According to Alabama Code Section 13A-11-85, the state of Alabama allows its constituents to carry firearms with them in some allowable regions to promote security and preparedness for any internal or external threats. This means that anyone in the county can carry guns, either openly or concealed.
The federal government reserves the right to regulate the use, selling, and distribution of firearms within the said jurisdiction. This entails collecting levies and the regular monitoring and evaluation of any guns in the state. Though they remain liberal in the selling of firearms -- as no formal due diligence is conducted to suppliers -- anyone can purchase firearms to anyone. The important thing is that an individual can provide proof of ownership of the gun, i.e., receipts and deed of sale or any documentary forms from the seller.
While everyone has the right to carry firearms, this does not mean that everyone is entitled to this. The government can limit the persons allowed to own and carry. Convicted criminals, rapists, and those who have committed heinous crimes are exempted from the open carry rule. The list also accounts for convicted in domestic violence and those considered to be mentally deranged who cannot reason well.
Alabama CCW Handgun
In applying for a permit, any individual can process their application to any county sheriffs. As the state of Alabama allows any legal adult to possess firearms, the minimum requirements include:
- The owner must be 18 years of age or above,
- A constituent of the county where the application is to be filed. The number of years of stay has no bearing in the approval or processing of the permit. The basic requirement is that the applicant must be considered a resident of that county by the local institutions.
- Must be a US citizen or an immigrant granted legal status by the state
- Must be of good character and no criminal offenses are reflected on his or her profile.
- Must be psychologically fit and was not admitted to any drug rehabilitation facilities.
Short of saying, an individual must be physically, emotionally, and psychologically fit to carry a firearm. Given its nature as a tool that can potentially harm any individuals, the state of Alabama ensures that no miscarriage or malintent would incite a massacre or genocide.
The Alabama Permit Application process is very straightforward. The Sheriff’s office conducts the due diligence and evaluation if the person is fit to handle a firearm. Most often than not, investigators rely on records to ascertain an individual’s fitness.
The step by step procedure of the application process is as simple as:
- An applicant must obtain the application form through the office of the local Sheriff. There are no records or definitive accounts that the local sheriffs practice online applications.
- An applicant must religiously fill out the form and provide any necessary documentation and requirements asked by the form.
- Submit the accomplished form with attachments, when necessary to the local county sheriff.
- Applicants will be notified by mail if the application is approved or not.
Individuals who were not approved can reapply; however, they would have to check with relevant authorities and agencies if the rescinded application is eligible for reapplication. Yet, more often than not, following the federal laws and Alabama Code on Firearms, anyone can own a firearm just as long as they meet the requirement set by the law.
A permit or license to carry a firearm can be valid for five (5) years. However, it is often dependent on the choice of the applicant on how often does he/she would want to renew the firearm. The Sheriff's office allows individuals to choose between 1 to 5 years (latter being the maximum number of years, while the latter the minimum).
Bearers are responsible for renewing the license before the expiration date of the permit. Renewals are essential as part of the mechanisms of government regulation. To add to this, it updates on the soundness of the psyche of the owner to possess a firearm. The process of renewal is as simple as the application process.
- Proceed to the local country sheriff where the permit was obtained.
- Ask the officer for the license and permit to be renewed. Old licenses and any documentary forms must be presented to expedite the process.
- The local county sheriff's office will process the renewal of the license.
In most cases, the Sheriff's office will send reminders and notifications of the renewal date. This is to avoid any additional charges and fines related to late renewal.
Fees are consonant to the chosen validity period of an individual. At most, an applicant would be charged $100, while $20 at the very least.
Below is a table of fees associated with the charges related to application and renewals.
|
Number of years |
First application |
Renewal |
|
1 |
$20 |
$20 |
|
2 |
$40 |
$40 |
|
3 |
$60 |
$60 |
|
4 |
$80 |
$80 |
|
5 |
$100 |
$100 |
Alabama CCW Laws
Must Notify Officer
No - Must Notify Officer
A permittee is not required to notify a police officer if he/she is carrying a concealed firearm in Alabama.
Reference: Alabama Code section 13A-11-73
No Weapons Allowed Sign
No- No Weapons Allowed Sign Not Enforced
[Not mentioned in Alabama Statute]
Red Flag Law
Alabama does not have a Red Flag Law.
Ammunition Restriction
Yes - Ammunition Restrictions
Alabama law prohibits the possession or sale of brass or steel Teflon-coated handgun ammunition and other like ammunition designed to penetrate bullet-proof vests (armor piercing). This prohibition does not apply to the possession or sale of Teflon-coated lead or brass ammunition designed to expand upon contact.
