OBTAINING MULTI-STATE PERMITS TO CARRY CONCEALED
Obtaining a permit to carry a concealed firearm (in those states which require one) is not always as difficult as it is in states like California. Many states have a simplified and quick procedure that allows the law abiding citizen to carry. I need to emphasize that the procedures in use by these states are not a sham or a shortcut, as they require a thorough background check, complete with fingerprints, photo ID, training and competence requirements.
Most of these states have reciprocal agreements in place, which means that they will recognize and accept permits from other states and treat them as if they were granted there. This can be very helpful for those who travel from state to state and wish to carry their firearm legally.
Just as a quick caution, if you plan on taking advantage of these reciprocal agreements, you MUST check to make sure that the agreements are, in fact, still in place and that you will enjoy all the privileges that you expect. Check it out before you travel!!!
As a consequence of these reciprocity agreements, several courses have been developed that will help you to get a couple of licenses that will be recognized in as many as 34 other states (and sometimes more.) One business, for example, which offers such courses, is USA Carry, in San Diego, California (see:
http://www.ccwusa.com.) By obtaining permits in the States of Florida, Arizona and Utah, through USA Carry, even if you are not a resident of those states, you can be legally allowed to carry concealed in 34, or more states. USA Carry provides a list of states which, through reciprocity, will honor your licenses in Arizona, Utah and Florida. They are:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
This is how the 50 states stack up as to how they treat applications for concealed carry permits (source: USA Carry.com)
Shall Issue to Residents Only:
Alaska, Guam, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington
May Issue to Residents Only:
California, Delaware, New York City, Virgin Islands
May Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York
There are a great many legal considerations that we couldn't possibly cover in this post and it will be your responsibility to check to determine if you are able to travel legally with the permits you obtain. There is much at stake here, and the wise gun owner who travels will make sure.