The gun laws in Louisiana follows the "Shall-Issue" principle. The Department of Public Safety is the assigned government body to process and issue concealed weapons permits. When it comes to purchasing a handgun from a private individual, the State does not require any necessary permit, background check, or registration. Anyone who's at least 18-years-old who can legally possess a firearm without any prohibition is allowed to open carry. However, the State imposes local restrictions and off-limit areas.
Concealed carry is allowed in Louisiana, as long as the individual is at least 21-years-old and can procure a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit or CHP. The permit is only limited to residents and military personnel; non-resident permits are not issued. In terms of reciprocity, Louisiana honors permit from states who recognize CHP as valid.
The State of Louisiana abides the Castle Doctrine Law, which follows the "stand your ground" statute. Hence, using deadly force as a form of self-defense for violent crime against you or your property is legal. There is "no duty to retreat," and meeting force with force is allowed.
Louisiana CHP Process
Minimum Requirements:
- You must be at least 21-years-old.
- You must complete the state-approved firearms training course.
- You must be a resident of the State of Louisiana and a legal U.S. citizen.
- Never been convicted of a misdemeanor in this or any other state relating to a controlled dangerous substance within the last five years.
- Not have been convicted of a crime of violence within the last five years.
- Not have been convicted of a crime of violence or any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or greater. However, a person who has been convicted of a violation of 18 U.S.C. 491(a) shall be permitted to qualify for a concealed handgun permit if fifteen or more years have elapsed.
- Not have had a permit revoked within four years prior to the most recent application.
- Not have had a permit denied within one year prior to the most recent application.
- Meet Federal Law requirements.
In order to obtain the Louisiana CCW permit, all persons must follow the steps below:
Step 1: Finish the firearms training course
Step 2: Submit the application form with the following documents included:
- 3 affidavits completed and notarized
- Copy of Louisiana ID or Driver’s License
- Payment fee
- Proof of Training
- Copy of the Louisiana permanent injunction or protective order
- 2 sets of fingerprints on an FBI applicant card
Other Details:
- Marital Status – If you are divorced, copies of the divorce settlement, decree or final judgment along with any orders or injunctions of the court must be included;
- Arrests – If you have been arrested, you must include certified-true copies of court minutes as requested in the “Arrests, Detention and Litigation Section” of the application. You must still list violations that were EXPUNGED, DISMISSED or SET ASIDE or for which you were PARDONED;
- Military – If you have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, you must include a copy of your DD-214. If you are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, you must include a copy of your current orders or a copy of your military ID if allowed; and
- Medical Summary Disposition – If you answered “yes” to any medical questions in #13-19, the Medical Summary must be completed by the treating physician. This information MUST be included with your application.
Step 3: Submit your application and documents to:
Louisiana State Police
Concealed Handgun Permit Unit
P.O. Box 66375
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Step 4: Wait for your license to be mailed.
All licensees will receive a mail notification approximately 120 days before the date of the expiration of the permit. The renewal application must be returned to the Department no less than 90 days before expiration to allow sufficient time for processing. Take Note: All renewal application must be submitted within 60 days of the expiration date. Failure to accomplish the renewal within the given period would deem the license permanently expire; hence, a new application must be processed.
Here's how to renew your license:
- You must complete a firearms refresher training course within one year of renewal. Consult a department-approved instructor regarding the course you're required to attend.
- Apply for a renewal permit via:
- Online Application - Download the application form available at the State Police website and complete the instructions stated on pages one and two.
- Request Application - You can request an application by contacting the State Police hotline at (225) 925-4867.
NOTE: Same process for change of address and status inquiry.
- Complete the renewal application and submit the following documents:
- Training Certificate
- Photocopy of your Driver's License
- License Fees
Paper Application: Submit your application to the address provided below:
Louisiana State Police
Concealed Handgun Permit Unit
P.O. Box 66375
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
ATTN: Renewal Dept.
- You will be notified via mail if your application has been approved. For online applications, you will receive a confirmation email upon submission. Then, wait for the acceptance email that contains a link to process an online payment. Please be reminded that if payment is not made within 30 days upon receipt, the application will be purged by the system and will require a new application submission.
New Permits
|
$125 |
For ages 21-64 |
|
$62.50 |
For ages 65 and over |
Lifetime Permits
|
$500 |
For ages 21-64 |
|
$250 |
For ages 65 and over |
Renewal
|
$125 |
For ages 21-64 |
|
$62.50 |
For ages 65 and over |
Certified checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders are all accepted forms of payments.
For renewals, individuals will be notified 120 days prior to the expiration date and a renewal application must be submitted within 60 days. Once 60 days arrives, a new permit application must be submitted. Further refresher training is required for all permit renewal applications.