Alabama Gun Forms & Supporting Documentation
- Sheriff CCW Site
- Sheriff CCW Pamphlet
- CCW Application
- AL Weapon Laws
- 2013 Law Changes
- State Statues
- State Admin Rules
- State Reciprocity Law
- State Attorney General
- 2nd CCW Info Site
- Secretary of State
- Age to Carry a Firearm In Other States
Purchase & Possesion
Purchase
It is illegal to lend, sell, deliver or give a handgun to any person under the age 18, or to any person, who is believed to have been convicted of a crime of violence, is of unsound mind, is addicted to drugs or is habitually intoxicated.
Any Alabama resident who is authorized to deliver or sell, shotguns and ammunition can lawfully sell and deliver to residents of adjoining states. Any person who purchases ammunition or a firearm can legally send it out of the state or have it delivered to his/her home. Any Alabama resident who purchases rifles, shotguns and ammunition legally in a state that adjoins Alabama can take delivery of weapons in the state of purchase or in the state of Alabama.
Possesion
A state permit is not required to possess a handgun, rifle, or shotgun. It is illegal for a person addicted to drugs, or who is intoxicated frequently, or one who has been convicted of a violent crime to possess or own a handgun. Minors may not legally possess a handgun according to law enforcement authorities.
It is illegal for any person to possess or carry on his/her person or in any vehicle any firearm in the course of participation or attendance of any demonstration held at a public location or within 1,000 feet of a demonstration after receiving a warning from a law enforcement officer.
A person may possess or transport or transfer a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun if he/she is in compliance with federal law. A machine gun, destructive device, silencer, or suppressor, may be possessed, purchased, or transferred if in compliance with federal law. A licensed N.F.A. dealer should be contacted when purchasing these firearms.
Carrying a Firearm
It is legal to openly carry firearms, with some exceptions. It is illegal to carry any concealed pistol, firearm, or airgun without first obtaining a permit. It is illegal for any person to carry a pistol on property not owned or controlled by him/her. It is illegal to carry a shotgun or rifle walking cane.
It is illegal to carry a concealed firearm, pistol, or airgun without first obtaining a permit. It is illegal to carry a pistol on or about the person on property not owned or controlled by him/her.
It is illegal for any person to carry a pistol concealed on or about his person, unless it is on his own land, in his residence or fixed place of business, or in a vehicle without a license. Law enforcement officers are exempt from this, as well as common carriers, and any person carrying firearm in a secure P wrapper from a place of purchase to his/her home or business, or to or from a repair establishment, or in moving from one residence or business to another.
The county sheriff, can issue a qualified or unlimited license to carry a handgun both in a vehicle or concealed on or about the person, to any person applying for a permit residing in the county, for not more than one year if the applicant:
- Is 18 years old.
- Has reason to believe he/she may be injured or his property may be injured.
- Has established a proper reason for carrying a handgun.
- Is “suitable” for licensure.
A license can be revoked by the sheriff if it is proven that the permit holder is "not a proper person to be licensed." The licensing fee is variable, dependent upon the county. The possession of a license to carry concealed firearms does not allow a person to carry a concealed firearm into, but not limited to the following places:
- Any courthouse or criminal justice building or airport;
- Any sporting events, parades, political events, or public gathering place etc.
Pistol permit records may only be used for law enforcement and are confidential. Alabama sheriffs may place other restrictions on permits issued in their county and may include prohibiting carrying firearms where alcohol is served or consumed. Permit holders need to be aware that any restrictions placed on permit will be in effect in all counties in Alabama.
A non-resident of Alabama and who is licensed to carry a handgun in any reciprocal state of Alabama is authorized to carry a handgun in Alabama. The handgun must be carried in compliance with Alabama state laws.
Antiques & Replicas
Handguns categorized as ornamental are exempt from regulations surrounding purchase, possession, or sale of firearms. These handguns may be transported, unloaded and in a securely wrapped package, bag or box, but may not be concealed on any person. The same regulations apply to any handgun, rifle, or shotgun manufactured in or before 1898, or to blackpowder replicas that are not made to fire ammunition that is fire fixed.
Range Protection
If in existence before 1990 shooting ranges are regulated by the legal standards in place at the time the range commenced operation.
Alabama State Code § 6-5-341 Liability for use or operation of sport shooting range.
(a) As used in this section, the following words have the following meanings if used in this section:
(1) Government Body- Any county or municipal governing body, agency, board, commission, counsel, committee, district, department, - The state of Alabama or any other public body corporate and political established by constitution, ordinance, statute rule, or order.
(2) Property- Real property, structures buildings, and improvements.
(3) Sport Shooting Range- Any area specifically created and used for pistol shooting, rifle shooting, skeet shooting trap shooting, or other target shooting and other training or practice for sharpshooting purposes of improvement in the use of firearms.
