Minimum age
Most states set the minimum age for a carry permit at 21, with a few exceptions.
Free eligibility check
Find out if you qualify to carry in your state
Answer a few quick questions and see how you line up against the requirements most states look for, plus what your likely next step is.
- Takes about 2 minutes
- No payment details needed
- Your answers aren’t stored
CarryPath is an independent guide. Final approval always comes from your state’s licensing authority.
Step 1 of 6
Where do you live?
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You may qualify in your state
Based on your answers, you meet the basic requirements most states look for. Next, see how your state handles permits, including any training, fingerprinting or application fees.
- 21 or older
- Resident of your state
- No felony conviction
- No unlawful drug use
- No other legal prohibition
A partner site opens to continue. This is a quick self-check, not a legal determination.
You may not qualify right now
Rules differ by state and change over time. Your state’s licensing authority has the final word.
Quick self-check. Not legal advice or a government decision.
- Free to useNo payment details
- About 2 minutesSix quick steps
- Answers not storedPrivate by default
- IndependentNot a government site
The basics
What most states look for
Requirements differ from state to state, and some states don’t require a permit to carry at all. These are the criteria that come up most often.
State residency
Permits are usually issued by the state you live in. Some also accept non-residents.
Clean background
No disqualifying convictions, protective orders or other legal prohibitions on possessing firearms.
Safety training
Many states require an approved safety course. Formats and hours vary widely by state.
ID & fingerprints
Expect to show valid ID, and in many states to submit fingerprints for a background check.
Application & fees
A formal application with a state or local fee. Processing times range from days to months.
How it works
From question mark to next step
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Pick your state
We tailor the check to where you live.
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Answer five questions
Simple yes/no questions about age, residency and background.
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See where you stand
A plain-English read on whether you meet the basics.
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Continue to your state’s process
Complete any training, application and fees your state requires.
Good to know
Common questions
Is this an official government website?
No. CarryPath is an independent informational guide. Permits are issued by state or local agencies, and we can’t approve, issue or guarantee one.
How long does getting a permit take?
It depends on your state and the agency. Some process applications in days, others take several weeks or longer once training, fingerprinting and background checks are included.
Do I need to take a course?
Many states require approved safety training, and some require a live-fire component. Others require none. Your state’s rules decide, and the next step after this check will point you in the right direction.
Will my permit work in other states?
Reciprocity agreements vary and change. Always check the rules of every state you plan to carry in before you travel.
What does it cost?
The check is free. State fees, fingerprinting and any courses are paid to those agencies and providers, and vary widely.
What happens to my answers?
Your answers aren’t stored by this page. If you continue, only your state and campaign tracking details are passed along to the partner site.