Louisiana CHP Basics
Must Notify Officer
Yes - Must Notify Officer
You are required to inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a handgun when approached on official business. It is highly suggested to bring with your permit when you are in actual possession of a concealed handgun.
Vehicle Carry
Yes - Vehicle Carry Prohibited
The State of Louisiana prohibits the carrying of handguns in the vehicle.
No Weapons Allowed
Yes - "No Weapons Allowed" Sign Enforced
"No Weapons Allowed" sign has the force of law under the Louisiana Gun Laws. Hence, all individuals carrying a handgun must submit to the signage. The State imposed legal penalties for those who disobey these orders.
Louisiana Gun Forms & Supporting Documentation
Purchase and Possession
PURCHASE
It is legal for an individual residing in Louisiana to obtain or purchase a rifle, shotgun, or ammunition in a state contiguous or non-contiguous with Louisiana and receive or transport such firearms or ammunition provided federal firearms laws, Louisiana state law, and laws set forth by the state of purchase are followed. Residents of other states contiguous and non-contiguous with Louisiana may purchase firearms or ammunition from Louisiana if in compliance with all state and federal laws as well.
POSSESSION
A permit is not required in the state of Louisiana in order to possess a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. It is illegal to possess a firearm within ten years of a completed sentence, probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, for certain violent crimes. It is illegal to possess a handgun on the person if under the age of 17, unless while participating in a hunter safety course or firearms safety course, or engaged in lawful hunting or trapping, target shooting at a range, while traveling to or from these events or activities, or has obtained written legal permission form a parent or legal guardian.
Carrying a Firearm
Louisiana allows the open carry of firearms, however intentionally carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is prohibited. Peace officers, while in the course of their duties are exempt from this regulation. A permit to carry a concealed handgun may be obtained form the Deputy Secretary of Public Safety Services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections by qualified citizens. Personal information contained in an application for a concealed carry permit will not be available for public review and will remain confidential. An applicant for a permit to carry a concealed handgun must:
- complete an approved firearms safety and training course demonstrating handgun competency:
- agree not to take legal action against the Department of Public Safety, the state of Louisiana, or any peace officer for any liability as the result of issuance of the permit;
- have resided in the state of Louisiana for at least six months;
- be at least 21 years of age;
- not suffer any mental or physical impairment including, illness, disease, or mental retardation that would hamper the ability to handle a handgun safely,
- not have been found guilty of abuse of a controlled substance within the past five years, or have entered a guilty plea, or one of no lo contendere involving a controlled substance within that time frame;
- not be a chronic alcohol abuser insomuch as normal faculties are impaired;
- not have been found guilty of any violent crime considered a misdemeanor within the past five years;
- or have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere for a charge of a violent misdemeanor crime in five years prior to the application, or have been found guilty of such a crime within the past five years of completion of sentence;
- not be under indictment or charged under a bill of information for any violent crimes, or crimes requiring imprisonment for one year or more, or have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or have been convicted of such crimes;
- have no history of violent behavior or engaging in violent acts;
- not be ineligible to possess a firearm for any reason under federal law.
The Chief Law Enforcement Officer and the Chief of Police of the municipality where an applicant resides shall be notified by the Deputy Secretary of Public Safety Services, within two business days of an application submission. Legal qualifications of the applicant to hold a permit to carry a concealed handgun must be provided by those officers and forwarded to the Deputy Secretary within 10 days. The permit will be issued to all qualified applicants in a timely manner and is valid throughout the state of Louisiana.
A non-refundable fee of $100 for a four-year permit, and $50 for a two-year permit must be submitted in the form of a certified check or money order with the application. Senior applicants aged 65 or older will pay one-half of the required fee amounts. A non-refundable fee of $50 is required for applicants who have not been continuous Louisiana residents in the 15 years prior to the application. A renewal application for a concealed carry permit must be filed no more than 120 days prior to the expiration date and no more than 60 days after the expiration date.
No handgun may be carried concealed into:
- a prison, jail, detention facility, or law enforcement building,
- a meeting place of the governing authority of a political subdivision a courthouse or courtroom, or state capitol building, or polling place,
- an airport in any location where it is prohibited to carry firearms under federal law,
- any place of worship or church
- any demonstration or parade for which a permit has been issued,
- any area where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed,
- any area, location, building, or facility where state and federal laws ban firearms including any school in a “firearm-free-zone”.
Access to privately owned property by persons carrying a concealed handgun may be prohibited by the owner of such property. Consent of a property’s owner must be obtained before entering any private property with a concealed handgun.
