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This time we talk about constitutional carry and the considerations you should give to whether you maintain your concealed carry license now or obtain one for the first time.

Many may think that if their state has or implements constitutional carry they no longer need to worry about a concealed carry license. But wait! Before you make that decision, read this post and consider our perspective on the matter.

Constitutional Carry

First, what is constitutional carry anyway?

Constitutional carry is when a state’s law does not prohibit an individual, who can legally possess a firearm, from carrying a handgun either concealed or openly. In other words, a carry permit is not required in those states. However, depending on the state, there can still be additional restrictions for carrying; and each state may still have its own requirements for legally possessing a firearm.

For those of us who live in Georgia, Governor Kemp signed constitutional carry into law in April 2022.

What is CCW versus CCP?

A state may have either a concealed carry weapon permit (CCW) or a concealed carry permit (CCP). Either may generally be referred to as a license. From a labeling perspective, they are basically the same things.

These permits or licenses represent official authorization, granted by a government, given to an individual to carry a concealed handgun in public places, assuming the individual is lawfully able to have firearms in the first place. Because the permits or licenses are set at the state or even local government levels, the specific laws and/or  requirements for obtaining a permit/license to carry concealed can vary widely.

In the State of Georgia, we have a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL). Once granted, they are good for five years.

An Example Process to Obtain a License

For me, it was the county in which I reside that I had to go through in order to obtain my license originally and now to renew the license as well.

Originally, I went to the probate court’s office, completed and signed the paperwork, had my index finger printed, and paid a fee. I then had to go just up the street to have my fingerprints taken at the local GBI office and paid another fee. Then, it took about 2 weeks to receive my license through the mail. Of course, part of the process was having my background checked. If it was not obvious already, you actually have to be a ‘good guy’ to get a license to carry concealed. In total, if memory serves, I paid about $80 for my license the first time. All in all, it was a mostly painless process.

Some states or local governments may also require you to go through concealed carry training prior to you obtaining your license. Again, the rules and requirements will be dependent on the state and/or local government where you live.

3 Reasons to Obtain or Maintain Your Concealed Carry License

Even with constitutional carry, we recommend you consider going ahead and getting your license if you have been considering it or not letting yours expire, if you already have one. Why? Three solid reasons. 

Reciprocity

Many other states recognize a GA WCL, which means when you travel to one of those states, you will still be able to legally carry concealed there, even if one of those states does not recognize constitutional carry; and several still do not recognize it, at least not yet.

Currently, there are 33 reciprocating states with Georgia with several still having additional laws you need to be aware of before traveling to those states while carrying concealed. Many states offer reciprocity for many other states, which is nice. Just be sure to double check local laws for states you may be traveling to in order to understand any additional restrictions they may have in place that you will need to observe while there.

Show You’re a ‘Good Guy’

While you currently have no duty in the State of Georgia, for example, to inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying concealed, it may benefit you to do so. Of course, this assumes you are lawfully carrying concealed a.k.a. actually have a license. (You may or may not be required to inform law enforcement you are concealed carrying where you are. This is another great reason to know some basic laws where you live.)

Obviously, you don’t want to just take your gun out and show an officer. That would be a very BAD idea. … Instead, you can present your GA WCL at the time you present your driver’s license and proof of insurance. We are not recommending you do this; as only you can decide what is best for you in the situations you may find yourself in. However, you may choose to do so if you feel there could be benefit.

Why consider showing your concealed carry license? Because law enforcement knows (or should know) that in order to have your license you had to go through a background check. Therefore, any officer of the law should also know you are a ‘good guy,’ if you have a concealed carry license. This may help an officer feel a bit more comfortable at a traffic stop, for example, when interacting with you.

Things Can Change

Laws can change; and nothing says we may wind up needing a license once again if we have plans to lawfully carry concealed moving forward. No one can predict the future, especially where politics are involved.

I cannot say whether constitutional carry is here to stay. Can you?

Resource

USCCA Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map and Gun Laws 

Select your state to see relevant details and laws you may find of interest.

Conclusion

Even if constitutional carry is in place where you live, you should still consider getting or updating your concealed carry license.

If you don’t have one, you should get one just to exercise your rights, if for no other reason. And if you do have a concealed carry license already, do you know when it expires? Check to see and then go and get it renewed when the time comes.

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