Concealed Carry: What to Expect When Applying for a Permit to Carry a Concealed Firearm

Rohan Mathew

Updated on:

 

Concealed carry can save a life at an unprecedented moment. However, obtaining a permit for the same can be a difficult undertaking.  In some countries, concealed carry is illegal and in others, you are required to have a permit. Depending on the state, the permit may be issued under different categories. These include firearm collection, hunting, sport shooting, self-defense, and as an exercise of a profession.

In some countries, a concealed carry permit is required if the firearm is invisible to others. However, most countries require civilians to have one, whether the weapon is hidden from others or not. If you are looking for concealed carry holsters, you can find quality one of the Better Taurus PT 111 concealed holsters here. Below we explore what to expect when applying for a permit to carry a concealed firearm.

The Permit Application Process Varies

The process varies from one state to another and from one area of jurisdiction to another. The first step is to check the gun law for the state or area of jurisdiction where you live then ensure you have all the federal requirements. Below are some of the requirements that may be similar or different depending on the state.

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Similarities

Some requirements are common in most states and these include a minimum age, firearms training, valid state ID, live-fire demonstration, and state residency. Most states also require that you have no felony or misdemeanor convictions and no hospitalization in mental institutions.

Differences

Some states require photographs and fingerprints and this means you have to make an in-person visit. Others allow permit applications to be done online. Permit costs, turnaround time, and even the name given to such license and permit differ for different states.

Concealed Carry Course

If you meet the minimum requirements, you need to take a course where you get to learn the basics of firearms safety and defense. It’s one thing to seek for a permit but you must be able to use the weapon otherwise this will work against you. You will be required to prove that you can safely use concealed carry without endangering your life and those around you. This helps you shield yourself against lawsuits and firearm accidents since you are trained on how to handle a gun.

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Application Process

The application process requires you to submit the necessary paperwork with all the specified attachments. Most states require you to pay a certain application fee which is higher on the initial application. You later pay a renewal fee after a certain period. After document submission, you may be required to wait for several days or months before obtaining the permit. After receiving the permit, always ensure it’s renewed as required by the law. Stay up to date with the gun laws and shooting skills to ensure you are protected and covered in case of any eventuality.

Concealed Carry in The United States

Concealed carry is legal in most states in America. Some states have restrictions though they make provision for this by requiring a license, a permit, or through constitutional carry.

Shall Issue Statute

In some states where a permit for concealed carry is required, there is a stipulated shall issue statute which gives hope to applicants. This means that If you meet all the requirements, the issuing authority should issue you with the permit with no discretionary power required. The permit is typically issued by the state law enforcement agencies such as the state police.

May Issue Statute

Some areas of jurisdiction, such as New Jersey and New York, have a may-issue statute attached to permit issuance. This means they may or may not issue the permit even if you meet all the requirements to obtain one. This means a permit or license is not guaranteed even after submitting all the required documents.

In states with may-issue statutes, authorities are allowed to issue permits based on a demonstrated need. They go on a case-by-case basis. Some of these needs include retired police officers and judges whose condition is based on personal security or jobs that may require transporting huge sums of money. Usually, the permit is issued by the police chief in the specific jurisdiction or the county sheriff.

Permit Recognition

Some states do not recognize permits issued by other states as long as you are a non-resident of the issuing state. This means you cannot carry your licensed firearm to such a state since it’s not recognized. Other states do not recognize permits from other states regardless of whether you are a resident of the issuing state or not.