In the landscape of firearm legislation, the terms “constitutional carry,” “permitless carry,” and “unrestricted carry” are frequently used interchangeably, yet they have distinct meanings.
Constitutional Carry: This refers to laws that permit individuals who are legally allowed to possess a firearm to carry it—either open or concealed—without the need for a state-issued permit. In some states, however, constitutional carry may have conditions, such as allowing open carry without a permit but requiring one for concealed carry.
Permitless Carry: This term encompasses both constitutional carry states and those that impose specific qualifications for carrying a firearm. For instance, states may require that individuals have no DUI convictions in a set number of years. Some states are fully unrestricted, meaning no permit is needed for either open or concealed carry, while others mandate a permit for concealed carry.
States with Permitless Concealed Carry
Currently, there are numerous states allowing permitless concealed carry, with the minimum age requirements varying from 18 to 21 years. Notable ones include:
- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas (PC-18), and Florida (PC-21 starting July 1, 2023) are among those recognizing permitless carry.
- States like Tennessee and North Dakota have specific stipulations regarding age and residency for carrying without a permit.
Constitutional Basis
These laws often draw upon the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, emphasizing the right of individuals to keep and bear arms.
MLA Citation
“Types of Concealed Carry Licensure/Permitting Policies.” U.S. Concealed Carry Association, 2025, http://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/terminology/types-of-concealed-carry-licensure-permitting-policies/.
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