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Wyoming Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Prepare for Your Concealed Carry Permit and Learn the Gun Laws and Regulations of Wyoming.

Wyoming Reciprocity Map

Last Updated on March 1, 2024

Wyoming Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

567K

STATE POPULATION

31K

LICENSES ISSUED

5.5%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

35

STATES HONORED

21

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

5

YEARS LICENSE VALID

36

RECIPROCATING STATES

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

TBA

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Become A Responsible Wyoming Concealed Carry Permit Holder

All gun owners have a responsibility to know and understand their state’s laws regarding concealed carry and safe gun ownership. It is also imperative that you understand how these laws work across state lines.

Wyoming is a less populous state than others with approximately 567,000 residents. 5.5% of these residents are reported to have their concealed carry permits, but the total gun ownership percentage is higher. This concealed carry figure translates to roughly 31,200 residents as permit-carrying gun owners. The minimum CC permit age requirement is 21 years old and a Wyoming permit is considered valid for 5 years.

Summary of Wyoming Gun Laws

Your Wyoming Gun Rights

Wyoming is what is known as a “shall-issue” state. All Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP) applications in the state are processed by the county sheriff’s office. Approved permits are then issued by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). In Wyoming, local law enforcement has a more involved role in determining whether a permit gets issued to a resident or not.

You do not need a permit to purchase a firearm from a resident and there are no background checks or waiting periods required. There is also no firearms registration database in the state.

If you purchase a firearm from a Federal Firearms Dealer, there is a background check requirement, however, a state-issued CFP waives the holder from this requirement.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of July 1, 2021, any legal resident of the United States who is 21 years or older and who may lawfully possess a firearm can do concealed carry without a permit. Open carry was already legal for anyone over 18 who may lawfully possess a firearm. As long as you can legally carry a handgun in the US – which means you are at least 21 – you can do permitless concealed carry.

There are some restricted areas like schools and many bars and restaurants.

If you decide to get a CFP, there is a firearms-training course requirement (the course must be state-approved). You can also obtain a CFP if you have experience with some type of organized shooting competition or military service. There are no non-resident permits issued by the state.

Wyoming does honor permits from other states as long as the state recognizes Wyoming permits, so there is some type of reciprocity present.

Self Defense Laws in Wyoming

Concealed Carry permits are useful tools for protection. We strongly recommend you learn and understand how self-defense laws work in Wyoming so you do not get into legal trouble for using excessive force.

Wyoming does have “Stand Your Ground” laws and is considered a Castle Doctrine state. These laws permit the use of defensive force when a reasonable person deems it necessary to prevent an injury or loss. If deadly force is deemed necessary to prevent imminent death or severe injuries, these laws will protect you.

Use of defensive or lethal force is considered protected if an intruder against whom the defensive force was used was actively trying to unlawfully and forcefully enter into someone’s property or unlawfully and forcefully remove someone else against their will. If the person believes or had reason to believe that unlawful or force entry or another similar act was being carried out, they can also be protected by these laws.

State laws grant criminal immunity to those who use legal, reasonable defensive force. However, the state must determine whether that defensive or lethal force was used reasonably.

Wyoming Gun Laws by Statute

It’s essential for Wyoming firearm owners to remember that the following laws are subject to change without notice. The attorney general’s website has all the latest information and should be visited regularly by licensees.

Concealed Coalition is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding gun ownership and promoting a culture of understanding and responsibility. Our certified instructors are qualified across multiple states, and our online or local training classes provide convenient learning with instructors who care.

Contact us today at (307) 200-8476 or email to discuss your concealed carry permit educational needs.

Quick Links

CONCEALED CARRY BASICS IN WYOMING

QUESTION

ANSWER

What States Have Wyoming Concealed Carry Reciprocity?

The following states have reciprocity with Wyoming:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Wyoming

The following states have restricted reciprocity with Wyoming:

Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Floridam, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Does Wyoming recognize constitutional carry?

Is Wyoming a constitutional carry state? Yes. Constitutional carry is allowed in the state of Wyoming.

Is open carry permitted in Wyoming?

Yes. Any person who is at least 18 years of age and legally allowed to carry a firearm in another state can open carry without a permit.

