For millions of law-abiding gun owners, the ability to legally carry a concealed firearm is available to them in the form of a Concealed Carry Weapon Permit/License issued by their home state. However, for millions of other gun owners, that right is either severely restricted by “May Issue” states (like California, New York, New Jersey and several others) or flat-out impossible in the two remaining “Non-Issue” states, Illinois and Wisconsin. It is in the latter that I find myself. Due to work and family commitments, I have spent most of my life entrenched in that bastion of liberalism, just outside the borders of Daleygrad (Chicago) in the People’s Republic of Illinois. However, I do manage to escape every now and then, spending most of my weekends “over the border” in Indiana. Several years ago, I applied for and received a non-resident Concealed Weapon or Firearm License from the state of Florida, which allows me to legally carry a concealed firearm while I am in Indiana and more than two dozen other states.
There are a handful of states that issue permits/licenses to non-residents. The purpose of this article is not to recommend any specific one, but to give the basic information one needs to go about in applying for one. As you can assume, each state listed has their own requirements and procedures that need to be followed in obtaining the permit/license. Some states require that the application submission take place “in person”, while a few allow for submissions by mail. Also, the reciprocity of each state’s permit/license varies, so one must take into account exactly where the permit/license will be accepted as valid.
Note: Some states, such as Colorado, Florida, Michigan and New Hampshire will recognize “resident” permits/licenses from various other states, but do not accept “non-resident” permits/licenses as valid. This was a major deciding factor in my decision in selecting the Concealed Weapon or Firearm License from the state of Florida. As I have family in Florida and visit there often, a non-resident permit from the state of Utah would be useless to me during my time in Florida.
Following is a list of states that currently issue permits/licenses to non-residents, the requirements set forth by each, the cost of the permit/license and the point of contact for the application process. Some of the information was obtained from the very informative PDF provided by the NRA: http://www.NRAILA.org/recmap/usrecmap.aspx. But most of the following was collected from each state’s web sites after hours and hours of research.
Note: According to the NRA’s PDF the following states: Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island “technically” issue permits/licenses to non-residents, but they are rarely granted. For this reason I have not included them.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, so please do not take the information as gospel. Do the research and make your own decision if applying for a non-resident permit/license is right for you. [JWR Adds: State and local laws vary widely. Be sure to fully research the applicable laws before traveling armed to or through another state. And of course many states require their own resident permits if you actually reside in that state!]
Almost all of the states listed require that at least one “passport-type” photo be submitted with their application (some require 2). They all require fingerprinting. Usually the fingerprint cards are included in the application package. How and where the fingerprinting is accomplished varies. Some require that it be done on-site as part of the application process, while others require that the applicant arrange for this, usually through their local police department.
Arizona
The Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit is issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety: http://www.azdps.gov/services/concealed_weapons/
The cost of the permit is $60 for 4 years. There is a requirement that the applicant attend an approved CCW training course. The course is a minimum of 8 hours in length and is taught by a CWPU authorized instructor. You must qualify with a handgun firing live ammunition. Upon completion of the course, the instructor will provide you with an application, two fingerprint cards and a return envelope. All training for the Arizona CCW permit MUST be conducted within the borders of the state of Arizona. Links to approved instructors can be found on their web site. Payment must be submitted in the form of a money order, cashiers or certified check.
The Arizona CWP is valid in the following states:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO*, DE, FL*, GA, ID, IN, KS*, KY, LA, MI*, MS, MO, MT, NH*, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC*, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WY
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
Florida
The Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License is issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing: http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/weapons/index.html.
The cost of the license is $117 for 7 years. There is also a provision for submitting your fingerprints electronically by utilizing a LIVE SCAN device (this is the modern method that most police departments use rather than the old, ink and roller method). The application package can be requested from one of the regional offices or you can download the forms online. Acceptable for the training requirement is completion of a hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a similar agency of another state, a NRA firearms safety or training course, law enforcement firearms safety or training course or honorable military service (active duty personnel may send a copy of their military ID card, veterans can submit a copy of their DD Form 214).
The Florida CWFL is valid in the following states:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO*, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, KS*, KY, LA, MI*, MS, MO, MT, NH*, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC*, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WY
*= only resident licenses are accepted as valid in these states
Idaho
The Idaho Concealed Weapons Permit is issued by the Idaho State Police: http://www2.state.id.us/ag/faq/concealedweaponspermit.htm
The cost of the permit is $20 for 5 years. Applications must be submitted in person at any County Sheriff’s Department. Idaho code provides that the sheriff may collect additional fees necessary to cover the cost of processing fingerprints lawfully required by any state or federal agency or department (fee varies). Idaho also accepts completion of a hunter education or hunter safety course certified by a state agency or a NRA firearms safety/training class as fulfillment of the training requirement.
