CCW Requirments in Your State

Horny Toad...

Who ever said anything about "announcing"? Didn't your Momma ever tell you that, "It can't hurtcha if they don't know."?

Seriously now, we are talking about "CONCEALED CARRY" here. By virtue of that very concealment you are being discreet. NO ONE will ever know that you are carrying unless you're completely careless. However, LEO's will know you're carrying as soon as you submit to the CCW/CHL license scam. It paints a bullseye on your forehead. It also says, "Yeah, go ahead and convert my 2nd Amendment rights into a priviledge."
And if there is such a government "list" of first choices for mid-night goon squads, you're it baby.

It is not the gun that creates a criminal, it is the criminal who creates a crime. You decide to carry for your own personal reasons, and have only yourself to blame if you do something stupid with that weapon. But not choosing to carry because your State has chosen to infringe your 2nd Amendment rights is no reason not to carry. We ALL have the right to keep and bear arms!!! We don't NEED anyone's permission to carry... out a God given, unalienable, Constitutionally guaranteed RIGHT!!! Period.
 
Colorado's so patchwork that I couldn't begin to explain. Even those "shall issue" counties - there's a wide variety of where one can't carry & "shall tell" versus don't have to - on & on. Permit time-out varies as well. It's all dependant upon the county Sheriff - to if you can even get one at all.

PR, I agree with you to the utmost. Still, (& I feel like such a huge wimp here) I want to be law-abiding within those boundaries that don't make me throw right up. The CCW issue hasn't quite made me puke - yet. I'm probably in the "hey, I can finally get one!" syndrome. Go figure. Self analysis sucks!

I did carry w/o permission upon a time (~2 yrs) & told the CoP (in a registered letter & after several discussions on why I wanted CCW permit) to go Fmself 'cause we WERE in danger & I'd brook no denials - I either got the permit or ALL were on notice & I would CCW anyway. This was in Longmont, Boulder county, CO & they didn't issue to jack at the time. BTW, had a few LEOs on-street stop & chat (very friendly) & ask if I was "still CCWing." Apparently, the word got out. Never a hassle & I always most politely said "Yes sir! Why?" A smile & understanding nod was all I ever got.
 
Tennessee is a shall issue state.

Must take a state mandated course from a state appoved instructor consisting of 4 hours of classroom instruction. This mostly watching videos on the legallities of carring a weapon, the three rules, basic safety in the use of firearms. I was surprised at the number of people there who had never fired a pistol before. Take a written test about the videos and safety. And then go to the range and show proficiency with you weapon of choice. I personally think I could have passed this part by picking up rocks on the ground and thrown them at the target. Instead I used my 1911.

Take the certificate that they give you stating that you passed the test and are qualified to shoot a firearm to the Department of Public Safety. There they will fingerprint you, have you fill out a form requesting a carry permit, and submit all paperwork for approval to the state.

If you are clean, you will recieve your permit in the mail in four to six weeks. That is the nice thing about it, the only way you cannot get one is if you have a felony conviction or a record of some type. DUI's in this state and you will not get a permit.

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John
(formerly johnboy)
 
PR, you're right of course. All states should be like Vermont. However here in Florida, unlicenced carry is a felony with a penalty of up to 5 years in the slam.
http://licgweb.dos.state.fl.us/opinions/95-28.html

LEGAL OPINION 95-28

QUESTION:

Does a person need a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License to carry arms in light of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?

RESPONSE:

The Second Amendment declares that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The courts have held that phrase "means no more than 'shall not be infringed by Congress.'" Further, it is a right which states can regulate. Gun control laws are a proper and reasonable exercise of a state's police power. The police power, inherent in the people and the states, is reserved to the states under the 10th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It has as its origin, purpose and scope, the public's health, morals and safety.
 
New York....get ready for this!

Go to county PD headquarters, ask politely , get stack of forms and requirements. Try to comprehend forms and try to type in very small spaces. Give up. Two college degrees and I feel like I am illiterate.

