Do I need a permit to carry in Louisiana?

No. Louisiana allows concealed carry without a permit for eligible adults 18 and older. Some places stay off limits under state and federal law.

Where can I check Louisiana's official rules?

Check Louisiana State Police. The controlling law is La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(T).

Carry laws · 2026

Louisiana concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Permitless at 18
Minimum age: 18
Non-resident permit valid here?: Yes
Statute: La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(T)

Carrying in Louisiana

Louisiana lets adults 18 and older carry concealed without a permit.

That rule stops at the Louisiana line. If you travel, the law of the next state applies.

Permitless carry took effect July 2024 for residents 18+.

Source: La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(T). Louisiana State Police. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in Louisiana?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

Yes. Louisiana recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(T). The state's own rules about where and how you carry still apply to you.

Getting Louisiana's own permit

Louisiana 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 Louisiana?: No. Louisiana allows concealed carry without a permit for eligible adults 18 and older. Some places stay off limits under state and federal law.
Does Louisiana honor out-of-state permits?: Yes. Louisiana recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(T).
Where can I check Louisiana's official rules?: Check Louisiana State Police. The controlling law is La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(T).

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Sources and verification

LA: La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(T). Louisiana State Police.

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.