How do I get a concealed carry permit in Louisiana?

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

Louisiana's concealed carry framework is governed by La. R.S. 40:1379.3 (Concealed Handgun Permit) and HB 131 (2024) , which made Louisiana a permitless-carry state. 1. Permitless Carry (La. R.S. 14:95.1.1, effective July 4, 2024) - Adults 18+ not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. - Louisiana became the 28th state to authorize permitless carry. 2. Why Get an Optional CHP? - Reciprocity with 35+ states (permitless carry generally does not transfer). - Required for firearm purchases without NICS check at FFL. - Exemption from federal Gun-Free School Zones Act. 3. CHP Eligibility (R.S. 40:1379.3) - At least 21 years old . - Louisiana resident (or out-of-state resident with substantial connection). - U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. - No felony conviction. - No specified misdemeanor (DUI, domestic abuse battery) in past 5 years. - Not a fugitive from justice. 4. Training Requirement (R.S. 40:1379.3(D)) - 9 hours of training by a Louisiana State Police (LSP)-approved instructor. - Includes classroom on use of force, Louisiana firearms law, safe handling, and live-fire qualification . 5. Application - Apply online through the Louisiana State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Unit . - Submit training certificate, fingerprints, photo, proof of residency. 6. Fees - $125 (4-year resident permit). - $500 (lifetime resident permit). - $500 (5-year non-resident). 7. Processing - 90 days by statute. 8. Restricted Locations (R.S. 40:1379.3(N)) - Schools, courthouses, government meetings, polling places, places of worship (with carve-outs), bars (Class A liquor establishments), and posted private property. 9. Renewal - 4-year permit renewable for $125 with 4-hour refresher course; lifetime permit does not require renewal. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Louisiana's concealed carry framework is governed by La. R.S. 40:1379.3 (Concealed Handgun Permit) and HB 131 (2024), which made Louisiana a permitless-carry state.

1. Permitless Carry (La. R.S. 14:95.1.1, effective July 4, 2024)

Adults 18+ not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry concealed without a permit.

Louisiana became the 28th state to authorize permitless carry.

2. Why Get an Optional CHP?

Reciprocity with 35+ states (permitless carry generally does not transfer).

Required for firearm purchases without NICS check at FFL.

Exemption from federal Gun-Free School Zones Act.

3. CHP Eligibility (R.S. 40:1379.3)

At least 21 years old.

Louisiana resident (or out-of-state resident with substantial connection).

U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

No felony conviction.

No specified misdemeanor (DUI, domestic abuse battery) in past 5 years.

Not a fugitive from justice.

4. Training Requirement (R.S. 40:1379.3(D))

9 hours of training by a Louisiana State Police (LSP)-approved instructor.

Includes classroom on use of force, Louisiana firearms law, safe handling, and live-fire qualification.

5. Application

Apply online through the Louisiana State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Unit.

Submit training certificate, fingerprints, photo, proof of residency.

6. Fees

$125 (4-year resident permit).

$500 (lifetime resident permit).

$500 (5-year non-resident).

7. Processing

90 days by statute.

8. Restricted Locations (R.S. 40:1379.3(N))

Schools, courthouses, government meetings, polling places, places of worship (with carve-outs), bars (Class A liquor establishments), and posted private property.

9. Renewal

4-year permit renewable for $125 with 4-hour refresher course; lifetime permit does not require renewal.

This is legal information, not legal advice.