Go to agency that specializes in handgun permits. Give them my drivers license and am told to come back tomorrow. When I come back they smile and give me a list of required information. Give them info including names of 4 references whom I have known for at least a year. Also give name of person to secure my guns if I suddenly die! (W address and phone #). They fillout forms, give to me to proofread, re do forms because they can't type. Take forms to my 4 references to have them SIGN the form! They must give addresses and phone #. Forms ask usual questions about criminal record (like they already don't know this) plus driving record. Must list traffic infractions for last 10 years! Must give dates of Military service, type of discharge etc. Also must indicate where guns will be stored. Questionnaire on form is similar to BATF yellow form. They take photos for license. Write check for $400.00 to agency. Must have forms notarized.

Take forms to county PD Headquarters, scedule appointment with detective.

Go to scheduled appointment, go over forms with PO (Nice guy by the way), discuss his problem with carpenter ants (He saw my line of work). Asks me typical questions, about militry service etc. PO pulls on pair of latex exam gloves and asks me to step behind screen, I say wait a minute! He laughs, says he is only going to take fingerprints. Complete 4 sets of fingerprint cards. Provide proof of residency. Give him check for $74.00 for fingerprint processing and another check for $10.00 for application processing. Must use two checks. PO tells me this will take four months. Give him 3 photos of myself 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 inches.

Six months later almost to the day I receive notice that permit is ready. Go to PDHQ to pick up. Find out permit is only good for target and Hunting. Can only carry gun to and from range or in field with proper hunting license! (WTF) county PD will not allow CCW even though state law allows it and I have passed the requirements! Grrrr....

Don't get me started

Geoff Ross



[This message has been edited by K80Geoff (edited February 10, 2000).]
 
North Carolina

This is mostly 'cut & paste' from the NC General Statutes. The permit fee has increased to $90.00 (ouch) now and the approved safety course is eight hours long. I believe the course cost averages about $50-$80 depending on who administers it.

It is unlawful to "carry concealed about one's person" a handgun, or "other deadly weapon of like kind," except on one's own premises, or the person has a concealed hand-gun permit. The sheriff shall issue a permit within 90 days after receipt of a complete application to an applicant who:

1. Is a citizen of the U.S. and has been a resident of the State for at least 30 days prior to filing the application;

2. Is at least 21;

3. Does not suffer from a physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun;

4. Has successfully completed an approved firearms safety and training course which involves the actual firing of handguns and instruction in the law governing the carrying of a concealed handgun and the use of deadly force;

5. Is not ineligible under federal or state law to possess, receive, or own a firearm;

6. Is not under indictment or adjudicated guilty in any court of a felony;

7. Is not a fugitive;

8. Is not an unlawful user or addicted to alcohol or narcotic drug;
is not currently or has not been adjudicated or administratively determined to be mentally ill;

9. Has not been discharged from the armed forces under conditions other than honorable;

10. Is or has not been adjudicated guilty or judgment continued or suspended sentence for a violent misdemeanor;

11. Has not had judgment continued for or free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a disqualifying criminal offense;

12. Has not been convicted of an impaired driving offense within three years prior to the date on which the application is submitted.

A person shall apply to the sheriff of the county in which the person resides to obtain a concealed handgun permit. The applicant shall submit to the sheriff an application completed under oath, on a form provided by the sheriff, an $80.00 non-refundable permit fee, a full set of fingerprints administered by the sheriff, an additional fee not to exceed $10.00 to pay for the costs of processing the applicant's fingerprints, an original certificate of completion of an approved safety course, a release that authorizes and requires disclosure to the sheriff of any records concerning the mental health or capacity of the applicant. The permit holder must carry the permit, together with valid identification, whenever carrying a concealed handgun, 2 The issuing authority may be one or the other, depending on the county. Permit holder shall disclose to any law enforcement officer who addresses or approaches the permit holder that he is a permit holder and is carrying a concealed handgun. The permit is valid throughout the state for 4 years from the date of issuance. The permit holder shall apply to renew the permit at least 30 days prior to its expiration date by filing with the sheriff of the county of residence a renewal form, a notarized affidavit stating that the permit holder remains qualified, a full set of fingerprints and pay an $80.00 renewal fee.
 
Georgia.

Shall issue. $39. FIVE YEARS. No courses to attend. No permit required to purchase. No registration required to own.

