Alabama Concealed Carry [Updated 1/31/2023]

Yes, Alabama is a Constitutional Carry state. Alabama residents and non-residents that are legally allowed to possess a firearm can carry concealed without an Alabama Pistol Permit, which is still issued to residents only. This law, HB 272, went into effect on January 1, 2023.

Yes, even though Alabama is a Constitutional Carry state, Alabama Pistol Permits are still issued, and is a Shall Issue State.

On May 20, 2013, Senate Bill 286 was signed into law and took effect on August 1, 2013. This makes Alabama a Shall Issue State. Sheriffs are required to issue or deny the concealed carry application within thirty (30) days. Upon denials, applicants will receive a written notice and have the chance to appeal the denial.

Alabama County Sheriff’s issue Alabama Pistol Permit (or Pistol License) which allow you to carry concealed in Alabama. Contact the Sheriff of the county you reside in for information on how to apply for an Alabama Pistol Permit.

As of August 1, 2013, Sheriffs to conduct a background check using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) on all applicants. [Source]

As of August 1, 2013, applicants for an Alabama Pistol Permit can select whether the permit is valid for one to five years. [Source]

As of Aug. 1, 2013, Sheriff’s are required to issue or deny the concealed carry application within thirty (30) days. Upon denials, applicants will receive a written notice and have the chance to appeal the denial. [Source]

The cost for an Alabama Pistol Permit is left up to the Sheriff and is usually between $5 – $20 per year.

From SB286:

The sheriff may charge a fee as provided by local law for the issuance of the permit under subdivision (1) of subsection (a). The amount of the fee for a period of one year up to five years shall be the amount of the fee as prescribed by local law multiplied by the number of years of the permit requested by the applicant.

All applicants applying for an Alabama Pistol Permit must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• A resident of Alabama.
• Some counties require training while others do not.

The Sheriff will determine if the applicant can legally possess firearms according to state or federal law. They can also deny the application if they have a reasonable suspicion that the applicant may use the weapon unlawfully or in a manner that would endanger them or someone else. They may consider:

• If you were found guilty but mentally ill in a criminal case.
• If you were found not guilty in a criminal case by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect.
• If you were declared incompetent to stand trial in a criminal case.
• If you asserted a defense in a criminal case of not guilty by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect.
• If you were found not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
• If you required involuntary inpatient treatment in a psychiatric hospital or similar treatment facility.
• If you required involuntary outpatient treatment in a psychiatric hospital or similar treatment facility based on a finding that the person is an imminent danger to himself or herself or to others.
• If you required an involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital or similar treatment facility for any reason, including drug use.
• If you are or was the subject of a prosecution or of a commitment or incompetency proceeding that could lead to a prohibition on the receipt or possession of a firearm under the laws of Alabama or the United States.
• If you falsified any portion of the permit application.
• If you caused justifiable concern for public safety.
  • The sheriff shall take into account how recent any consideration under paragraph a. is in relation to the date of the application. The sheriff shall provide a written statement of the reasons for a denial of a permit and the evidence upon which it is based must be disclosed to the applicant unless disclosure would interfere with a criminal investigation.
  • Except as otherwise provided by the laws of this state, a permit issued under this subdivision is valid 17 throughout the state, and a sheriff may not place conditions or requirements on the issuance of the permit or limit its scope or applicability.

[Source]

You will need your photo ID. Any other documents required vary depending on your county sheriff.

Alabama Pistol Permits must be renewed before they expire. Contact your local county sheriff for the renewal application. Some counties send out renewal cards or notifications by mail. The Alabama Pistol Permits renewal fees vary depending on which county you are in.

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.

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.

As of Aug. 1, 2013, transportation of a handgun in a vehicle is allowed without an Alabama Pistol Permit if you are legally permitted to possess the handgun. The handgun but be unloaded, locked in a container or container that is in or affixed securely to the vehicle and out of reach of the driver or any passenger. [Source]

If you have an Alabama Pistol Permit you can carry concealed in the vehicle.

Loaded long guns may be carried in plain view or in gun cases.

Possession of firearms by persons participating in, attending, etc., demonstrations at public places is unlawful. [Source]

Alabama Pistol Permit holders ARE allows to carry in schools. [SOURCE]

Yes, Alabama is a Castle Doctrine state and has a stand-your-ground law. Click here to view the Alabama Stand Your Ground Castle Doctrine Law.

As of Aug 1, 2013, the Castle Doctrine includes places of business.

Using or about to use physical force against an owner, employee, or other person authorized to be on business property when the business is closed to the public while committing or attempting to commit a crime involving death, serious physical injury, robbery, kidnapping, rape, sodomy, or a crime of a sexual nature involving a child under the age of 12. [Source]

We have found no Alabama state law that prohibits carrying a concealed weapons in an establishment that serves alcohol. 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.

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.

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

Please visit our Alabama Open Carry page for more information.