Duty to Inform Map: Firearm Disclosure Laws by State
Do you have to tell a police officer that you are carrying a firearm? The answer depends on the law that applies to you and the circumstances of the encounter. Some rules require disclosure at a specific trigger; others address answering a question or presenting a permit or identification.
Use Concealed Nation’s duty to inform map to explore these requirements across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Select a state and read who the rule covers, when it applies, and any limits or questions that remain.
Know the rules.
Before you go.
Explore carry and self-defense laws, state by state. Check the conditions. Follow the sources.
Find a state
How to read these maps
Permit recognition and permitless carry are separate questions. A colored state is a summary of the recorded rule, not a determination that you can legally carry. Age, residency, permit type, prohibited places and other conditions may apply.
“Recognition reported” means the available source lists a selected permit as recognized. “Check permit conditions” means a permit class, issue date, age rule or other condition needs attention. “Not confirmed” means the available information does not establish an answer; it is not the same as a prohibition.
The constitutional / permitless carry view describes general provisions for adults. It does not determine personal eligibility or cover every limited carry exception.
Self-defense maps summarize recorded classifications. Statutes, case law, the location and the facts all matter. Read the state notes and primary sources.
How to use the duty to inform map
- Select a state on the map or find it in the state search.
- Read the notification category and the event that triggers the requirement.
- Check whether the rule addresses local permit holders, visiting permit holders, permitless carriers, or another group.
- Follow the source links and check any conditions attached to your own permit.
Three different duties to understand
Disclosing that you are carrying
A law may require a person to notify an officer when a specified event occurs, even before the officer asks about a firearm. The timing and people covered matter. Michigan State Police’s April 2026 legal update, for example, describes immediate disclosure by an individual licensed under Michigan’s CPL statute who is carrying a concealed pistol and is stopped by police.
Answering an officer’s question
Other provisions make an officer’s question relevant to the disclosure deadline. Ohio Revised Code §2923.12(B)(1) addresses disclosure by a license holder carrying a concealed handgun during a stop for a law enforcement purpose, with disclosure due before or when an officer asks. Read the state entry for the scope of the rule and related provisions.
Carrying or displaying documents
A requirement to possess a carry permit or identification is a separate question from whether you must announce that you are armed. A state summary that confirms a document requirement does not necessarily settle every verbal-notification duty.
Read the scope, not just the color
The map distinguishes disclosure at a stated trigger, disclosure when asked, document requirements, and rules needing further confirmation. A “no notice duty” result applies only within the scope described in that entry.
Permit conditions may add requirements. Rules for someone carrying under a local license may also differ from those for a visitor or a person carrying without a permit. When the state entry identifies a gap, consult the licensing authority or a qualified attorney for the question that remains.
Duty to inform FAQ
Does “no duty to inform” mean I can ignore an officer’s questions or instructions?
No. A finding about a particular firearm-notification duty does not decide your other legal obligations during an encounter. Read the exact scope of the state entry and the applicable law.
Does permitless carry remove notification requirements?
Do not assume it does. The legal basis for carrying and the duties during an officer encounter are separate issues. Check whether the notification provision covers your situation.
Does a permit from another state change the rule?
It can affect which provisions apply. Check the law where the encounter occurs, the treatment of visiting permit holders, and any conditions attached to your permit.
Why does a state say the notification rule is not confirmed?
That means the available sources have not established the relevant answer or its full scope. It does not mean there is no duty. The state notes identify the question that needs further confirmation.
Where can I check the update date?
The map displays its information-update date, source-review dates, and review coverage. Check the individual state’s notes as well. A recent update does not mean every notification rule or permit condition has been fully verified.
Explore related maps
Browse all concealed carry maps and resources.
Report a correction
If you find an outdated rule or a missing detail, contact Concealed Nation with the state, the issue, and a link to an official source. Including the effective date helps us evaluate the change.
General information, not legal advice. Laws and court orders can change. Confirm the rules with current official sources and consult a qualified attorney about your circumstances.