Alabama concealed carry laws, backed by the statute
At a glance
- Carry rule
- Permitless at 21
- Minimum age
- 21
- Non-resident permit valid here?
- Yes
- Statute
- Ala. Code § 13A-11-85(a)
Carrying in Alabama
Alabama lets adults 21 and older carry concealed without a permit.
That rule stops at the Alabama line. If you travel, the law of the next state applies.
An optional pistol permit is issued by the county sheriff and is honored in most other permit states.
Source: Ala. Code § 13A-11-85(a). Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Reviewed Q3 2026.
Does a non-resident permit work in Alabama?
A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.
Yes. Alabama recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under Ala. Code § 13A-11-85(a). The state's own rules about where and how you carry still apply to you.
Getting Alabama's own permit
Alabama does not require a permit at home. An optional permit is still useful, because other states may honor it when you travel.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit to carry in Alabama?
- No. Alabama allows concealed carry without a permit for eligible adults 21 and older. Some places stay off limits under state and federal law.
- Does Alabama honor out-of-state permits?
- Yes. Alabama recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under Ala. Code § 13A-11-85(a).
- Where can I check Alabama's official rules?
- Check Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The controlling law is Ala. Code § 13A-11-85(a).
Not sure where you stand?
Check your state's rules in 30 seconds. Free, no signup.
Check your state's rules →Sources and verification
- AL: Ala. Code § 13A-11-85(a). Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.