The Idaho CWP is valid in the following states:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO*, FL*, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI*, MO, MT, NH*, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WY
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
Iowa
Non-residents must apply to the Commissioner of Public Safety for the Iowa Non-Professional Permit to Carry Weapons: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/asd/weapons/wp5.pdf
The cost of the permit is $10 for 1 year. Iowa is a “May Issue” state. Non-professional permits to carry will only be issued to non-residents with a demonstrable viable threat to themselves or their family as verified by a law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the threat occurred. Application packages may be obtained by providing a name and mailing address to wpinfo@dps.state.ia.us or by mail at: Iowa DPS, Program Services Bureau, Department of Public Safety Building, 215 East 7th Street, 4th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319-0045
The Iowa PCW is valid in the following states:
AK, AZ, AR, ID, IN, IA, KY, MI*, MO, MT, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
Maine
The Maine Permit to Carry Concealed Firearms is issued by the Chief of the State Police:
http://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses/weapons_permits.html
The cost of the permit is $60 for 4 years. In addition to the application package, you must submit 2 Authority to Release Information Forms (included in the package), copies of all concealed firearms permits issued by other states or jurisdictions, a copy of your DD Form 214 (if you were a member of the Armed Forces), a copy of your birth certificate (or INS document) and proof of knowledge of handgun safety.
The Maine PCCF is valid in the following states:
AK, AZ, DE, ID, IN, KY, ME, MI*, MO, OK, SD, TN, UT, VT
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
Maryland
The Maryland Permit to Carry a Handgun is issued by the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police: http://www.mdsp.org/downloads/licensing_application.pdf
The cost of the permit is $112.25 for 2 years. Maryland is a “May Issue” state and more often than not, permits are denied. Non-residents may download the application online and may submit their application by mail to: Maryland State Police, Licensing Division, Handgun Permit Unit 1111, Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208.
However, in addition to the application, the applicant must submit 2 separate fingerprint cards, the standard FBI card (bearing ORI-MDMSP6000) and a CJIS card. Both can be obtained at any Maryland State Police barracks. They also require the submission of 2 “passport-type” photographs.
The Maryland PCH is valid in the following states:
AK, AZ, ID, IN, KY, MD, MI*, MO, MT, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
Minnesota
Non-residents must apply for the Minnesota Personal Protection Act (Permit to Carry a Pistol) in person with a Minnesota County Sheriff.
http://www.bca.state.mn.us/forms/documents/carryapplication100106.pdf
The cost of the permit is $100 for 5 years. A listing of Approved Business Organizations that provide firearms training classes can also be found on their web site. The training requirement is also needed to renew the license and must be completed within one year of the date of the renewal application.
The Minnesota PCP is valid in the following states:
AK, AZ, ID, IN, KS*, KY, MI*, MN, MO, MT, NM, OK, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
Nevada
Non-residents must apply for the Nevada Concealed Firearms Permit in person with any Nevada County Sheriff: http://www.lvmpd.com/permits/firearms_concealed.html
The cost of the permit is $100.25 for 3 years. The training must also take place within the county where you will be applying for the permit. You are also required to qualify with the weapon(s) that you want listed on your permit.
The Nevada CFP is valid in the following states:
AK, AZ, FL*, ID, IN, KS*, KY, LA, MI*, MN, MO, MT, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Non-Resident Pistol/Revolver License is issued by the Director of the State Police: http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/ssb/permitslicensing/documents/dssp260.pdf
The cost of the license is $100 for four years–recently increased from $20. The New Hampshire non-resident license application requires that you submit a copy of a current CCW license (front and back) issued by your state (or another state). Vermont residents can submit a letter from your local police department verifying that the state or county in which you reside does not require a license to carry concealed.
The New Hampshire NRPRL is valid in the following states:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO*, FL*, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI*, MS, MO, NH, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, UT, VT, WY
*= only resident licenses are accepted as valid in these states
North Dakota
The North Dakota Concealed Weapon Permit is issued by the Chief of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation:
http://www.ag.state.nd.us/bci/cw/obtainpermit.htm
The cost of the permit is $45 for 3 years. Non-residents can apply for the permit by contacting the BCI at (701) 328-5500 for an application and information regarding certified instructors. An “open book” written test is required and all testing (written and proficiency) and classroom instruction must take place within the state of North Dakota. The maximum fee a test administrator may charge is $50. There are two different permits. The Class 2 permit is for individuals at least 18 years of age. The Class 1 permit is for those 21 years of age or older.