(b)(1) This section applies to all public civil, private or, injunctive, and actions concerning nuisance.
(2)Not including other applicable laws, any person, company, or entity who uses or operates a sports shooting range in Alabama is not subject to criminal prosecution or civil responsibility inn any matter concerning noise or noise pollution that results from use or operation of the range if the range is in operation between 9:00a.m. and 9:00p.m. and if the range has existed before 1990 or is complying with noise or lead control laws or any ordinances that did apply to the shooting range on August 1, 2001, or at the time the sport shooting range was established, whichever came first.
(3)Any person, company, or entity who uses or operates a sports shooting range and is not subject to a state of nuisance or an injunction to stop the use of the shooting range due to noise or noise pollution or lead or lead pollution as long as the range is in operation between the hours of 9:00a.m. through 9:00p.m. and if the range complies with any noise or lead control laws or regulations that did apply to the shooting range and its operation on August 1, 2001, or at the time the sport shooting range was established, whichever came first.
(4)Except as provided, nothing in this section or in general law surrounding nuisance will provide grounds for liability toward anyone using another’s property for a sport shooting range.
(c) No street or alley that is public should be open through an area of property that is used or occupied as a sport shooting range, unless the need for the street or alley is established first by a jury showing extreme necessity or impossibility of rerouting a street or alley in accommodation of the shooting range.
(d) Ordinances or rules adopted by any governing concern that limit levels of noise in regards to decibel level that occur in the atmosphere will not apply to a shooting range exempt from liability under this section.
(e) Ordinances or rules adopted by any governing concern that limit levels of lead occurring in the atmosphere will not apply to a shooting range exempt from liability under this section.
Alabama Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Alabama's Reciprocity States
States that honor an Alabama permit
RESIDENT
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
NON-RESIDENT
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Alabama honors permits from these states
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Districts & Territories
District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
States that will not accept an Alabama ccw permit
California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington
Miscellaneous
No municipal company or county or its political subdivision may regulate in gun shows, the ownership, possession, transport, transfer, carrying, purchase, licensing, use, or registration of firearms, ammunition, parts of firearms, dealers of firearms, or dealers in components of firearms.
The authority to settle or bring a lawsuit whereby the state has an exclusive right to recover against any manufacturer of firearms or ammunition, dealer, trade association, and the authority to settle or bring any lawsuit on behalf of any government entity created by or under any act of the Legislature or the Alabama Constitution of 1901, or any of its authorities, agencies, or departments for relief, damages, resulting from the manufacture, marketing, design, or legal sale of ammunition or firearms or both is exclusively reserved to the Attorney General, with consent of the governor of Alabama This does not prohibit A county or municipal company is not prohibited from bringing an action against a dealer or firearms or ammunition manufacturer for breach of warranty or contract regarding firearms or ammunition purchased by the local governmental authority or political subdivision.
No government agency may confiscate or regulate the legal sale, possession, transport, transfer, or carry of firearms at the time of a state of emergency.
Under many circumstances, Shooting ranges are, protected form criminal prosecution or civil liability, for lead pollution or noise pollution.
It is illegal to obliterate or change the name of the model, maker, manufacturer's number, or other identifying mark of any firearm. It is illegal to sell, use, or possess such a firearm.
It is illegal to make any loan that is secured by a mortgage, deposit, or offer of a handgun.
It is illegal to give untruthful information or evidence while purchasing or securing delivery of a pistol, or while applying for a license to carry a handgun.
It is illegal to sell or possess brass or steel Teflon-coated ammunition for a handgun, or any similar ammunition that is designed to penetrate bulletproof vests. This does not apply to Teflon-coated lead or brass ammunition that is designed to expand upon contact.
It is illegal to possess or carry any firearm within the boundaries of any wildlife management area without first obtaining a "permit allowing this privilege."
It is considered a misdemeanor to hunt with a shotgun using a slug or shot larger in diameter than standard four shot, a center-fire rifle, a .40 caliber or larger muzzle-loading rifle, within 50 yards of a public highway, public road, or railroad by any person other than the landowner or his/her immediate family.
It is illegal to discharge any firearm on or across any public highway, public road, or railroad.
Alabama Off-Limit Statues
13A-11-61.2 - Possession of Firearms in Certain Places
(a) In addition to any other place limited or prohibited by state or federal law, a person, including a person with a permit issued under Section 13A-11-75(a)(1) or recognized under Section 13A-11-85, may not knowingly possess or carry a firearm in any of the following places without the express permission of a person or entity with authority over the premises:
(1) Inside the building of a police, sheriff, or highway patrol station.
(2) Inside or on the premises of a prison, jail, halfway house, community corrections facility, or other detention facility for those who have been charged with or convicted of a criminal or juvenile offense.
