Firearm Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana allows concealed carry without a permit under La. R.S. 14:95. Anyone 21 or older who can legally own a gun can carry it concealed in public. This started in July 2024. You can get a Concealed Handgun Permit for reciprocity. You need to be 21, take a 9-hour training course, and pass a background check. You can't carry in schools or bars (La. R.S. 40:1379.3). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months) or felony (up to 10 years).

Costs: Permit fee is $125 for 5 years. Training is $100-$200. Total: $225-$325.

Processing Time: Takes 60-90 days.

Renewal: Permit lasts 5 years. Renewal is $62.50.

Reciprocity: Louisiana honors permits from over 30 states. Over 30 states accept Louisiana's permit.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Louisiana allows open carry without a permit under La. R.S. 14:95. Anyone 21 or older who can own a gun can carry it openly in public. You can't carry in schools or bars (La. R.S. 40:1379.3). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months).

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Louisiana has no state bans on assault weapons or large-capacity magazines (La. R.S. 40:1781). Machine guns, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and silencers require federal ATF compliance (La. R.S. 40:1785). Violations of federal NFA rules are felonies (up to 10 years).

Costs: ATF tax stamp is $200 per item.

Processing Time: 6-12 months for ATF approval.

Sources: [1] [2]

Louisiana follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Guns must be unloaded and locked in a case or trunk to travel through. Louisiana allows permitless carry in vehicles (La. R.S. 14:95). You can't carry in schools or bars (La. R.S. 40:1379.3). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months).

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Louisiana has no state permit to buy guns. You must be 21 for handguns or 18 for rifles and shotguns (La. R.S. 14:95.8). Dealers do a federal background check. No waiting period. Private sales don't need a check. Breaking this is a felony (up to 10 years).

Costs: Background check is free. Dealers may charge $10-$20.

Processing Time: Instant, up to 3 days if delayed.

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Louisiana does not require gun registration (La. R.S. 40:1781). You don't have to report lost or stolen guns. Federal rules apply to machine guns (La. R.S. 40:1785). Breaking federal rules is a felony (up to 10 years).

Costs: Federal tax stamp is $200.

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Louisiana has no storage laws. It's illegal to give a gun to a kid under 17 if they might hurt someone (La. R.S. 14:91). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months) or felony (up to 10 years) if harm happens.

Sources: [1] [2]

Louisiana has a strong Castle Doctrine under La. R.S. 14:19. You can use deadly force in your home or car if someone breaks in and you feel threatened. No retreat is needed. This applies in public too (La. R.S. 14:20). Too much force can mean manslaughter (up to 40 years).

Sources: [1] [2] [3]