Vermont Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permitless / Constitutional Carry No Castle Doctrine Constitutional Carry Red Flag Law

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Vermont 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	✕ No
Stand Your Ground	✕ No
Red Flag Law	✕ Yes (ERPO exists)
Magazine Limit	10 rounds maximum
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	Restricted

Open Carry Laws in Vermont

Open carry is legal in Vermont 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 Vermont

Vermont is a constitutional carry state. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Vermont has had constitutional carry since its founding - never required a permit. However Vermont has no permit to offer, so it has limited reciprocity. Vermont added a 10-round magazine limit in 2018.

Where You Cannot Carry in Vermont

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Vermont. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Municipal Buildings With Signs

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Optional Vermont CCW Permit

Vermont has had constitutional carry since its founding - never required a permit. However Vermont has no permit to offer, so it has limited reciprocity. Vermont added a 10-round magazine limit in 2018.

Even though Vermont does not require a permit to carry, obtaining an optional permit allows you to carry in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Vermont but require a permit from your home state.

Apply for Optional Vermont Permit

CCW Reciprocity for Vermont

States that honor your Vermont permit (29)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

Vermont honors permits from (0)

None

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Vermont Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Vermont gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Vermont Gun Laws

Does Vermont offer a CCW permit for reciprocity?

No. Vermont has no permit system to offer, meaning Vermont residents cannot get a home-state permit. Residents should consider a non-resident Utah or Arizona permit for travel.

Does Vermont have a magazine limit?

Yes. Vermont enacted a 10-round limit for handguns and 10 rounds for semi-automatic rifles in 2018.

Does Vermont have a red flag law?

Yes. Vermont enacted a red flag law in 2018.

Shooting Ranges in Vermont

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Vermont. Filter by type, features, and location.

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Neighboring State Gun Laws

New York

New Hampshire

Massachusetts