(3) Inside of a facility which provides inpatient or custodial care of those with psychiatric, mental, or emotional disorders.
(4) Inside a courthouse, courthouse annex, a building in which a District Attorney's office is located, or a building in which a county commission or city council is currently having a regularly scheduled or specially called meeting.
(5) Inside any facility hosting an athletic event not related to or involving firearms which is sponsored by a private or public elementary or secondary school or any private or public institution of postsecondary education, unless the person has a permit issued under Section 13A-11-75(a)(1) or recognized under Section 13A-11-85.
(6) Inside any facility hosting a professional athletic event not related to or involving firearms, unless the person has a permit issued under Section 13A-11-75(a)(1) or recognized under Section 13A-11-85.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), a person, including a person with a permit issued underSection 13A-11-75(a)(1) or recognized under Section 13A-11-85, may not, without the express permission of a person or entity with authority over the premises, knowingly possess or carry a firearm inside any building or facility to which access of unauthorized persons and prohibited articles is limited during normal hours of operation by the continuous posting of guards and the use of other security features, including, but not limited to, magnetometers, key cards, biometric screening devices, or turnstiles or other physical barriers. Nothing in this subsection otherwise restricts the possession, transportation, or storage of a lawfully possessed firearm or ammunition in an employee's privately-owned motor vehicle while parked or operated in a public or private parking area provided the employee complies with the requirements of Section 13A-11-90.
(c) The person or entity with authority over the premises set forth in subdivisions (1) to (6), inclusive, of subsection (a) and subsection (b) shall place a notice at the public entrances of such premises or buildings alerting those entering that firearms are prohibited.
(d) Except as provided in subsections (a)(5) and (a)(6), any firearm on the premises of any facility set forth in subsection (a)(1), or subsections (a)(4)-(6), or subsection (b) must be kept from ordinary observation and locked within a compartment or in the interior of the person's motor vehicle or in a compartment or container securely affixed to the motor vehicle.
Act 2015-341, p. 1055, §1; Act 2018-529, §1.)
13A-11-72 - Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Pistol.
Premises of a public school. The term "public school" as used in this section applies only to a school composed of grades K-12 and shall include a school bus used for grades K-12.
(c) Subject to the exceptions provided by Section 13A-11-74, no person shall knowingly with intent to do bodily harm carry or possess a deadly weapon on the premises of a public school.
(d) Possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to do bodily harm on the premises of a public school in violation of subsection (c) of this section is a Class C felony.
(e) School security personnel and school resource officers qualified under subsection (a) of Section 16-1-44.1, employed by a local board of education, and authorized by the employing local board of education to carry a deadly weapon while on duty are exempt from subsection (c) of this section.
13A-11-59 - Possession of Firearms by Persons Participating in, Attending, Etc., Demonstrations at Public Places
(a) For the purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this subsection, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) Demonstration. Demonstrating, picketing, speechmaking or marching, holding of vigils and all other like forms of conduct which involve the communication or expression of views or grievances engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which has the effect, intent or propensity to draw a crowd or onlookers. Such term shall not include casual use of property by visitors or tourists which does not have an intent or propensity to attract a crowd or onlookers.
(2) Firearm. Any pistol, rifle, shotgun or firearm of any kind, whether loaded or not.
(3) Law Enforcement Officer. Any duly appointed and acting federal, state, county or municipal law enforcement officer, peace officer or investigating officer, or any military or militia personnel called out or directed by constituted authority to keep the law and order, and any park ranger while acting as such on the grounds of a public park and who is on regular duty and present to actively police and control the demonstration, and who is assigned this duty by his department or agency. Such term does not include a peace officer on strike or a peace officer not on duty.
(4) Public Place. Any place to which the general public has access and a right to resort for business, entertainment or other lawful purpose, but does not necessarily mean a place devoted solely to the uses of the public. Such term shall include the front or immediate area or parking lot of any store, shop, restaurant, tavern, shopping center or other place of business. Such term shall also include any public building, the grounds of any public building, or within the curtilage of any public building, or in any public parking lot, public street, right-of-way, sidewalk right-of-way, or within any public park or other public grounds.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a law enforcement officer, to have in his or her possession or on his or her person or in any vehicle any firearm while participating in or attending any demonstration being held at a public place.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a law enforcement officer as defined in subsection (a) of this section, to have in his or her possession or about his or her person or in any vehicle at a point within 1,000 feet of a demonstration at a public place, any firearm after having first been advised by a law enforcement officer that a demonstration was taking place at a public place and after having been ordered by such officer to remove himself or herself from the prescribed area until such time as he or she no longer was in possession of any firearm. This subsection shall not apply to any person in possession of or having on his or her person any firearm within a private dwelling or other private building or structure.