The North Dakota CWP is valid in the following states:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO*, DE, FL*, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI*, MO, MT, NH*, NM, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
Oregon
The Oregon Concealed Handgun License is issued by the Oregon State Police: http://www.egov.oregon.gov/osp/id/chl.shtml
The cost of the license is $65 for 4 years. Applications are available at any County Sheriff’s office. The fingerprinting will also be conducted at the Sheriff’s office. Oregon does not recognize any other state’s permits/licenses. In order to legally carry a concealed firearm in Oregon, you must possess an Oregon CHL. This includes retired law enforcement officers.
The Oregon CHL is valid in the following states:
AK, AZ, ID, IN, KY, MI*, MO, MT, OK, OR, SD, TN, UT, VT
*= only resident licenses are accepted as valid in these states
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms is issued by the Pennsylvania State Police: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4451&&PageID=462424&level=2&css=L2&mode=2
The cost of the License is $19 for 5 years. Non-residents must possess a current permit/license from their home state if a permit/license is provided for by the laws of that state. The “if” in that sentence may be the key for applicants from Wisconsin or Illinois (where no permit/license is available) or Vermont (where no permit/license is needed).
The Pennsylvania LCF is valid in the following states:
AK, AZ, AR, CO*, DE, FL*, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI*, MO, MT, NH*, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WY
*= only resident licenses are accepted as valid in these states
Texas
The Texas Concealed Handgun License is issued by the Department of Public Safety:
ftp://ftp.txdps.state.tx.us/forms/cr-80.pdf
The cost of the license is $100 for 5 years. There is a discounted price of $70 for senior citizens, indigent Texans and honorably discharged veterans. The cost of the license is $25 for active or retired peace or judicial officers and $0 for active duty military personnel (and those who have been honorably discharged within 365 days). You are required to attend a DPS authorized training course. The license will also list either semi-automatic (SA) or non-semi-automatic (NSA), depending upon which type of firearm one received the training with in the authorized course.
The Texas CHL is valid in the following states:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO*, DE, FL*, GA, ID, IN, KS*, KY, LA, MI*, MN, MS, MO, MT, NM, NC, ND, OK, PA, SC*, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WY
*= only resident licenses are accepted as valid in these states
Utah
The Utah Concealed Firearm Permit is issued by the Department of Public Safety: http://www.publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/documents/ccwapp_004.pdf
The cost of the permit is $65.25 for 5 years. Applications may be submitted by mail. A listing of firearm instructors certified by the Bureau of Criminal Investigations can be found at: http://www.publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/documents/insoutstate_057.pdf
The Utah CFP is valid in the following states:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO*, DE, FL*, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI*, MN, MS, MO, MT, NH*, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WY
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
Virginia
The Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit is issued by the Virginia State Police. Non-residents may request an application in writing from:
Firearms Transaction Center, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Department of State Police, P.O. Box 85141, Richmond, VA 23284-5141 or via e-mail at nonrespermit@vsp.virginia.gov (be sure to include your complete name, mailing address and phone number)
The cost of the permit is $100 for 5 years. As with other states, documentation of competence with a handgun is required, but like Florida they will accept the successful completion of a hunter education or hunter safety course approved by a state agency. NRA firearms safety or training courses also satisfy this requirement.
Note: Persons with a valid Virginia CHP may apply individually to the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department for temporary reciprocal recognition of a CCDW license while in the Virgin Islands. Temporary recognition is normally for 90 days from the date of issue. Temporary privileges may be requested from: Office of the Commissioner, Criminal Justice Complex, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802
The Virginia CHP is valid in the following states:
AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL*, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI*, MS, MO, MT, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC*, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WV
*= only resident permits are accepted as valid in these states
Washington
The Washington License to Carry-Concealed Pistol is issued by the Washington State Patrol: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.070
The cost of the license is $55.25-$68 for 5 years. Non-resident applicants can apply at any law enforcement agency in Washington state. If you are in the military, your military ID and a copy of your orders listing your station location are required for the application process.
The Washington LCCP is valid in the following states:
AK, AZ, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI*, MS, MO, MT, NC, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA
*= only resident licenses are accepted as valid in these states
A few more web sites I’d like to recommend dealing with concealed carry:
www.USACarry.com
www.CarryConcealed.net
For residents of Illinois:
www.ISRA.org
www.IllinoisCarry.org
For residents of Wisconsin: