We get asked a lot, “what’s the minimum age I need to be to apply for a concealed handgun license (in my state)?”
As many concealed carriers know, age restrictions change drastically from state-to-state. There is no current federal minimum requirement so it is left up to state legislature. Most states have agreed 21 or over is an appropriate age. Some have included specific caveats for members of the military, 18-20. Some states have no explicit age requirement.
In this article, we’ll include the minimum age to apply for a concealed handgun license. These are the ages as given by each state’s legislature as of October, 2015.
Alabama – 18
Alaska – 21
Arizona – 21
Arkansas – 21
California – County specific
Colorado – 21
Connecticut – 21
Delaware – Not given
Florida – 21
Georgia – 21
Hawaii – 21
Idaho – 21
Illinois – 21
Indiana – 18
Iowa – 21
Kansas – 21
Kentucky – 21
Louisiana – 21
Maine – 18
Maryland – 18
Massachusetts – 18 FID, 21 LTC
Michigan – 21
Minnesota – 21
Mississippi – 21
Missouri – 21 (18 if military)
Montana – 18
Nebraska – 21
Nevada – 21
New Hampshire – *No specific age requirement given
New Jersey – *No specific age requirement given
New Mexico – 21
New York – 21 (18 if in military)
North Carolina – 21
North Dakota – 18
Ohio – 21
Oklahoma – 21
Oregon – 21
Pennsylvania – 21
Rhode Island – 21
South Carolina – 21
South Dakota – 18
Tennessee – 21
Texas – 21
Utah – 21
Vermont – 16
Virginia – 21
Washington – 21
Washington, D.C. – *No specific age restriction (active litigation)
West Virginia – 21
Wisconsin – 21
Wyoming – 21
Once you are old enough to apply, head on down to your state’s issuing authority. If you’re unsure, here’s a good place to get that information:
- Ask your local Sheriff’s office or police department
- Google your state’s initials and then followed by “concealed carry” and follow the first government link (.gov) you find that applies to your state.
All of these age requirements are only if you have a clean record and are legally able to own firearms — so restrictions may apply. Even in constitutional carry states (states with permitless concealed carry), restrictions on age may apply. Consult your local law enforcement if you’re unsure you meet the minimum criteria.