Alabama Gun Laws
The Constitution of Alabama states that every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself and the State. Because of this, Alabama gun laws are not very restrictive. At a state level, Alabama has made it very simple to legally own most firearms, and local governments generally cannot enforce laws that restrict the right to bear arms. As a ‘shall issue’ state, it is relatively easy to obtain a concealed carry permit in Alabama. These laws have made Alabama a very popular state for gun owners and firearms enthusiasts.
Alabama Gun Laws at a Glance
| Concealed Carry Premit Required | No |
| Open Carry Premitted | Yes |
| Waiting period before purchasing | No |
| Lost and Stolen Firearm Reporting | No |
| Firearms License Required for Purchasing | No |
| Universal Background Check | No |
| Firearm Registration | No |
| Large Capacity Magazine Ban | No |
Firearm License Requirements
Alabama does not require gun owners to obtain any kind of license.
Background Checks
Alabama has no laws requiring background checks when purchasing firearms from unlicensed dealers.
When purchasing from licensed dealers, background checks are required in Alabama under federal law. Alabama produces its background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS). State criminal records may or may not be included in this federal database
Gun Shows
| Gun Show Definition | Alabama law does not provide legal definition for 'gun show'. |
|---|
When buying from private dealers at gun shows, no background check is required under Alabama law.
Prohibited Persons
Under Alabama law, no person is allowed to own a firearm or have a firearm under his or her control if he or she:
- Has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit a violent criminal offense or misdemeanor domestic abuse offense.
- Is subject to a protection order for domestic abuse
- Is of unsound mind
Handguns are prohibited (with very few exceptions) to any person who is:
- Under the age of 18
- Addicted to drugs
- "A habitual drunkard"
Prohibited Places
| Location | Restrictions | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | Alabama law prohibits knowingly possessing a firearm on the premises of a K-12 public school. | Concealed carry license holders are exempt from this. |
| Vehicles | Alabama prohibits the carrying of a handgun in a vehicle without a concealed carry license. | Handguns are permitted in the possessor’s vehicle or on the possessor’s land (with or without a concealed carry license). Without a concealed carry license, a handgun may be permitted in a vehicle if the handgun is unloaded in a locked container. The prohibition of handguns in vehicles does not apply to ornamental weapons, or when transporting weapons to or from the home to or from a place of purchase or a place of repair. |
| Public Courthouses | Firearms prohibited. | None. |
Alabama prohibits any person from possessing a firearm while participating in a public demonstration held at a public place.
People are also prohibited from possessing firearms at the following places, unless the person has the permission of someone with authority over the location, or the firearms are kept locked in a compartment inside of a vehicle, away from observation:
- A police, sheriff or highway patrol station
- A courthouse or building in which a District Attorney’s office is located
- A facility hosting an athletic event sponsored by a private or public elementary or secondary school, or any private or public postsecondary education institution.
- A facility hosting a professional athletic event
- A building or facility with limited access during normal hours of operation by the posting of guards and the use of other security protocols.
Further, there are currently 40 states that have provisions similar to the Second Amendment of the Constitution. These provisions can be seen as state-level second amendments that protect the citizens of these states when it comes to firearms ownership.
Hardware and Ammunition Restrictions
| Hardware | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Assault Weapons | No restrictions |
| 50 Caliber Rifles | No restrictions |
| Machine Guns | No restrictions |
| Large Capacity Magazines | No restrictions |
| Ammunition | Alabama prohibits brass and steel Teflon-coated ammunition that is designed to penetrate bullet-proof vests. This does not apply to such ammunition that is also designed to expand upon contact. |
Concealed Carry Laws
| Notify Officer | Not required |
| “No Gun” Signs | “No Gun” and “No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Alabama state law. |
| In-Vehicle Carry | You may carry a firearm in a vehicle but it must be unloaded and locked in a compartment that is out of reach of both the passenger(s) and driver. You must have a concealed carry permit to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle. |
| Restaurant Carry | Legal unless otherwise posted. |
| State Park Carry | You may carry in: state parks, state/national forests, state wildlife management areas, state refuges, nature preserves, and roadside rest stops. |
Obtaining a Concealed Carry License
| Requirements for a Concealed Carry License |
|---|
Applicants for concealed carry licenses in Alabama must:
|
Alabama allows a sheriff to deny a concealed carry license if the sheriff has a reasonable suspicion that the applicant will use the firearm to cause harm to his or her self or others. If denied a CCW license, the applicant may appeal the verdict to the district court of attorney.
Concealed Carry Firearms Training
Alabama does not require any sort of firearms training, knowledge, or expertise prior to the issuance of a concealed carry license.
Concealed Carry Location Restrictions
Alabama does not require any sort of firearms training, knowledge, or expertise prior to the issuance of a concealed carry license:
- Prison, jail, halfway houses, or other corrections facilities
- Mental health care facilities
- Athletic events not related to firearms
- Police, sheriff, or highway patrol stations
- Courthouses or courthouse annexes
- Any building or facility that has limited access by the continuous posting of guards or other security features
- Any building in which a district attorney’s office is located
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice or acted upon as if it is legal advice: it is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date content, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information. Gun laws can change frequently, especially at the state and local levels. Application of gun laws can be unique to an individual’s situation. We recommend that each individual consult with a competent and qualified legal professional before purchasing, transporting, or using any firearm or firearm-related product.