If Wyoming requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

As of July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is considered legal for any US resident that is at least 21 years of age and lawfully allowed to possess a firearm.

If a Wyoming resident wishes to obtain a carry permit, they must apply through the county sheriff’s office. The actual permit is then issued by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

What is the minimum age in Wyoming to get a concealed carry license?

The minimum age to get a concealed carry Wyoming permit is 21.

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Wyoming with a concealed carry license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

Wyoming state law does not permit anyone (even if they are 21 years of age and lawfully allowed to possess a firearm) to concealed carry any other type of firearm besides a handgun.

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Wyoming?

Yes. Wyoming residents are able to purchase and own tasers or stun guns without any type of permit.

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Wyoming?

Yes. Wyoming residents are within their legal rights to buy and use chemical or pepper sprays.

Does Wyoming have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

Wyoming does NOT have any type of handgun magazine capacity limits.

Does Wyoming have ammunition restrictions?

Wyoming does NOT have any type of restrictions on ammunition types or amounts.

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN WYOMING

QUESTION

ANSWER

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Wyoming?

Yes. You are legally allowed to carry a concealed handgun in your private vehicle as long as you are at least 21 years of age and lawfully allowed to possess a handgun.

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Wyoming?

Yes. You are legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm without a permit at roadside rest areas as long as you are 21 years of age and lawfully allowed to possess a handgun.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in Wyoming?

Yes. You are legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm in parks, forests, or other wildlife management areas without a permit as long as you meet the required criteria. However, it is prohibited to use a firearm in these state or federally protected areas unless you have clearance from the state Fish and Game Commission.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Wyoming?

You are legally allowed to concealed carry in the restaurant or dining area of an establishment serving alcohol without a permit as long as you meet the required criteria. If there is a posting by the restaurant stating otherwise, you must honor that posting. You are not allowed to concealed carry in bars or in the bar portions of restaurants.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Wyoming?

Wyoming does not have any statutes directly addressing concealed carry on hotel properties. We recommend you contact the individual hotel to inquire about their concealed carry policies, as each hotel may have its own.

Does Wyoming have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

There are no Wyoming gun laws directly addressing this question. Employers may have their own policy when it comes to storing firearms in vehicles on their property.

IMPORTANT WYOMING GUNS LAWS

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Wyoming?

Wyoming law mandates that you do not have a legal duty to inform law enforcement officers that you are carrying a concealed firearm unless the officer specifically asks.

Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Wyoming? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

Yes. These signs are enforced in Wyoming. It is considered a criminal trespass if someone knowingly enters an establishment with a concealed weapon if there are communications or signs posted or if someone from the establishment notifies them. You must honor these signs.

Does Wyoming have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes. There are preemption laws relating to concealed carry in Wyoming.

Does Wyoming have a red flag law?

No. Wyoming does not have a red flag law. A “red flag” law pertains to individuals petitioning the court to issue a protective order that requires someone to immediately relinquish all firearms and communications to law enforcement. It also gives law enforcement the right to seize firearms and ammunition. This law is designed as an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO).

Does Wyoming state law define brandishing?

There is no explicit mention or definition of brandishing in Wyoming state laws. However, there is an applicable reckless endangering charge associated with knowingly pointing a firearm at or in the direction of someone else.

Does Wyoming have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

It is considered unlawful to carry a loaded firearm while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance according to the Game and Fish Code. As a general caution, any responsible gun owner should never carry while under the influence of something that can affect judgment or safe handling.

Does Wyoming issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

No. Wyoming does not issue permits to any non-residents. Non-residents wishing to concealed carry in the state can do so if they are 21 years of age and lawfully allowed to possess a handgun.

Does Wyoming allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

There is no public registry for private citizens to access registry information on people with CFPs. However, law enforcement can view this information.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN WYOMING

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Wyoming?

No, you are not required to secure a permit before purchasing a handgun in Wyoming.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Wyoming?

No, private firearms sales in Wyoming are not subject to background checks, however, federal regulations still apply.

Does my current Wyoming concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm?

Yes.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Wyoming?

There is no waiting period to purchase a handgun in Wyoming.

Do handguns need to be registered in Wyoming?

