State Laws · AL
Alabama Gun Laws
Effective as of January 1, 2023 (HB 272, constitutional carry). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
Alabama adopted constitutional carry under HB 272, effective January 1, 2023. Persons aged 19 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Open carry has been legal in Alabama without a permit for many years. Alabama continues to issue concealed carry permits for reciprocity.
Key statute: Alabama Code § 13A-11-73 — license to carry pistol in concealed manner. As amended by HB 272, carrying without a permit is no longer an offense for eligible persons.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons convicted of a crime of violence, persons addicted to alcohol or controlled substances, persons of unsound mind, and persons under 19. Federal prohibitions also apply.
Prohibited Locations
Alabama prohibits carry in: courthouses (Alabama Code § 13A-11-61.2), police stations and sheriff offices, prisons and jails, and inside the secured area of an airport terminal. Alabama is notably permissive — there is no statutory prohibition on carry in most government buildings, schools (though federal Gun-Free School Zones Act applies), or establishments serving alcohol.
Purchase Requirements
No permit is required to purchase any firearm. All FFL sales require a NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check. There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, no assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction.
Citations
Alabama Code Title 13A, Article 3 (weapons); HB 272 (2022, effective January 1, 2023).
Look up statutes at Alabama Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Alabama statutes
Alabama Legislature →This link goes to Alabama's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.