How to Apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit

It is illegal in the United States for a non-law enforcement officer to carry a concealed gun, knife or other weapon. In some states, people in their own business or residence have the right not to carry their weapon openly. However, those who want to hide their weapon while out in public for personal protection purposes must apply for a concealed weapons permit. Most law-abiding citizens of sound mind should be approved for such permits, which are applied for in the petitioner's local courthouse or through the State Police department.

Instructions

1. Visit your State Police website or call your local police department or court to find out if you must complete a gun education course to apply for a concealed weapons permit. In many states, such as Virginia, those civilians wanting to carry a concealed weapon must complete a course from an approved National Rifle Association (NRA) instructor.

2. Read or ask about the guidelines for concealed weapons permits. You will also be told how to get an application and whether to submit it through your local court system or the State Police department. If you have received inpatient mental health or substance abuse treatment in the last 5 years, have a restraining order against you, or been convicted of certain misdemeanors such as marijuana possession, assault, or battery, you will be ineligible to apply for the permit in most states.

3. Fill out your application honestly and completely. You will need to provide information such as your personal identifying information, employer and the type of weapon. You must also submit to fingerprinting.

4. Pay any required fees to your local courthouse or State Police department, usually in cash, credit card or money order. These fees are usually less than $50. Retired or active law enforcement and military usually can get a free concealed weapons permit. It usually takes about 45 days to approve or deny an application, and the permit can usually be picked up locally or mailed to the applicant.

5. Renew your concealed weapons permit as required by your state law, which could be anywhere from every 1 to 5 years. Each time, you must fill out a new application, be fingerprinted and background checked again, and pay a new fee.

6. Surrendering your permit is required if you are charged with a felony or served with a protective order. Failure to do so could be considered a felony crime.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember anyone with a felony record is usually not eligible to carry any weapon, especially one that is concealed. This also applies to certain misdemeanors dealing with sexual offenses, assault or battery. Most states bar people, even with concealed weapons permits, from carrying weapons into schools, government buildings, clubs that serve alcohol or churches.

• Do not lie about whether you have been subject to inpatient mental health or substance abuse treatment in recent years, as this is a crime and the police do find out such information by checking databases such as the Medical Information Bureau.

Resources

• Virginia State Police
• Kentucky State Police Concealed Deadly Weapons