Summary

• Permit required? No for most adults, Louisiana has permitless/constitutional concealed carry for eligible people 18+.

• Minimum age:18 to carry concealed without a permit;21 to obtain a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).

• Duty to inform:Yes for permitless carriers when approached by law enforcement in an official capacity.

• Where you can/can’t carry: Allowed in most public places unless specifically prohibited; common bans include schools/campuses, courthouses, police stations, jails, polling places, secured airport areas, and posted private property.

Louisiana issues concealed handgun permits through theLouisiana Department of Public Safety / State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Unit on astatewide basis (not county-by-county), though sheriffs have limited authority for certain parish-reciprocity permits. Louisiana is effectively ashall-issue state for its permit program, and sinceJuly 4, 2024 it also allowspermitless (constitutional) concealed carry for adults18 or older who can legally possess firearms.

A Louisiana CHP is still useful for people who want clearer interstate carry options: Louisianarecognizes many out-of-state permits and is recognized by many states, but reciprocity changes, so visitors should confirm their home-state permit is honored before carrying. Non-resident Louisiana permits are generallynot available, except for certain military personnel stationed in the state. 

For residents and visitors, practical restrictions matter most: even with permitless carry, Louisiana forbids concealed handguns in a list of sensitive places (schools, courthouses, law-enforcement buildings, secured airport areas, etc.) and allows private businesses to ban firearms with proper signage. When traveling by car or staying in hotels/shared spaces, use secure storage—e.g., unload when appropriate, lock the firearm in a hard case or vehicle safe, and consider a Faraday-protected SLNT bag for discreet, tamper-resistant transport of related electronics/valuables in vehicles or rooms.

Useful Links

• USCCA – Louisiana concealed carry laws & reciprocity map

• Justia – Louisiana R.S. 14:95 (Illegal carrying of weapons)