A new law that went into effect on Aug. 1, 2022, allows some veterans to carry concealed in Louisiana without having to obtain a Louisiana concealed handgun permit.
Louisiana Senate Bill 143 allows all active-duty and reserve members of any branch of the military to carry concealed without a Louisiana concealed handgun permit. This is also extended to those that were honorable discharged. You must be over 21 years of age and not prohibited from possessing a firearm.
At all times, while you are carrying concealed, you must have proof that you meet the guidelines. The following are acceptable forms of showing you meet these guidelines.
- A valid military identification card.
- A valid driver’s license issued by the state of Louisiana displaying the word “Veteran.”
- A valid special identification card issued by the state of Louisiana displaying the word “Veteran.”
- For a member released from service who does not qualify to have the word “Veteran” displayed on a state-issued driver’s license or special identification card, a Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214) indicating the character of service as “Honorable” or “Under Honorable Conditions (General)” and a valid driver’s license or special identification card issued by the state of Louisiana.
