Concealed Carry in Alabama

Home Concealed Carry in Alabama (AL) – Overview

Concealed Carry in Alabama (AL) – Overview

Summary

Permit required: No for most adults. Alabama is a permitless (constitutional) carry state as of January 1, 2023. Optional permits remain available for reciprocity/travel.
Minimum age: 19+ to get an Alabama concealed carry permit (18+ for qualifying active-duty/retired military or honorably discharged veterans).
Duty to inform: Yes, but only if asked. If an officer asks whether you are armed, you must immediately disclose.
Where you can carry: Most public places, including in a vehicle, unless specifically prohibited or posted.
Where you cannot carry: Police stations, jails/detention facilities, courthouses, certain secure government buildings, K–12 school premises (with narrow exceptions) and other federal “sensitive places.” Private property owners may also bar firearms.

Alabama allows most law-abiding adults to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This came from HB 272 (constitutional carry), effective January 1, 2023. Even though a permit is no longer required to carry concealed inside Alabama, the state still offers anoptional Alabama Concealed Carry Permit through county sheriffs. People often get it for reciprocity when traveling to other states.

Alabama recognizes concealed carry permits from every other state for non-residents, so visitors with valid out-of-state permits can carry while following Alabama rules.
Alabama permits are issuedonly to Alabama residents through their county sheriff.

For safe and compliant concealed carry, many residents use secure storage options, like lockable cases or Faraday-protected SLNT bags when transporting firearms in vehicles, hotels, or shared environments.