Wyoming Concealed Carry
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Wyoming operates as a shall-issue state for concealed firearms permits (CFP). Applications are handled locally by county sheriffs and issued by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Local law enforcement exercises discretion in permit issuance.
In Wyoming, no permit is required for purchasing firearms from private individuals, and there are no background checks or waiting periods. Firearms registration is not mandatory, except when buying handguns from Federal Firearms Dealers. Possession of a Wyoming CFP exempts holders from federal background check requirements.
Open carry is legal without a permit for individuals aged 18 and above who are legally entitled to possess firearms.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
Effective July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is permitted for U.S. legal residents aged 21 and older who can lawfully possess firearms. The minimum age for purchasing handguns is 21 years, and 18 years for shotguns or rifles. Certain locations, such as schools and establishments primarily serving alcohol, are restricted.
A Wyoming CFP necessitates completion of a state-approved firearms training course or documented firearm experience (e.g., organized shooting competitions or military service). Wyoming does not issue non-resident permits but honors permits from states recognizing Wyoming permits.
Wyoming adheres to Castle Doctrine principles and “stand your ground” laws, eliminating the duty to retreat. Individuals may use reasonable defensive force, including deadly force if necessary, to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm. There is a presumption of reasonable fear when defending against intruders unlawfully entering homes or attempting forceful removal.
Individuals employing legal and reasonable defensive force are protected from criminal prosecution for such actions in Wyoming.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?
- Does Wyoming have ammunition restrictions? No. Wyoming law does not restrict handgun ammunition types.
Permitless Carry?
- Does Wyoming allow permitless carry? Yes. As of July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is legal for any legal resident of the U.S. who is 21 years old or older, and who may lawfully possess a firearm.
Open Carry Permitted?
- Is open carry permitted in Wyoming? Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
- What is the minimum age in Wyoming to get a concealed carry permit? The minimum age to apply for a Wyoming Concealed Firearms Permit is 21 (or at least 18 years of age if the local sheriff makes a personal recommendation on the applicant’s behalf).
Gun Permit Licensure?
- If Wyoming requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? Wyoming is shall-issue, with discretion.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
- Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Wyoming with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? No. A Wyoming CFP does not permit weapons besides handguns.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
- Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Wyoming? Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase without a permit.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
- Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Wyoming? Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Wyoming.
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?
- Does Wyoming have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? No. There are no handgun magazine capacity limits in Wyoming.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Wyoming?
Yes. Without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm. [Wyo. Stat. § 6–8–104]
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Wyoming?
Yes, without a permit.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Wyoming?
Yes, without a permit, although the use of firearms is prohibited in all state parks, campgrounds, recreational grounds, historic landmarks or historic sites unless otherwise designated by the state Fish and Game Commission (Wy Admin. Rule 024.0002.1.16). See the National Parks website for links to each Park in Wyoming.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Wyoming?
You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol without a permit, unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants. [Wyo. Stat. § 6–8–104(t)(vii)]
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Wyoming?
Wyoming statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
Does Wyoming have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Wyoming state law.
Brandishing?
- Does Wyoming state law define brandishing? No definition of brandishing was found in Wyoming law. However, any person who knowingly points a firearm at or in the direction of another, whether or not the person believes the firearm is loaded, is guilty of reckless endangering unless reasonably necessary in defense of his person, property or abode or to prevent serious bodily injury to another.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?
- Does Wyoming have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances? According to the Game and Fish Code, no person shall carry a firearm with a cartridge therein, or take any wildlife in Wyoming, while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance as defined in Wyo. Stat. § 35–7–1002.
Non-Resident Permitting?
- Does Wyoming issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? No. Wyoming does not issue permits to non-residents.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
- Does Wyoming allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
Duty to Inform Officer You’re Carrying?
- Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Wyoming? There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm unless the officer asks.
Driver’s License Linked to Carry Permit?
- Is my Wyoming driver’s license linked to my Wyoming carry permit? Yes. Your Wyoming driver’s license is linked to your Wyoming concealed firearms permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?
- Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Wyoming? Yes. A person is guilty of criminal trespass if he enters or remains on or in the land or premises of another person, knowing he is not authorized to do so, or after being notified through personal communication or posted signs prohibiting firearms to depart or to not trespass.
Preemption?
- Does Wyoming have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Wyoming.
Red Flag Law?
- Does Wyoming have a red flag law? Wyoming does not have a red flag law.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Wyoming? No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
WYOMING PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my current Wyoming concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? Yes.
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Wyoming? No. You are not required to get a special permit before purchasing a handgun in Wyoming.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Wyoming? No. There is no waiting period to buy a handgun in Wyoming.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in Wyoming? No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Wyoming.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Wyoming? You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Wyoming.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? Although residents can concealed carry and open carry without a permit, Wyoming Statutes don’t specifically address carry on private property.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
As of July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is legal for any legal resident of the U.S. who is 21 years old or older, and who may lawfully possess a firearm.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements: An applicant must:
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Have been a resident of Wyoming for at least 6 months or hold a valid statewide concealed firearm permit issued in another state that recognizes Wyoming permits;
- Be at least 21 years of age (or at least 18 years of age if the local sheriff makes a personal recommendation on the applicant’s behalf);
- Demonstrate familiarity with a firearm by past experience or through the completion of certain safety or training courses;
- Not be prohibited by state law from possessing a firearm;
- Not suffer from a physical infirmity that would prevent the safe handling of a firearm;
- Not have been committed to a state or federal facility for the abuse of a controlled substance within the previous year;
- Not have ever been convicted of certain state or federal felony crimes relating to controlled substances, and has not been convicted of certain state or federal misdemeanor crimes relating to controlled substances within the previous year;
- Not chronically or habitually use alcoholic liquor or malt beverages to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired, and not have been involuntarily committed within the past 1-year period to any residential facility as a result of the use of alcohol;
- Not currently be adjudicated to be legally incompetent, and not have been committed to a mental institution;
- Not have been found guilty of, or have pled no contest to, 1 or more misdemeanor crimes of violence within the last 3 years;
- Meet federal law requirements. *Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Wyoming.
