How do I get a concealed carry permit in Georgia?

Q: How do I get a concealed carry permit in Georgia?

Georgia regulates concealed carry under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-129 (Weapons Carry License) and the permitless carry expansion in SB 319 (2022) , codified at O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126 . 1. Permitless Carry (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-125.1) - Effective April 12, 2022 . - A "lawful weapons carrier" — any person 21+ not prohibited from possessing a firearm — may carry concealed in public without a license. - A WCL is still available for those who want reciprocity benefits. 2. WCL Eligibility (§ 16-11-129) - At least 21 years old (18 if military or honorably discharged). - Georgia resident. - No felony or domestic violence misdemeanor. - Not under indictment. - Not committed to a mental institution in past 5 years. - No drug conviction in past 5 years. 3. No Training Required - Georgia does not require a training course for the WCL. 4. Application - Apply at the probate court in your county of residence. - Submit application, fingerprints, and license fee. 5. Fees - ~$30-$75 depending on county (statutory base + processing costs). 6. Processing - 30-60 days typical; up to 10 business days after fingerprint clearance under § 16-11-129(d). 7. Restricted Locations (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127) - Courthouses, jails, state mental health facilities, polling places, government buildings with security, places of worship (without permission), nuclear power facilities, and within 150 feet of any polling place. 8. Reciprocity - Georgia WCL honored in ~35 states ; Georgia recognizes permits from most other states. 9. Renewal - Valid 5 years ; renewal $30, no re-training required. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Georgia regulates concealed carry under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-129 (Weapons Carry License) and the permitless carry expansion in SB 319 (2022), codified at O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126.

1. Permitless Carry (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-125.1)

Effective April 12, 2022.

A "lawful weapons carrier" — any person 21+ not prohibited from possessing a firearm — may carry concealed in public without a license.

A WCL is still available for those who want reciprocity benefits.

2. WCL Eligibility (§ 16-11-129)

At least 21 years old (18 if military or honorably discharged).

Georgia resident.

No felony or domestic violence misdemeanor.

Not under indictment.

Not committed to a mental institution in past 5 years.

No drug conviction in past 5 years.

3. No Training Required

Georgia does not require a training course for the WCL.

4. Application

Apply at the probate court in your county of residence.

Submit application, fingerprints, and license fee.

5. Fees

~$30-$75 depending on county (statutory base + processing costs).

6. Processing

30-60 days typical; up to 10 business days after fingerprint clearance under § 16-11-129(d).

7. Restricted Locations (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127)

Courthouses, jails, state mental health facilities, polling places, government buildings with security, places of worship (without permission), nuclear power facilities, and within 150 feet of any polling place.

8. Reciprocity

Georgia WCL honored in ~35 states; Georgia recognizes permits from most other states.

9. Renewal

Valid 5 years; renewal $30, no re-training required.

This is legal information, not legal advice.