Here’s where you can carry guns in GA. It may be more places than you think

Georgia has some of the most permissive Second Amendment laws in the country. In 2022, it became legal to carry without a permit and in 2017, legislation passed allowing concealed weapons on university campuses.

In fact, Georgia’s gun laws provide some of the broadest rights for gun owners and in 2025, the state ranked 46th out of 50 in the strength of its gun laws, according to Everytown for Gun Safety

As long as you meet certain requirements, you can own and carry a firearm, openly or concealed, in Georgia if you’re at least 21, and Weapons Carry Licenses are not necessary in most circumstances.

The state’s “constitutional carry” law gives most adults broad rights to bear arms in public, but that doesn’t mean Georgia’s open carry laws are a free-for-all

Criteria for carrying a gun in Georgia

Under Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 16‑11‑126 any person who is not prohibited by law may carry a handgun or a long gun without a license or permit.

They must meet these criteria:

• At least 21 years or older
• Have not been  convicted felon
• Are not under a protective order
• Have not been adjudicated as mentally incompetent
• Not awaiting trial 

Open carry rules and conditions

Open carry means visibly carrying a gun where it can be plainly seen, rather than concealed under clothing or in a bag and in Georgia most adults are allowed to do so.

Who is allowed

• Adults 21 and older (or 18+ for military personnel) who are not prohibited by law
• Both residents and nonresidents who would be eligible for a Georgia WLC

Where it is allowed

• Public sidewalks, streets and parks
• State parks and recreation areas
• Private property
• Vehicles
• Shopping centers and retail establishments
• Outdoor public events and festivals
• Hiking trails, campsites and rural land
• Public transportation

Where it is prohibited

• Government buildings
• K-12 schools and school functions
• Places of worship
• Polling places
• Airports
• State mental health and treatment facilities
• Nuclear power facilities

Under O.C.G.A. § 16‑11‑127(f) carrying a firearm in a prohibited location or without proper eligibility can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.

Georgia’s campus carry law

Georgia’s campus carry law, enacted as House Bill 280 and effective since July 1, 2017, allows individuals who are at least 21 years old to carry concealed handguns on public college and university campuses.

Provisions:

• Must be carried concealed
• Certain areas are off-limits
• A WCL is not needed

Exceptions:

• Athletic venues
• Student housing
• Faculty, staff and administrative offices
• Childcare spaces
• Classrooms with students under the age of 18 
• Disciplinary proceedings

While gun owners have specific rights under the constitution, non-carriers have the right to expect safe environments, as well.

It’s important to know that property owners and businesses have the authority to ban firearms on their premises, but non-gun owners’ rights are limited by a gun owner’s Second Amendment right to bear arms.

This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 5:30 AM.