Carrying across state lines, understanding a police encounter, and researching self-defense laws involve different legal questions. Concealed Nation’s interactive concealed carry maps help you explore each topic, with state summaries, conditions, source links, and review dates.
Choose a map below to explore all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Start with the question you need answered, then open a state’s details to see what the available information establishes and what still needs confirmation.
Choose your map
Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map
How does another state treat the permits I hold?
Select your state of residence, resident permit, and any nonresident permits to explore permit recognition. Review age and permit conditions, then switch to the separate constitutional / permitless carry view if you want to explore carrying without a permit.
A recognition result is a starting point. Personal eligibility and restrictions on where you may carry still require review.
Explore the concealed carry reciprocity map
Duty to Inform Map
When must I tell an officer that I am carrying?
Explore firearm-notification rules, disclosure when asked, and permit or identification requirements. Read the event that triggers a duty and the people it covers, including any distinctions involving local permit holders, visitors, or permitless carriers.
Document requirements and verbal-notification duties are separate questions. The state notes explain the scope of each summary.
Explore the duty to inform map
Stand Your Ground Map
How does a state address retreat before deadly force?
Compare statutory no-retreat rules, rules established through court decisions, general safe-retreat requirements, and qualified rules. Select a state to review the conditions and supporting legal sources.
A no-retreat rule leaves the other requirements for lawful self-defense in place.
Explore the stand your ground map
Castle Doctrine Map
What protections apply to self-defense in the home?
Explore home-defense protections, entry presumptions, and the exceptions that can affect them. Review whether a state’s rule addresses the home or other specified locations, and check the conditions before applying a summary to a particular situation.
Retreat rules, entry presumptions, and immunity from prosecution or civil action are distinct legal questions.
Explore the castle doctrine map
Get more from each map
- Choose the topic. Use reciprocity for permit recognition, duty to inform for officer-contact requirements, and the self-defense maps for retreat and home-defense rules.
- Select a state. Click or tap the map, or search by state name or abbreviation.
- Read the details. The category summarizes the entry. Conditions, exceptions, and unresolved questions explain its limits.
- Check the sources and dates. Follow the linked legal sources and confirm the current rules before carrying or making a decision based on a summary.
Check how current the information is
Each map displays a prominent information-update date, along with source-review dates and review coverage. These help you see when the recorded information was updated and how much of it has dated source reviews.
An information update does not mean every rule has been fully verified. Read the selected state’s notes for remaining questions, and check current official guidance for changes that may affect your situation.
Concealed carry maps FAQ
Which map should I use before traveling?
Start with the reciprocity map to explore permit recognition and the separate permitless carry view. Then review duty to inform requirements for the states you will visit or pass through. Check other applicable rules, including prohibited places and firearm transportation requirements, with official sources. These maps do not cover every travel restriction.
Does a permitless carry rule mean a state recognizes my permit?
No. Carrying under a permitless provision and carrying under a recognized permit are separate legal routes. The reciprocity tool provides separate views so you can review each question and its conditions.
Why can the same state have different colors on different maps?
Each map answers a different question and uses its own legend. A permit-recognition classification does not establish an officer-notification rule or a self-defense protection. Read the legend and state details for the map you are using.
What does “not confirmed” mean?
It means the available information does not establish the relevant answer. It is neither permission nor a finding that the conduct is prohibited. A qualified result may also identify a supported rule with conditions or details that require further confirmation.
What is the difference between stand your ground and castle doctrine?
Stand your ground generally concerns the duty to retreat, including outside the home. Castle doctrine concerns protections associated with home defense and any other locations specified by law. The concepts can overlap, but a state may treat home and public encounters differently.
Are all state rules fully verified?
No. Some entries contain questions that still need confirmation, and laws, agency guidance, or court orders can change. Review dates and state notes make those limits visible. These maps provide general information, not legal advice or a determination of personal eligibility.
More concealed carry resources
- Beginner guides: Explore articles on carry equipment, preparation, and responsible firearm ownership.
- Concealed Nation news: Follow reporting on firearm issues, legal developments, and self-defense incidents.
Help us improve these resources
Found an outdated rule or a missing detail? Contact Concealed Nation with the map, state, issue, and a link to an official source. Include the effective date when available so we can evaluate the change.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm applicable laws with current official sources and consult a qualified attorney about your circumstances. These maps do not guarantee completeness, accuracy, or eligibility to carry or use force.