.”  You had to pay a couple hundred dollars for a training course, then you had to pay $210 for the application process, then you had to be interviewed by a sheriff deputy to determine whether or not you actually NEEDED a ccw.  THEN, the SHERIFF would eventually decide if he was going to issue a CCW.  He could say “no” for no reason at all.  Plus, California licenses are only good for 2 years before needing to be renewed.

          There is NO Castle Doctrine in California either and the laws restricting the use of deadly force are patently ridiculous.

          You also had to list (no more than THREE) guns on your CCW permit, including the model number AND serial number.  Only those three guns were permissible to use.

          Georgia’s CCW policies are wonderful, far better than many other states.

    • Regbl

      There’s nothing wrong with the policy.  You can even open carry.  What county do you live in?

    • Hooper

      Steve, you make an assertion without clarification or evidence to back it up. So, if you will permit me to do the same….You’re an idiot…… Georgia is a very gun friendly state. Oh, the evidence supporting my assertion is exhibit A (your post).

  • Chaddrowland

    Hey can someone explain to me why ga law clearly states that for 30 dollars plus a 5 dollar fingerprint fee I will be issued a permit…but these counties are charging far in excess of that?

  • Kevo

    I live in Dekalb Co.  Can I get my CCW in Cobb or Cherokee since their wait is days as opposed to Dekalb’s 3 months to a year?

    • DeKrap Co

      No

  • Gfd451

    Amen brother, GCO is the way to go and get the correct info. With the new laws on places you now can carry, they have incorrect info! If they would join GCO they would have all the right info !!! GCO for life!

  • M Fernand81

    How do you get a cwp in both Georgia and South Carolina if you live in one state or the other (my mother and I)?

    • 9mmJeff

      GA and SC do not have reciprocity with each other due to SC not being happy with GA issuing permits to GA citizens without requiring firearms training. SC does require training before you can obtain a permit, and doesn’t recognize GA permits because of this.

    • Fred DeRuvo

      You can’t.  Don’t feel bad though.  I used to live in California and they only recognize CA permits, period.  It’s because of the rigorous training that you have to go through before a law enforcement official will sign off on it.  Many counties in California are “MAY issue,” with only some being “SHALL issue.”  I lived in a “MAY issue” county but fortunately, had no trouble obtaining a permit.

      We recently drove through SC and I had to stop before entering, empty my gun completely (incl. chamber), then stored the gun in one part of the car with the ammo in another part.  When I got through SC, I stopped and reloaded the gun and placed it in the holster I have attached underneath the dashboard for easy access.

  • Wolf616782

    16-11-127 CARRYING DEADLY WEAPONS TO OR AT PUBLIC GATHERINGS.
    (a) A PERSON IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR WHEN HE OR SHE CARRIES TO OR
    WHILE AT A PUBLIC GATHERING ANY EXPLOSIVE COMPOUND, FIREARM, OR KNIFE
    DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE OF OFFENSE AND DEFENSE. (b) FOR THE PURPOSE OF
    THIS CODE SECTION, ‘PUBLIC GATHERING’ SHALL INCLUDE, BUT SHALL NOT BE
    LIMITED TO, ATHLETIC OR SPORTING EVENTS, SCHOOLS OR SCHOOL FUNCTIONS,
    CHURCHES OR CHURCH FUNCTIONS, POLITICAL RALLIES OR FUNCTIONS, PUBLICLY
    OWNED OR OPERATED BUILDINGS, OR ESTABLISHMENTS AT WHICH ALCOHOLIC
    BEVERAGES ARE SOLD FOR CONSUMPTION ON THE PREMISES. (c) THIS CODE
    SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO COMPETITORS PARTICIPATING IN ORGANIZED SPORT
    SHOOTING EVENTS, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, PEACE OFFICERS RETIRED FROM
    STATE OR FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, JUDGES, MAGISTRATES,
    SOLICITORS, AND DISTRICT ATTORNEYS MAY CARRY PISTOLS IN PUBLICLY OWNED
    OR OPERATED BUILDINGS.

