Is Alabama an Open Carry State? Yes—Here’s What Constitutional Carry Means for Gun Owners and Where You Still Can’t Carry 2026
Yes, Alabama is an open carry state. Since January 1, 2023, Alabama became a constitutional carry state, meaning residents aged 19 or older can carry firearms openly without a permit. While Alabama permits open carry without requiring licenses, certain locations remain strictly off-limits regardless of permit status.
Confusion exists because Alabama’s constitutional carry law represents a recent shift in firearm regulations. Many online sources still reference outdated permit requirements from before 2023, and travelers often confuse Alabama’s laws with neighboring states that have different carry restrictions.
Understanding Alabama’s Constitutional Carry Law and What It Means for Open Carry Rights
Alabama’s constitutional carry law changed the state’s firearm landscape in 2023. Under Alabama Code § 13A-11-74.1, anyone aged 19 or older who can legally possess a firearm under state and federal law can carry firearms openly without obtaining a permit.
“Constitutional carry” means you can carry a handgun openly or concealed in public without applying for a permit, paying fees, or completing firearms training courses. This doesn’t mean unrestricted carry everywhere—Alabama law still prohibits firearms in specific locations.
How Alabama Code Establishes Open Carry Rights Without Permits
Alabama’s firearm statutes establish clear rights for lawful gun owners. Anyone not prohibited under Alabama Code § 13A-11-72 can carry firearms openly. Prohibited persons include those convicted of violent crimes, domestic violence misdemeanors, individuals subject to domestic abuse protection orders, minors except under specific supervised circumstances, and those deemed of unsound mind by lawful authorities.
The constitutional carry provision applies equally to residents and non-residents visiting Alabama. Out-of-state visitors must comply with Alabama law while in the state, regardless of their home state’s regulations.
The Difference Between Open Carry and Concealed Carry in Alabama
Open carry means your firearm is visible to others through ordinary observation. Concealed carry means the firearm is hidden from view under clothing or in a bag. Alabama permits both without a permit under constitutional carry.
Before January 2023, Alabama required permits only for concealed carry while allowing open carry without permits. The constitutional carry law eliminated permit requirements for concealed carry as well, making both forms of carry permissible without licenses. Understanding how different states regulate firearm possession is critical—similar to how Wisconsin firearm laws permit minors to possess rifles under specific exceptions.
Why Some Alabama Residents Still Obtain Concealed Carry Permits
Even though permits aren’t required, many Alabama residents still obtain concealed carry permits for specific benefits. Alabama honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits under Alabama Code § 13A-11-85, and other states may require Alabama permits for reciprocity.
Permits also provide legal advantages when traveling to states with stricter gun laws. If you frequently travel outside Alabama, obtaining a permit ensures you can legally carry in states that recognize Alabama permits but don’t allow permitless carry from visitors.
Where Alabama Law Prohibits Firearms Regardless of Permit Status
Constitutional carry doesn’t mean you can carry firearms anywhere you want. Alabama law and federal regulations establish specific prohibited locations where firearms cannot be carried, even with permits.
Locations Where Firearms Are Banned Under Alabama and Federal Law
Alabama Code § 13A-11-72(d) prohibits carrying deadly weapons on public school premises (K-12) with intent to do bodily harm. This applies to school buildings, school grounds, and school buses. Law enforcement officers and individuals with valid permits are exempt from school restrictions.
Federal law prohibits firearms in federal buildings, courthouses, post offices, and secure areas of airports. These federal restrictions override state law and apply regardless of Alabama’s constitutional carry status.
Alabama Code § 13A-11-61.2 prohibits firearms in buildings or facilities that restrict unauthorized persons through security guards or security measures. Wildlife management areas also prohibit firearms unless you possess valid permits specific to those areas.
Private Property Rights and Firearm Restrictions in Alabama
Private property owners in Alabama can prohibit firearms on their property by posting appropriate signage or providing verbal notice. Businesses, employers, and private landowners have the right to ban firearms from their premises regardless of Alabama’s open carry laws.
