Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. 2024 ‘Concealed Carry in Alabama.’ Guns in Public. San Francisco, CA: Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. 18 April
Relevant contents
[Editor's note: The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence regularly updates its webpages with new data as US gun regulation evolves state by state. For the most up-to-date information on US gun laws, please refer to the Giffords URL below]
Concealed Weapons Permitting in Alabama
Alabama does not prohibit a person from carrying a concealed firearm in public if the person has a concealed handgun license. Generally, no person may carry a handgun concealed on or about his or her person, except on his or her land, in his or her abode or fixed place of business, without a concealed handgun license. However, a defendant being tried for carrying a concealed firearm in public without a license may give evidence that at the time of carrying the concealed weapon, he has good reason to apprehend an attack, which the jury may consider in mitigation of the punishment or in justification of the offense.
Alabama is a "may issue" state, meaning that the sheriff of a county has discretion in determining whether or not to issue a concealed handgun license to an applicant. Upon receiving an application from any person residing in the county, the sheriff may issue a qualified or unlimited license if:
- It appears that the applicant has good reason to fear injury to his or her person or property, or has any other proper reason for carrying a handgun; and
- The applicant is a suitable person to be so licensed.
A background check is required.
Firearm Safety Training
Alabama does not require the applicant to complete a firearm safety course or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety prior to issuance of a license.
Duration & Renewal
An Alabama license to carry a concealed handgun expires not more than one year from the date of issue. The sheriff may also revoke a license upon proof that the licensee is not a proper person to be licensed.
Disclosure or Use of Information
An Alabama law enacted in 2009 prohibits the disclosure of the name, address, or signature of any applicant for a concealed handgun license or of any concealed handgun licensee. Such information may only be used for law enforcement purposes except when a current licensee is charged in any state with a felony involving the use of a pistol. The sheriff of a county must redact the name, address, signature, and photograph of an applicant or licensee before releasing a copy of a license for a non-law enforcement purpose. Other information, including the annual number of applicants, number of licenses issued, number of licenses denied, revenue from issuance of licenses, and any other fiscal or statistical data remains public.
Reciprocity
Alabama generally recognizes reciprocal concealed weapons permits from other states, so long as those states recognize and give effect to Alabama concealed handgun licenses. A license holder from another state must carry a handgun in compliance with the laws of Alabama…