No, handguns do not need to be registered in the state of Wyoming.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Wyoming?

A resident must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Wyoming.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in Wyoming without a license?

Although residents can both concealed carry and open carry handguns in Wyoming without a permit, state statutes do not specifically address carrying on private property.

Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in Wyoming

Quick Links

WYOMING CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in Wyoming

All Wyoming CFP Applicants must:

Be a citizen of the United States;
Have been a Wyoming resident for at least 6 months OR hold a valid concealed carry permit from another state that honors Wyoming permits;
Be at least 21 years old (can be 18 years old if sheriff’s office personally vouches for applicant);
Be familiar with gun procedures and usage from past experiences through safety or training course completion;
Not be barred from possessing a firearm by the state;
Not have any physical condition or limitation that affects safe gun handling;
Not have been committed to state or federal facility for controlled substance abuse within the previous year;
Not have any type of previous convictions involving state or federal controlled substances (this applies to misdemeanor charges as well. Convictions must not have been in the previous year;
Not have any record of alcohol abuse to the point of severe impairment and not have any record of being involuntarily committed to an alcohol rehabilitation facility within the past year;
Not have any record of legal mental incompetence or been committed to a mental institution;
Not have been found guilty or have pled no content to 1 or more crimes of violence in the last 3 years (can be misdemeanor charges);
Meet all federal law requirements.

Fees:

There is a $64 initial permit fee applied. The sheriff’s office reserves the right to possibly charge separate fees for fingerprinting and processing. Subsequent renewal fees are $45 and the state will not remind you when your permit is coming due for renewal. That responsibility falls on the permit holder.

Valid For:

A Wyoming CFP is considered valid for a period of 5 years.

Processing Time:

It takes 90 days for the full processing of a CFP application.

Applications:

Link to application.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

Wyoming does NOT issue any concealed carry permits to non-residents. However, non-residents that are at least 21 years of age and have a permit in another state that honors Wyoming permits may legally do concealed carry.

Name & Address Changes:

Wyoming residents must complete an Address and Name Change Form with supporting documentation for any changes to their name or address and email the completed form to the email address listed. There will not be any new permits issued for address changes.

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

If you lose or have your permit stolen, residents must complete a Duplicate Permit Application along with a notarized statement to the DCI detailing what happened. There is a $5 fee for a duplicate permit.

The County Sheriff’s office has all necessary forms and collects all funds applicable to CFPs. They can also help you complete, notarize, and make copies of all forms for your records.

WYOMING CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One:

Complete a firearms safety training course with Concealed Coalition.

Step Two:

Download the application, fill out the form and print four copies.

Step Three:

Obtain a money order or cashier’s check for the application fee, made out to DCI or WY attorney general’s office. They do not accept cash, credit cards or personal checks. Ask your local sheriff’s office about its fees, which will be separate from the DCI fees.

Step Four:

Take your completed application to your local sheriff’s office. You will need the following:

Completed application;
Proof of training or evidence of qualification; and
Photo ID.

You will be fingerprinted.

Step Five:

Take the remaining copy of your application to a Wyoming DOT Driver Services office to have your picture taken for the permit. This must be done within 5 days of your application.

Step Six:

You will be contacted by the sheriff’s office within 90 days of when they receive your permit.

WYOMING CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Step One:

You may apply for a renewal no earlier than 6 months before your expiration date. Renewals are considered late after the permit expiration date and an additional $10 late fee is applied. You can only apply for a later renewal up to 6 months after the expiration date. After that a new application and fees are required.

Step Two:

Download the application, fill out the form and print four copies.

Step Three:

Obtain a money order or cashier’s check for the application fee, made out to DCI or WY attorney general’s office. They do not accept cash, credit cards or personal checks. Ask your local sheriff’s office about its fees, which will be separate from the DCI fees.

Step Four:

Take your completed application to your local sheriff’s office. You will need the following:

Completed application
Photo ID

Step Five:

Take the remaining copy of your application to a Wyoming DOT Driver Services office to have your picture taken for the permit. This must be done within 5 days of your application.

Step Six:

You will be contacted by the sheriff’s office when they receive your permit.

Get Certified for a Wyoming Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout Wyoming. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our Wyoming concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

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