Louisiana Gun Law at a Glance
Carry Basics
CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY?
Does Louisiana allow constitutional carry?
No. Louisiana does not allow constitutional carry.
OPEN CARRY PERMITTED?
Is open carry permitted in Louisiana?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.
[La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1382(A)]
GUN PERMIT LICENSURE?
If Louisiana requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Louisiana is a shall-issue state
MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY?
What is the minimum age in Louisiana to get a concealed carry permit?
You must be at least 21 years old to concealed carry in Louisiana
WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Louisiana with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. A Louisiana concealed carry permit only allows for the carrying of handguns.
TASERS OR STUN GUNS?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Louisiana?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Louisiana?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Louisiana.
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?
Does Louisiana have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. Louisiana places no restrictions on capacity for handgun magazines
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?
Does Louisiana have ammunition restrictions?
Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.
[LA. Rev. Stat. § 40:1811]
Handgun Purchase & Possession
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Louisiana?
No. You do not need a permit to buy a handgun in Louisiana.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Louisiana?
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
LOUISIANA PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my current Louisiana concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Yes. Five-year concealed handgun permits issued on or after March 9, 2015 qualify. Lifetime permits do not qualify.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Louisiana?
No. There is no waiting period to purchase a handgun in Louisiana.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in Louisiana?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Louisiana.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Louisiana?
You must be at least 18 years old to transport or possess a handgun in Louisiana.
[La. Rev. Stat. § 14:95.8]
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?
Yes. Carrying a handgun is permitted for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm, without a license, in or on property that the person carrying the handgun legally controls.
[La. Rev. Stat. 14:95.2(C)(4)]
No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued may carry such concealed handgun into the private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person.