Fees: Initial Permit $64 (The sheriff’s office may charge a separate fee for processing and fingerprinting.) Renewal $45
Valid For: 5 years
Processing Time: 90 days
- Link to WY Resident Military Personnel and Spouses Stationed Out Of State info and application
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: Wyoming doesn’t issue permits to non-residents.
Name/Address Changes: You will need to complete an Address & Name Change Form and provide documentation for name changes and email or mail the completed form to the address on the form. New permits are NOT issued for address changes.
Lost/Stolen Permits: You will need to complete a Duplicate Permit Application, furnish a notarized statement to the DCI that the permit has been lost or destroyed and pay a $5 fee for a duplicate. The county sheriff’s departments maintain all required forms and collect all funds for CFPs. They may also have notary publics, so they can complete all forms, make copies for their records and send the fees and completed forms to the DCI.
Residency Changes:
- Moving to Wyoming and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Wyoming issues permits to residents only. You can apply for your permit with the sheriff of your county once you have been a resident of Wyoming for at least six months or hold a valid statewide concealed firearm permit issued in another state that recognizes Wyoming permits.
- Moving from Wyoming and have a Wyoming resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Wyoming permit remains valid? If a person with a Wyoming concealed firearms permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided the individual notifies the DCI within 30 days of his or her move. Once the individual’s permit expires it will not be renewed since a permit can only be issued to a Wyoming resident.
Step 1: Complete a firearm training course if required.
Step 2: Download the application, fill out the form and print four copies.
Step 3: Obtain a money order or cashier’s check for the application fee, made out to DCI or WY attorney general’s office. They do not accept cash, credit cards or personal checks. Ask your local sheriff’s office about its fees, which will be separate from the DCI fees.
Step 4: Take your completed application to your local sheriff’s office. You will need the following:
- Completed application;
- Proof of training or evidence of qualification; and
- Photo ID. You will be fingerprinted.
Step 5: Take the remaining copy of your application to a Wyoming DOT Driver Services office to have your picture taken for the permit. This must be done within 5 days of your application.
Step 6: You will be contacted by the sheriff’s office within 90 days of when they receive your permit.
An applicant for a concealed weapons permit in Wyoming must show familiarity with a firearm. The following activities are recognized as sufficient under Wyoming law:
- Completion of a certified firearm safety or training course instructed by NRA-certified instructors or the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy.
- Completion of a law enforcement firearms safety or training course intended for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any law enforcement or security enforcement division.
- Participation in an organized shooting competition or military service involving firearm use.
- Certification of proficiency in firearms safety by any Wyoming law enforcement agency according to agency-established procedures.
- Honorable retirement as a federal or state peace officer with at least 10 years of service.
- Step 1: You may apply for renewal no earlier than 6 months before your expiration date. Renewals are considered late after the expiration date, with an additional $10 late fee applicable. Renewals up to 6 months after expiration require a new application and fees.
- Step 2: Download the application, fill it out, and print four copies.
- Step 3: Obtain a money order or cashier’s check for the application fee, payable to DCI or the WY Attorney General’s office. Cash, credit cards, and personal checks are not accepted. Contact your local sheriff’s office for their separate fees.
- Step 4: Take your completed application to your local sheriff’s office. Bring:
- Completed application form.
- Photo ID.
- Step 5: Take the remaining copy of your application to a Wyoming DOT Driver Services office to have your permit photo taken within 5 days of application.
- Step 6: You will be contacted by the sheriff’s office upon receipt of your permit application.
- Restaurants that Serve Alcohol: You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol without a permit, unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
- Vehicle: Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm.
- Roadside Rest Areas: Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm.
- State/National Parks, Forests, and WMAs: Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm.
- Places of Worship: Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm.
- Any elementary or secondary school facility.
- Any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms.
- Any college or university facility without the written consent of the security service.
- Any facility used primarily for law enforcement operations without the written consent of the chief administrator.
- Any detention facility, prison, or jail.
- Any courtroom, except for judges or those authorized by a judge.
- Any meeting of a government entity or legislature.
- Any portion of an establishment primarily licensed for on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- The Wyoming Boy’s and Girl’s Schools.
- The state hospital.
- Any place where carrying firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation.
- Ownership and Open Carry: It is legal to own and open carry any type of knife.
- Concealed Carry: It is legal to concealed carry a deadly weapon for anyone who has a valid weapon permit or is otherwise eligible to hold a weapon permit.
- Restrictions: There are specific restrictions regarding carrying knives in schools, college or professional athletic facilities, bars, government meetings, jails, state penal institutions, the Wyoming Boy’s School, Wyoming Girl’s School, and correctional facilities.
[References: Wyo. Stat. § 6–8–104(a) and (t), Wyo. Stat. § 6–5–209]
- Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Wyoming?
- Yes. However, firearms cannot be used in taking or finishing off any big or trophy game animals during the archery season.
[Reference: WY Game & Fish FAQs]
- Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Wyoming?
- Yes. No person shall with the intent to prevent or hinder the lawful taking of any wildlife.
[Reference: Wyo. Stat. § 23–3–405]
- Can I legally carry a concealed firearm in Wyoming while wearing a COVID-19 protective mask?
- There is no known statute in Wyoming making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
- Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Wyoming?
- Yes.