License authorizes to carry openly or concealed, but only in prescribed manner, i.e., shoulder, waist, purse, handbad, attache case, briefcase or other closed container. No ankle holsters.

License not required for home or place of business or to transport in private vehicle. License not required while hunting, as long as open and exposed (not concealed).

No license shall be issued to:<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>Anyone under 21<LI>Fugitives from justice or anyone with felony charges or weapons violations charges pending<LI>Anyone convicted of forcible felony who has not been free of all restraint or supervision for at least ten years<LI>Repeat last: non-forcible felony, five years<LI>Repeat again: weapons carrying violation, three years</UL>

License shall be issued by judge of probate court of home county within 60 days if no adverse info is reported to the judge by the local sheriff within 50 days from application and ... the judge determines applicant meets all quailfications AND is of "good moral character". (There's always a catch!)

Then there's this (which might apply to some here!): If applicant has been in a mental hosp or alcohol or drug treatment center within 5 years of application, the judge has discretion after a recommendation from medical superintendent of said institoooooooootion, to issue or deny.

GA Firearms Licensees may not carry to "public gatherings" (athletic events, school functions, church functions,political rallies, public buildings) or where alcohol is sold for consumption on the premises.

No person may intentionally and without legal justification, point a firearm at another, WHETHER LOADED OR UNLOADED. (This provision I can agree with!)
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Sensop

"Get your mind right and the body will follow." - Shino Takazawa, sinsei, hachi dan, Keishinkan do.
Sensop's Corner

[This message has been edited by sensop (edited February 11, 2000).]
 
In Maryland it is technically possible to get a CCW, but in practice it is next to impossible. Proof of documented threats, fingerprinting, photos, forms, $$$, bureaucracy, the works. And you dont get your $117 back if the cops decide you don't pass muster. Almost makes the misdemeanor worth skipping the hassle...

--Mercator
 
Pennsylvania took 15 minutes:

Walk into county Sheriff's office. Ask for CCW form. Fill out CCW form. Sheriff jokes about which neighbors I'm afraid of because I'm applying for CCW. Sheriff rejects my references because they're all in the next county over. Sheriff gives me five minutes to flip through the phone book and find references in my county while joking about the fact that I shouldn't be afraid of my neighbors because I don't know any of them.

To pass the time, Sheriff asks me pop quiz psych questions to catch me off guard like "so son, you don't even know your neighbors, do you even know what kind of gun you carry." I respond with answers like "no, sir, I don't know what kind of gun I carry because I don't carry a gun...yet."

Finish filling out CCW form. Sheriff takes my drivers license and calls me in. 3 minutes later, Sheriff takes my picture, lamenates the INK JET PRINTED CCW and sends me on my way. If I tried to print my own CCW, it would get spotted immediately because my home printer is better quality than the Sheriff's printer. Oh, no fingerprints or anything. Pay my $25 and I'm on my way.

/Sciri/

[This message has been edited by Sciri (edited February 11, 2000).]
 
My experience (Brookline, MA)

Visited local police dept. Was told I could not even havea COPY of the application till next saturday. Stopped by on saturday, was given copy of application, told I needed to have 3 passport photos, copies of a firearms safety course certificate (2 copies), a check for $35.00, and proof of competency: A signed target. (A score of 180/300 at 50ft was sufficient, I found out later)

So, the following saturday I returned with everything, was fingerprinted, etc. 3 1/2 months later I was notified it was ready, and drove down there.

Side note: Massachusetts has 2 license classes, and 2 endorsements. A is hicap, B is non-hicap. The endorsements are 'Target (to and from club) Hunting (obvious :) and 'Defense' (CCW). When you have all of the endorsements, its replaced with ALP (All Lawful Purposes).

I provided them with 3 safety certs, a 290/300 scored target, and personal references from a former MA chief of police, and 2 cops. The best they would give me was an A with hunting and target.

However, my friend, who lives about 10 minutes west of me in another town walked in, filled out the forms, said to the CoP, "I know how to shoot", got fingerprinted and had his completely unrestriced A license in less than a month.

This state is majorly ****ed up. I'm going to rent a ****ty condo for a month and 'move' and reapply in his town. Cheaper than trying to Appeal it in court.


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9x19x(15+1) = Glock19, the Best.
 