If a property owner prohibits firearms and you carry anyway, you may be asked to leave. Refusing to leave after being told firearms are prohibited can result in trespassing charges under Alabama law.
Understanding Alabama’s Employer Firearm Storage Protections
Alabama Code § 13A-11-90 protects employees who store legally possessed firearms in their privately-owned vehicles in employer parking lots. Employers cannot prohibit employees from keeping firearms locked in personal vehicles, provided the firearms are stored in compliance with Alabama law.
However, employers retain the right to prohibit firearms inside workplace buildings. The protection applies only to firearms stored in locked vehicles in parking areas, not to carrying firearms into the workplace itself.
Why People Misunderstand Alabama’s Open Carry Status
Alabama’s open carry status confuses many people due to recent legal changes, conflicting online information, and differences between Alabama and neighboring states.
Recent Constitutional Carry Changes Created Information Gaps
Alabama’s constitutional carry law took effect on January 1, 2023, when Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 272 into law. Before this change, Alabama required permits for concealed carry but allowed open carry without permits.
Many websites, forums, and informational resources haven’t updated their content to reflect Alabama’s current constitutional carry status. Older articles from 2022 or earlier may still reference permit requirements that no longer exist, creating confusion for readers.
Neighboring States Have Different Open Carry and Permit Requirements
Alabama borders Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. Each state has different firearm carry laws, leading to confusion when people move between states or share information across state lines.
Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi also have constitutional carry laws, but their specific requirements and prohibited locations differ from Alabama’s regulations. Florida allows concealed carry without permits but has different age requirements and location restrictions.
Common Misconceptions About Alabama Open Carry Laws
Several myths persist about Alabama’s open carry laws despite the state’s constitutional carry status.
Myth: You Need a Permit to Carry Firearms Openly in Alabama
This is false. Alabama allows open carry without permits for anyone aged 19 or older who can legally possess firearms. The constitutional carry law eliminated permit requirements for both open and concealed carry.
Some people mistakenly believe permits are still required because older information sources haven’t been updated or because they confuse Alabama’s previous concealed carry permit requirement with current law.
Myth: Open Carry Is Legal Everywhere in Alabama Without Restrictions
While Alabama permits open carry without permits, certain locations prohibit firearms regardless of permit status. Schools, courthouses, federal buildings, secure facilities, and private property where owners prohibit firearms all remain off-limits.
Constitutional carry means you don’t need a permit—it doesn’t mean you can carry firearms anywhere you want without consequences. Violating prohibited location restrictions can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to Class C felonies. Similar complexity exists in understanding vehicle laws by state—what’s legal in Alabama may be prohibited elsewhere.
Myth: Alabama’s Constitutional Carry Law Applies to Everyone Equally
Federal law prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms regardless of state law. Convicted felons, individuals with domestic violence convictions, those subject to restraining orders, and individuals deemed mentally incompetent cannot legally possess firearms under federal restrictions.
Alabama’s constitutional carry law only applies to individuals who can legally possess firearms under both state and federal law. If federal law prohibits you from possessing firearms, Alabama’s constitutional carry doesn’t override that prohibition.
Myth: You Can Carry Any Type of Firearm Anywhere Under Open Carry
Alabama prohibits certain types of firearms and weapons. Alabama Code § 13A-11-54 prohibits carrying rifles or shotguns disguised as walking canes. Short-barreled rifles and shotguns are regulated under Alabama Code § 13A-11-63 and federal law.
Constitutional carry applies to handguns—pistols and revolvers—not to all types of weapons. Different regulations may apply to rifles, shotguns, and other weapons depending on their characteristics.
What Alabama Gun Owners Should Know About Exercising Open Carry Rights
If you plan to carry firearms openly in Alabama, understanding your legal rights and responsibilities ensures compliance with state law.
