Alabama’s concealed carry laws no longer require a permit to carry a concealed handgun on your person or a pistol in your vehicle. Permitless carry took effect on January 1, 2023, but the change applies only to people who are legally allowed to possess a firearm, and location restrictions still apply.1Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-73
Who Cannot Carry
State law prohibits certain people from possessing a firearm at all. That includes anyone of unsound mind and anyone convicted of a crime of violence or a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence.2Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-72
Where You Cannot Carry
Even with permitless carry in place, firearms remain barred from several specific places unless the controlling authority gives express permission:3Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-61.2
- Police, sheriff, or highway patrol stations
- Prisons, jails, and other detention facilities
- Facilities providing inpatient or custodial care for psychiatric or emotional disorders
- Courthouses and buildings where a county commission or city council is meeting
Firearms are also prohibited at public demonstrations, including picketing, speechmaking, and marching. If a law enforcement officer orders you to leave the area of such a demonstration, you cannot possess a firearm within 1,000 feet of it.4Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-59
On the grounds of a public school, carrying a deadly weapon is illegal if done knowingly with intent to cause bodily harm.2Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-72 Federal law generally bans firearms within 1,000 feet of a school zone, but licensed carriers are exempt when the state’s licensing process includes a law enforcement qualification check.5ATF. Gun-Free School Zone Notice
Private property owners can prohibit firearms on their premises. Knowingly entering or remaining after notice can be charged as criminal trespass in the third degree.6Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-7-4
Why You Might Still Want a Permit
Alabama continues to issue concealed carry permits on an optional basis. The main reason to get one is travel: a permit lets you carry in other states that recognize Alabama’s license. Applying involves a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and payment of the applicable fees.7Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-758Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-85
Going the other direction, Alabama recognizes concealed carry permits issued by any other state as long as the holder is not an Alabama resident, and non-residents carrying here must follow all Alabama firearm laws.8Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-85 The Alabama Attorney General maintains and periodically publishes the list of states that reciprocate. Because reciprocity and state laws change, check the current rules for anywhere you plan to visit before you go.9Alabama Attorney General. Reciprocity of Concealed Carry Permits
Penalties
A person forbidden from possessing a firearm because of a violent-crime conviction who is caught with one faces a Class C felony. Other prohibited persons, such as habitual drunkards or drug addicts, can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for possessing a pistol.2Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-72
Knowingly possessing a firearm in one of the prohibited locations, such as a police station or courthouse, is a Class C misdemeanor.3Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-61.2
If Your Permit Is Denied or Revoked
A sheriff can revoke a voluntarily obtained permit if the holder is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, or if the sheriff concludes the holder should not have a permit based on justifiable public safety concerns.7Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-75
You can appeal a denial or revocation in the district court of the county where you live. On appeal, the sheriff bears the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the denial or revocation was necessary.10Justia. Alabama Code § 13A-11-75 – Section: (j)