All permit holders must maintain their permits on their persons at all times when carrying a concealed handgun. Permit holders must inform any approaching law enforcement officers if they are carrying a concealed handgun. They are also mandated to comply with any searches, “pat-downs” or temporary disarmaments initiated by the officer. Any law enforcement officer may take temporary possession of a permit holder’s firearm if the officer has a reasonable suspicion that the permit holder is intoxicated with alcohol or any controlled substance and may request that the firearm carrier take a chemical test. Concealed handgun carriers behaving negligently or acting with criminal negligence may have their handguns seized and retained by a law enforcement officer until such a time when the carrier has completed the proper judicial hearings and judgments. Any person found to be complacent or in violation of these regulations is subject to a six-month permit suspension.
Antiques & Replicas
The state of Louisiana makes no mention of antique firearms and their replicas. As such, antique firearms legally treated as standard firearms in all regards and are subject to the same regulations.
Range Protection
Any shooting range established prior to the creation and enactment of a particular local ordinance or regulation of noise or noise pollution is protected from that regulation.
LA. REV. STAT. ANN. § 2055.1. Sport shooting range; regulation; noise pollution; nuisance
A. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person who operates or uses a sport shooting range in this state shall not be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise or noise pollution resulting from the operation or use of the range if the range was established, constructed, or operated prior to the implementation of any noise control laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations, or if the range is in compliance with any noise control laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations that applied to the range and its operation at the time of estab-lishment, construction, or initial operation of the range.
(2) Rules or regulations adopted by a state or local department or agency for limiting levels of noise in terms of decibel level which may occur in the outdoor atmosphere shall not apply to a sport shooting range exempted from liability under this Section.
(3) A municipal noise control ordinance may not require or be applied so as to require a sport shooting range to limit or eliminate shooting activities that have occurred on a regular basis at the range prior to the enactment date of the ordinance.
B. (1) Except as provided in this Section, a person may not maintain a nuisance action for noise against a shooting range located in the vicinity of that person's property if the shooting range was established, constructed, or operated as of the date the person acquired the property. If there is a substantial change in use of the range after the person acquires the property, the person may maintain a nuisance action if the action is brought within three years of the date of a substantial change in use.
(2) A person who owns property in the vicinity of a shooting range that was established, constructed, or operated after the person acquired the property may maintain a nuisance action for noise against that shooting range only if the action is brought within five years after establishment of the range or three years after a substantial change in use of the range.
(3) If there has been no shooting activity at a range for a period of two years, resumption of shooting is considered establishment of a new shooting range for purposes of this Section.
C. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, this Section does not prohibit a unit of local government from regulating the location and construction of a sport shooting range after the effective date of this Section.
(2) Nothing in this Section limits the ability of a local unit of government to regulate noise produced as a result of a substantial change in the use of the range.
D. The provisions of R.S. 30:2053(6), (7), (8), and (9) and 2055.1 contained herein shall not alter or otherwise affect lawsuits filed prior to August 15, 1997.
Louisiana Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Louisiana Reciprocity States
States that honor a louisiana permit
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Louisiana honors permits from these states
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Miscellaneous
No locality, municipality or political subdivision of Louisiana may enact or bring about any legislation with greater restrictions than the state pertaining to firearms, ammunition or their purchase, transfer, ownership, transportation, license, registration, sale or use, though ordinances adopted before the year 1985 shall remain valid.
The state of Louisiana preempts the right to bring any suit or litigation against any lawful manufacturer, marketer, dealer or trader of firearms for the attempted recovery of damages pertaining to the misuse or accidental use of a lawfully designed, marketed, manufactured and sold firearm. Authority to bring about such a suit may be granted by the state.
It is illegal to alter, destroy or cover any and all identification marks on a firearm and to knowingly possess, sell, buy, carry or transport any such firearm. Exempt from this regulation are antique firearms, war relics and firearms that utilize ammunition not normally available through the venues of US commerce.
It is illegal to possess, manufacture, purchase, sell, transfer or import any form of ammunition designed for use in a handgun to pierce body army or metal by the means of a steel or special inner core, specially designed cross-sectional density, outer coating or specially designed bullet shape.
Louisiana Off Limits Statues
R.S. 40:1379.3 - Statewide permits for concealed handguns
(N) No concealed handgun may be carried into and no concealed handgun permit issued
pursuant to this Section shall authorize or entitle a permittee to carry a concealed handgun in any of the
following:
- A law enforcement office, station, or building;
- A detention facility, prison, or jail;
- A courthouse or courtroom, provided that a judge may carry such a weapon in his own courtroom;
- A polling place;
- A meeting place of the governing authority of a political subdivision;
- The state capitol building;
- Any portion of an airport facility where the carrying of firearms is prohibited under federal law, except that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal, if the firearm is encased for shipment, for the purpose of checking such firearm as lawful baggage;
- Any church, synagogue, mosque or similar place of worship; (See R.S. 40:1379.3 (U) below)
- A parade or demonstration for which a permit is issued by a governmental entity; (means be in the parade or part of the demonstration)
- Any portion of the permitted area of an establishment that has been granted a Class A-General retail permit, as defined in Part II of Chapter 1 or Part II of Chapter 2 of Title 26 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. Note: This means a Bar. Restaurants are OK but you can’t carry in the bar area of a restaurant.
