Louisiana Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide
Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG
Quick Reference: Louisiana Gun Laws
| Open Carry | Legal |
| Concealed Carry | Permitless / Constitutional Carry |
| Permit Required | No - permitless carry |
| Permit Cost | N/A (No permit required) |
| Permit Validity | N/A |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Background Check | Required |
| Castle Doctrine | ✓ Yes |
| Stand Your Ground | ✓ Yes |
| Red Flag Law | ✓ No |
| Magazine Limit | None |
| Suppressors | Legal (NFA rules apply) |
| NFA Items | All legal (federal rules apply) |
Open Carry Laws in Louisiana
Open carry is legal in Louisiana for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.
Concealed Carry Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana is a constitutional carry state. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Louisiana enacted constitutional carry in July 2024. Optional CCW permit still available for reciprocity and certain purposes.
Where You Cannot Carry in Louisiana
The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Louisiana. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.
- Schools
- Government Buildings
- Police Stations
- Prisons
- Courthouses
- Bars
- Houses Of Worship
Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.
Optional Louisiana CCW Permit
Louisiana enacted constitutional carry in July 2024. Optional CCW permit still available for reciprocity and certain purposes.
Even though Louisiana does not require a permit to carry, obtaining an optional permit allows you to carry in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Louisiana but require a permit from your home state.
CCW Reciprocity for Louisiana
States that honor your Louisiana permit (28)
Louisiana honors permits from (31)
Louisiana Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF
Download our one-page quick reference for Louisiana gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.
Frequently Asked Questions: Louisiana Gun Laws
When did Louisiana pass constitutional carry?
Does Louisiana have stand your ground?
Shooting Ranges in Louisiana
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