I also live in Taxachusetts in my city,Quincy I needed approved safety certificate (which is approved by MASS state ploice), 3 pictures and application with letter stating that I wanted a class a ltc for all lawful purposes. It arrived about 6 weeks later. Also note that a class b liscense is only to puchase a handgun and transport it unloaded, and also covers high cap l;ong guns. A class a is a ccw that can be restricted. I have mine for "All Lawful Purposes". Hmm, I wonder what the criminals get ????
 
CT's got an older system. Rated "shall issue" by the NRA but it isn't, actually. It is true that the law says that the police have to give a _reason_ for denying you a permit, but one such reason is "unsuitability". Now as you might guess with a condition with this sort of, how shall we say, latitude, there is room for abuse.

The towns and cities play a big role here. First you submit to the town or city PD. They're _supposed_ only to make you fill out a green state form-- list arrests, do you take drugs, that sort of thing. No big deal. Most cities require only that. After all, the law says that's all they can require, so that's what they do. BUT-- a lot of cities add other forms. Credit check permission slips, photographs, make you notarize the forms, letters of reference, etc.

You don't have to fill out any additional forms. BUT-- they don't tell you that in the cities where they give them to you, of course. And... if you don't fill them out there's a good chance you'll have to wait to appeal their denial to the state firearms board. That takes a few months. So, it's often not worth the hassle to refuse to fill them out.

So, you fill out the forms, and wait. State law says the local PD has to deny or approve within 8 weeks. This means that, depending on the town you live in, the process is done anywhere from two weeks to six months. That's right-- up to six months. You can appeal to the state board after eight weeks, but you have to wait for a hearing. That's at least three months down the road. Often, it's better just to wait on the chance that it will only be 12 to 16 weeks.

Some cities send detectives to your neighbors' houses and to your job-- to find out if you're "suitable". Because there's a good chance that you're a really dangerous character, applying to the police department for a carry permit and all. Some say cities with this policy are just harrassing those who apply for the permits. I won't take a stand on that here, I just mention it as one point of view. You decide.

Anyway, when that's all done, an interview is sometimes required at local PD. Here, you're helpfully asked the questions that you answered on the state form a few months ago. "Ever been arrested", "Any domestic violence problems", "drug problems", etc. Also, "why do you want the permit?", "what do you know about guns?", that kind of thing. Not a long interview. Just another thing to do.

When thats' all done, though, you get your town permit. That entitles you to carry in the town. But-- once you've got that it's easy. You go to a state police office, and get a state permit. At Middletown it takes about 15 minutes. They take your picture and give you the laminated card right there. No hassles.

The upside here is that once you HAVE the thing you can carry pretty much wherever you want. Well, I mean there are the usual restrictions, no bars, churches, etc. But there aren't businesses here that post "no carry" signs, at least anywhere that I've seen. The thing's good for five years and renewals are easy. Deal only with the state.

The other advantage is that you can buy guns with no waiting period. You do a background check and bring your gun home. Rifles, handguns, anything.

Basically, to apply you've got to have:

(1) no violence, no listed misdemeanors (domestic violence, some drug stuff, etc.)
(2) NRA training (5 hours, about 100 bucks is what most trainers charge)
(3) fingerprinting
(4) filled out application,
(5) 35 bones,
(6) whatever other made-up stuff the city tries to get you to do that you decide not to fight.
(7) patience!

That's the deal, here. A good example of how some police departments will abuse a system without objective criteria for issue. Again, some are reasonable, a couple of weeks and that's all. But some big cities aren't.
 
The requirements in western and upstate New York sound similar to some other states: references, finger prints and numerous forms. However, there is no requirement for a practical or written test. You have to be very particular in stating your reasons for wanting a hand gun (hunting, target shooting AND personal protection) or your permit (CCW) may arrive marked 'target shooting only' if your paperwork went to an anti-gun county judge for his signature.
If I recall correctly, the fees totaled about $90 plus the cost of pictures.
After submitting your information package you can sit back and wait a minimum of 6 'months' till you receive your permit.
The good news is that, so far, our permits do not expire, however, they are not recognized in New York City (and you don't want to get an upstater started on how they feel about NYC!).
 
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