- Any school "firearm free zone" as defined in R.S. 14:95.6. The provisions of R.S. 40:1379.3 (N) shall not limit the right of a property owner, lessee, or other lawful custodian to prohibit or restrict access of those persons possessing a concealed handgun pursuant to a permit issued under this Section. 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.
R.S. 40:1379.3 (U) - Church, Synagogue and Mosque Carry
- Allows carry under the following rules. Churches, Synagogues and Mosques choosing to allow concealed carry will have to inform their congregations of the decision.
- Anyone wishing to carry a concealed weapon in a church will have to take an extra eight hours of tactical training each year only if required by the owner of the building’s or their liability insurance policy.
- The new law does not apply to churches on school property.
R.S. 14:95.2 - Carrying a Firearm, or Dangerous Weapon, by a Student or Nonstudent on School Property, at School-Sponsored Functions or Firearm-Free Zone
A. Carrying a firearm, or dangerous weapon as defined in R.S. 14:2, by a student or nonstudent on school property, at a school sponsored function, or in a firearm-free zone is unlawful and shall be defined as possession of any firearm or dangerous weapon, on one's person, at any time while on a school campus, on school transportation, or at any school sponsored function in a specific designated area including but not limited to athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities, or within one thousand feet of any school campus.
B. For purposes of this Section, the following words have the following meanings:
(1) "Campus" means all facilities and property within the boundary of the school property.
(2) "Nonstudent" means any person not registered and enrolled in that school or a suspended student who does not have permission to be on the school campus.
(3) "School" means any elementary, secondary, high school, vocational-technical school, college, or university in this state.
(4) "School bus" means any motor bus being used to transport children to and from school or in connection with school activities.
C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to:
(4) The possession of a firearm occurring within one thousand feet of school property and entirely on private property, or entirely within a private residence.
(9) Any person who has a valid concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to R.S. 40:1379.1 or 1379.3 and who carries a concealed handgun within one thousand feet of any school campus.
§1; Acts 2018, No. 629, §1.
R.S. 14:95.6 - Firearm-Free Zone; Notice; Signs; Crime; Penalties
A. A "firearm-free zone" is an area inclusive of any school campus and within one thousand feet of any such school campus, and within a school bus, wherein the possession of firearms is prohibited, except as specifically set forth in Subsection B of this Section and R.S.4:95.2(C).
B. The Provisions of This Section Shall not Apply To:
(1) A federal, state, or local law enforcement building.
(2) A military base.
(3) A commercial establishment which is permitted by law to have firearms or armed security.
(4) Private premises where a firearm is kept pursuant to law.
(5) Any constitutionally protected activity within the firearm-free zone, such as a firearm contained entirely within a motor vehicle.
E. (1) The state superintendent of education, with the approval of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the commissioner of higher education, with the approval of the Board of Regents, shall develop a method by which to mark firearm-free zones, including the use of signs or other markings suitable to the situation. Signs or other markings shall be located in a visible manner on or near each school and on and in each school bus indicating that such area is a firearm-free zone and that such zone extends to
one thousand feet from the boundary of school property.
Acts 2016, No. 337, §1.
R.S. 14:95.9. - Wearing or Possessing Body Armor, By A Student or Nonstudent On School Property, At School-Sponsored Functions, or In Firearm-Free Zones
A. Wearing or possessing body armor, by a student or nonstudent on school property, at a schoolsponsored function, or in a firearm-free zone is unlawful and shall be defined as wearing or possessing of body armor, on one's person, at any time while on a school campus, on school transportation, or at any school-sponsored function in a specific designated area including but not limited to athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities, or within one thousand feet of any school campus.
B. For purposes of this Section, the following words have the following meanings:
(1) "Body armor" shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.
(2) "Campus" means all facilities and property within the boundary of the school property.
(3) "Nonstudent" means any person not registered and enrolled in that school or a suspended student who does not have permission to be on the school campus.
(4) "School" means any elementary, secondary, high school, vocational-technical school, college, or university in this state.
(5) "School bus" means any motor bus being used to transport children to and from school or in connection with school activities.
C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to:
(1) A federal, state, or local law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties.
(2) A school official or employee acting during the normal course of his employment or a student acting under the direction of such school official or employee.
(3) A person who has notified the school principal or chancellor in writing at least twenty-four hours prior to wearing body armor.
(4) The wearing or possessing of body armor occurring within one thousand feet of school property and entirely on private property, or entirely within a private residence, or in accordance with a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to R.S. 40:1379.1.
Acts 2018, No. 523, §1, eff. May 23, 2018.