Verify You’re Not Prohibited From Possessing Firearms
Before carrying firearms openly, confirm you’re not prohibited under Alabama Code § 13A-11-72 or federal law. Prohibited persons include those with violent crime convictions, domestic violence misdemeanor convictions, individuals subject to valid protection orders, and those deemed of unsound mind.
Federal law also prohibits firearms possession for unlawful drug users, individuals dishonorably discharged from the military, and those who have renounced U.S. citizenship. If any prohibition applies to you, carrying firearms violates both state and federal law.
Familiarize Yourself With Prohibited Locations
Learn which locations prohibit firearms under Alabama law. Schools, courthouses, federal buildings, secured facilities, and wildlife management areas (without proper permits) all ban firearms regardless of constitutional carry status.
Pay attention to private property signage. Businesses and property owners can prohibit firearms on their premises, and violating these restrictions can result in trespassing charges if you refuse to leave when asked.
Understand the Difference Between Constitutional Carry Rights and Location Restrictions
Constitutional carry means you don’t need a permit to carry firearms—it doesn’t eliminate all restrictions on where you can carry. The right to carry firearms and restrictions on carry locations are separate legal concepts.
Even with constitutional carry, you must comply with prohibited location restrictions. Violating these restrictions can result in criminal charges, fines, and potential imprisonment depending on the violation severity.
Document Your Understanding of Alabama Firearm Laws
Keep copies of relevant Alabama Code provisions and familiarize yourself with current firearm regulations. Laws can change, and staying informed protects you from inadvertent violations.
If you travel frequently between states, research firearm laws in your destination states. What’s legal in Alabama may be prohibited elsewhere, and ignorance of the law isn’t a defense against criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Open Carry Laws
Is Alabama an Open Carry State?
Yes, Alabama is an open carry state. Since January 1, 2023, Alabama has been a constitutional carry state, meaning anyone aged 19 or older who can legally possess firearms can carry openly without obtaining permits.
Do You Need a Permit to Open Carry in Alabama?
No. Alabama’s constitutional carry law allows open carry without permits for anyone aged 19 or older who isn’t prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law. Permits are optional but may provide benefits for interstate travel.
Where Can You Not Carry a Firearm in Alabama?
Firearms are prohibited on public school premises (K-12), in courthouses, federal buildings, secure facilities with security measures, wildlife management areas without proper permits, and on private property where owners prohibit firearms. These restrictions apply regardless of permit status.
What Is the Difference Between Open Carry and Concealed Carry in Alabama?
Open carry means your firearm is visible to others through ordinary observation. Concealed carry means the firearm is hidden from view. Alabama allows both without permits under constitutional carry, but both are subject to the same location restrictions.
Does Alabama Recognize Out-of-State Concealed Carry Permits?
Yes. Alabama Code § 13A-11-85 recognizes all valid concealed carry permits from any state. Non-residents with valid permits from their home states can carry concealed in Alabama, but they must comply with Alabama law while in the state.
What Are the Penalties for Violating Alabama’s Firearm Carry Laws?
Penalties vary by violation. Most firearm carry violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines and up to 3, 6, or 12 months in jail. However, carrying deadly weapons with intent to harm on school premises is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
Last Updated: January 26, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Alabama’s open carry laws and is not legal advice. Individuals facing firearm-related legal issues should consult qualified attorneys for case-specific guidance.
If you have questions about your firearm carry rights in Alabama or face legal issues related to firearm possession, contact local law enforcement for clarification or consult an attorney experienced in Alabama firearm law.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Sources Cited:
- Alabama Code § 13A-11-72 (Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearm)
- Alabama Code § 13A-11-74.1 (Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit)
- Alabama Code § 13A-11-85 (Reciprocity for Licenses Issued in Other States)
- Alabama Code § 13A-11-61.2 (Possession of Firearms in Certain Places)
- Alabama Code § 13A-11-90 (Restrictions on Firearms by Employers)
- Alabama Code § 13A-11-54 (Carrying Rifle or Shotgun Walking Cane)
- Alabama Constitution Article I, Section 26 (Right to Bear Arms)
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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