Firearm Laws in Wyoming

Wyoming allows permitless concealed carry for U.S. residents 21+ who can legally possess a firearm under Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(b) (effective July 1, 2021). A Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) is optional for reciprocity or non-residents (Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(a)). CFP requires a background check and proof of firearms familiarity. Prohibited places include schools, courthouses, and jails (Wyo. Stat. § 6-5-209). Violations are misdemeanors (up to 6 months).

Costs: CFP fee is $50 for 5 years; training costs $50-$100.

Processing Time: Up to 60 days.

Renewal: $15 every 5 years.

Reciprocity: WY honors permits from all states; over 30 states honor WY’s CFP.

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Wyoming permits open carry without a permit for those 18+ who can legally possess a firearm (Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(t)). Restrictions apply in schools, courthouses, and jails (Wyo. Stat. § 6-5-209). Violations are misdemeanors (up to 6 months).

Sources: [1] [2]

Wyoming has no state bans on assault weapons or large-capacity magazines. Machine guns, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and silencers require federal ATF compliance under the National Firearms Act (Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-402). 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]

Wyoming complies with FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a case or trunk for transport. No state-specific restrictions beyond federal law apply.

Sources: [1]

Wyoming follows federal law for dealer sales requiring a background check (18 U.S.C. § 922(t)). Age minimum is 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns. No state waiting period or permit required. Private sales are unregulated (Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-404). Violations of selling to prohibited persons are felonies (up to 10 years under federal law).

Costs: Background check is free; dealers may charge $10-$25.

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

Sources: [1] [2]

Wyoming imposes no state requirement for firearm registration. There’s no mandate to report lost or stolen guns. NFA items must be federally registered (Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-402). Violations of federal NFA rules are felonies (up to 10 years).

Costs: Federal tax stamp is $200.

Sources: [1] [2]

Wyoming has no general storage laws. It’s illegal to provide firearms to prohibited persons, including some minors (Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-404). Violations are felonies (up to 10 years under federal law if applicable).

Sources: [1]

Wyoming has a strong Castle Doctrine under Wyo. Stat. § 6-2-602. Deadly force is justified in your home or occupied structure if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent imminent harm. No duty to retreat applies. Excessive force risks manslaughter (up to 20 years).

Sources: [1]