  • greg

    I just bought my first handgun and i’m confused on the law. I DO NOT have a concealed permit so where in my car can i place my gun. and does it need to be unloaded ect..?

    • http://www.facebook.com/ed.selby Ed Selby

      Under GA law regarding guns, your car is an extension of your house. You can carry your handgun anywhere in your car.

    • Dale32006

      only in glovebox if no permit it says that above

  • tim

    We are going to Florida for vacation what does GA Res permits only mean? We are also in the process of moving. Do I need to have the address on my CCW changed? if so, how?

    • Fred DeRuvo

      It means they recognize a Georgia permit from a person who actually LIVES in Georgia.  I have a Georgia permit and I live here, but I also have Florida and Utah permits.  You don’t have to live in those states to be issued permits.

      • Denny43015

        Thank you Fred my ohio permit is good all the way down to Fl but Georgia.
        Also didnt they pass a bill in congress making all states having to reconginize all other states permits? I thought mabey it had a specific date that is not here yet????? Know anything about that bill.
        thanks
        Denny

        • Fred DeRuvo

          As far as I know it has not passed yet. 

          • Denny43015

            Thanks for the info
            Denny

  • Denny43015

    how do you carry a gun while passing through geargia when the other states you are traveling through recognize your permit

    • Fred_deruvo

      If you do not have a Georgia permit, the gun and ammo must be in two separate parts of the car.  Normally gun in trunk – ammo in glove compartment or something similar.

  • Doublebfarms

    I just applied for my CCW permit in georgia.I am a georgia resident.How long of process should I expect before my permit is finalized? The probate court said,”they just got this new computer program and it might take awhile before they call me in to finish my permit process”.This didnt seem right to me.It sounds like they dont want to issue any more permits and I am expecting a run around.Who can i file complaints with if I feel i am getting jerked around?

    • Bradd 58

      What County? They are switching to a permit that has your picture instead of your print? Do you have a GA DL? Got mine in 2 weeks, old style with print.

      • Bradd 58

        New picture type starts in 2012

  • Soldierbaby08

    can military carry a concealed firearm without i a premit

  • Koachman

    I just moved to Georgia from Arizona. I have a current valid CCW from Arizona but have recently been issued a Georgia drivers license. Is my Arizona CCW still valid in Georgia or do I need to get my Georgia CCW now that I am a resident?

  • Deac3967

    if you are not a resident of ga but have a nonresident permit from another state that ga does reconize will you be legal to carry (Example Fla does not honor a non resident lic if you are not a resident of the state

    • Modres

      My understanding is that if you have a FLORIDA CCW, even though not a resident of the state, they will honor it, otherwise they wouldn’t give it out to people out of state.

      I have a GA, FL, and UT license and I’m good in quite a few states.

  • James Moffitt

    My wife and I are traveling from Charleston SC to Atlanta Georgia this weekend. My CWP is not recognized by Ga. Do I have to pull over before I cross the state line and lock my weapon in a gun case or can I put it in the glove box. Does it need to be unloaded?  What about at the hotel, am I allowed to take the gun case in the hotel room with me?  

  • guest1

    long time site lurker, just applied for permit in Fulton County a week ago, let’s see how long it takes them to issue me the permit!

    • Stuart

      I applied on Dec 19th 2011, still no show. It is within 45 days though.

      • Gumpsuccess

        I applied in N Fulton December 15th and still no show.

      • Stuart

        Arrived today 25th Jan 2012, have to say that I was expecting it to be much longer. I’m pleasantly surprised. Old style licence and valid for the full 5 years. Best of luck everyone.

  • Scott

    If I move from one county to another within the state of GA and had a CCW from the previous county, is my CCW still good until expiraton date or do I have to renew it within the new county I live in upon moving. 

  • Dan

    I
    have a non- resident New Hampshire CCP (as well as a Mass CCP). As New
    Hampshire is a reciprocal state with Georgia, I believe that I can carry
    concealed in Georgia. Any help is appreciated.

  • Anonymous

    I was just issued a weapons carry license in Houston County. The fee I paid (75.00) looks like the range of fees charged for a concealed carry lcense. Can I carry concealed with the license I was issued?..I live in GA