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As someone who's carried for years and walked into my fair share of gas stations, hardware stores, and truck stops with a holstered sidearm, I know how important it is to understand open carry laws. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned shooter like me, knowing exactly what states are open carry and which states allow open carry of gun without a permit can save you a lot of legal headaches.
This guide is here to help you navigate the complex landscape of open carry states, with an updated look at states with open carry gun laws in 2025. Whether you want a state-by-state breakdown, a quick-reference open carry states map, or just to get straight answers to questions like how many states allow open carry, you're in the right place.
What Is Open Carry?
Let me start with the basics. Open carry means carrying a firearm visibly on your person—usually in a hip or shoulder holster. You’re not hiding the weapon under your shirt or jacket like in concealed carry.
You’ll run into two primary types:
- Loaded open carry: Carrying a firearm with a round in the chamber.
- Unloaded open carry: Carrying without a round chambered—more common in states with tighter laws.
I've personally open carried in several states, and it feels different than concealed carry. You get looks, questions, and sometimes even praise. But it also means you need to be aware of how local communities react and, more importantly, what the law allows.
Types of Open Carry Laws
When we talk about states with open carry, we usually lump them into four main categories.
- Permissive Open Carry States. These are the states that allow open carry without a permit. You don’t need a license or special training. Just holster up and go.
- Licensed Open Carry States. You’re allowed to open carry, but only if you have a valid permit. Most of the time, that’s a concealed carry permit.
- Anomalous States. These states have laws that vary by county or city. One town might let you open carry; another might throw the book at you.
- Non-Permissive States. Open carry is banned or severely restricted. You don’t want to test your luck in these places.
Full List of Open Carry States
Let’s get into what you’re really here for—the updated list of open carry states. I’ve carried in several of these, and I’ll add personal notes where it matters.
Permissive Open Carry States (No Permit Required)
These are the gold standard if you ask me. Here’s what states allow open carry of gun without a permit:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
These states with open carry let you carry a visible handgun without jumping through hoops. I’ve personally carried in Texas and Utah—both are very friendly to open carriers.
Licensed Open Carry States (Permit Required)
These states with open carry gun laws require you to have a license to carry openly:
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Wisconsin
If you're wondering what states are open carry but require permits, these are it. I’ve had to show my concealed carry license in Georgia before a local sheriff backed off with a smile.
Anomalous or Restricted Open Carry States
These are the tricky ones. These open carry states might let you carry in one county and ban it in another:
- California – Practically impossible unless you’re hunting or in rural counties.
- Colorado – State allows it, but many cities like Denver prohibit it.
- Illinois – Generally prohibited, but legal on private property with permission.
- Nebraska – Legal, but heavily regulated at the local level.
- Hawaii – Technically legal, but permits are rare.
If you're heading to any of these and asking yourself what states have open carry rules I can trust, these aren’t it.
Non-Permissive States (Open Carry Prohibited)
These are the states that do not allow open carry:
- New York Florida (except for specific activities like fishing or camping)
- California (urban areas)
- Illinois (most places)
- Washington, D.C.
Don’t even think about openly carrying in these places unless you want to spend your weekend explaining yourself to a judge.
State Law Updates & Recent Changes
Laws change. What was legal last year might get you into trouble this year. Here’s what’s new in the world of states with open carry gun laws:
- Alabama moved to full constitutional carry in 2023—no permit needed.
- South Carolina relaxed some permit requirements but still requires a license.
- Georgia went full permitless in 2022, and enforcement is consistent.
- Ohio continues to lead with some of the most permissive laws.
Always double-check your state’s firearm page. The best way to answer "how many states allow open carry" today is to keep up with legislative updates.
Tips for Responsible Open Carry
Speaking from personal experience, carrying openly is a responsibility. Here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way:
- Holster quality matters — Invest in something secure. A loose holster screams "amateur."
- Dress the part — You don’t need to be tactical, but look clean and confident.
- Know your surroundings — Some folks are nervous around guns. Be polite and calm.
- Mind private property rules — Just because it’s legal on the street doesn’t mean it’s okay in Walmart.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry: Key Differences You Need to Know
I’ve carried both ways—sometimes openly on a ranch in Texas, sometimes concealed in downtown Atlanta. And let me tell you, there’s a world of difference between open carry states and those focused on concealed carry laws.
- Visibility: Open carry means your firearm is visible to the public. Concealed carry means it’s hidden from plain sight. That visibility changes everything—from how the public reacts to how law enforcement may approach you.
- Legal Requirements: Many states with open carry don’t require a permit, especially in permissive or constitutional carry states. Concealed carry, on the other hand, often requires a license, background check, and training class.
- Public Perception: In my experience, openly carrying a handgun—even in states with open carry gun laws—tends to draw more attention. You’ll get side-eyes at the gas station or curious questions at the grocery store. Concealed carry, by contrast, lets you stay under the radar.
- Retention and Training: When I carry openly, I always use a retention holster. Why? Because your firearm is visible and more vulnerable. Concealed carry doesn’t usually require that level of retention because it’s not easily accessible to others.
- Tactical Advantage: Some folks argue that concealed carry gives you the element of surprise. In a dangerous situation, that might be true. Open carry might deter some threats but could also make you a target. It’s a balance—and one you need to think through carefully depending on the state open carry laws where you live or travel.
Ultimately, knowing what states are open carry doesn’t mean you should always carry openly. There’s a time and place for both styles, and both require practice, responsibility, and a clear understanding of your legal environment.
Holster Recommendations for Open Carry
When it comes to open carry, your holster can make or break your experience. I’ve learned the hard way that not all open carry holsters are created equal. You want comfort, reliable retention, and something that fits your lifestyle and draw preference. Below are some of my go-to recommendations for open carry holsters that blend function with long-lasting craftsmanship.
Leather Open Top Holster - PantherThis premium pancake-style holster is my pick for all-day comfort and quick accessibility. Its open-top design offers a swift draw, while the reinforced mouth keeps the holster open for easy reholstering. It rides high and tight to the body, making it one of the most discreet and stylish leather open carry holsters I’ve ever worn. Great for 1911s, Glocks, and more.
Comfortable Leather Belt Holster - True to its name, this holster is designed for maximum comfort. The contoured leather hugs your waistline naturally, and its steel-reinforced thumb break adds a layer of safety without slowing your draw. I’ve carried a revolver in this setup for long road trips and barely noticed it was there. It’s built for everyday wear and makes for a great default choice among states with open carry gun laws.
Paddle Leather Holster with Tension Screw - If you need a holster you can take off quickly without removing your belt, this one’s a gem. The paddle backing offers excellent stability, while the adjustable tension screw lets you fine-tune your draw resistance. This is one of my favorite open carry holsters for quick runs into town or use around private property.
Belt Side Kydex Holster - Prefer Kydex? This one’s tough, dependable, and built for fast, consistent draws. The low-profile design makes it ideal for open carry when concealment isn’t a concern but retention and speed are. Great for Glock, SIG, and Smith & Wesson pistols. It’s become my go-to setup when working outdoors or training at the range.
Each of these open carry holsters is designed with the American gun owner in mind, whether you're patrolling your property or heading into town.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're asking which states allow open carry, what states are open carry, or simply want to stay on the right side of the law, the key is preparation. I’ve carried openly across a dozen states, and every one had its quirks. Use this guide as your go-to resource when figuring out what states allow open carry, and don’t hesitate to update your knowledge as laws evolve.
