ATTENTION GUN OWNERS & FUTURE GUN OWNERS: GET CONCEALED CARRY CERTIFIED BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE
Please note: Vermont does not issue a permit, so the listed states recognize out-of-state permitless carry. For more information on a permit to gain reciprocity, please see our AZ or FL pages!
628K
STATE POPULATION
18
MINIMUM AGE TO CC
YES
CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY
As part of being a responsible gun owner, it is your responsibility to know and understand your state’s laws as they pertain to concealed carry. Our goal is to provide a solid basis for you to learn how concealed carry works in Vermont and other states throughout the nation.
Need answers now? Contact our helpful team with any questions you have regarding Vermont concealed carry laws.
Vermont is a pro-gun state with lots of hunting opportunities. The state is very lenient when it comes to concealed carry and purchasing firearms. The state honors many other concealed carry permits, however, permits are not much of an issue within state lines.
Vermont is what is known as a “does-not-issue” constitutional carry state. State law mandates that all gun sales must be facilitated through licensed firearm dealers unless the sale happens between family members.
Residents under the age of 21 are required to complete a Vermont hunters course or be active or former members of the US Armed Forces, National Guard, or law enforcement. There is no requirement to have a concealed carry permit to purchase firearms and there is no firearms registration.
Concealed carry and open carry are both legal without having a permit in Vermont. Anyone 16 years of age or older who is lawfully allowed to possess a firearm can carry openly or concealed. An interesting aspect of Vermont’s gun laws is that there is no distinction between residents and non-residents. Both are allowed to carry without a permit.
There is no castle doctrine or “stand your ground” laws in the state of Vermont. However, there have been consistent court rulings stating there is no duty to retreat when being attacked in your residence.
A person will not face charges if he or she wounds or kills another while defending their own life or the life of a family member. The same applies to those who wound or kill when trying to thwart a person actively committing a crime like murder, sexual assault, burglary, robbery, or another violent offense.
How you stand legally after using force will depend on how local county authorities view the situation. You can speak with a local attorney for more information. It’s important to equip yourself with local gun law knowledge via our firearms training course. A Conceal Coalition certification will provide you with everything you need to know to be a responsible gun owner in Vermont.
It’s essential for Vermont firearm owners to remember that the following laws are subject to change without notice. The attorney general’s website has all the latest information on gun laws in Vermont 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 (802) 227-7189 or email to discuss your concealed carry permit educational needs.
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QUESTION
ANSWER
Vermont is known as a “does-not-issue” constitutional carry state. If a resident or non-resident is legally allowed to possess a firearm, they are permitted to carry in the state of Vermont.
No permits are issued in the state of Vermont (for residents or non-residents) therefore no permit reciprocity agreements are in place.
Yes. There is constitutional carry allowed in Vermont.
You may be wondering, “Does Vermont have open carry?” The answer is yes. If you are 18 years of age and lawfully allowed to carry a firearm, you are allowed to open carry without a permit.
Vermont does not issue permits to residents or non-residents.
The minimum age to engage in concealed carry in Vermont is 18.
There are no permits issued in Vermont, so this area is not applicable.
Yes. Vermont residents are legally permitted to purchase and possess a taser or stun gun without a permit.
Yes. Vermont residents are within their legal rights to buy and use chemical or pepper sprays.
Vermont law mandates no more than 15 rounds for handgun magazines. In 2018, Vermont passed legislation to restrict the sale, purchase, possession, manufacture, and importation of large-capacity magazines.
This legislation included an exemption provision for high-capacity magazines that were purchased before April 11, 2018. Other exemptions are for law enforcement, government officials, or for use in shooting competitions.
On February 19, 2021, the state Supreme Court voted to uphold the constitutionality of the law banning high-capacity magazines. Until this law is revisited or overturned, high-capacity magazines will continue to be banned.
Vermont does NOT have any type of restrictions on ammunition types.
QUESTION
ANSWER
Yes. You are legally allowed to carry a concealed handgun in your private vehicle with a permit (must be at least 21 years of age and lawfully allowed to possess a handgun).
Handguns may be transported without a permit if they are secured in a container or compartment that can be closed.
Yes. You are allowed to concealed carry at roadside rest areas.
Yes. You are legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm in parks, forests, or other wildlife management areas within the state.
Yes. There are no state laws banning concealed carry in restaurants or bars serving alcohol unless posted.
There are no specific state laws specifically addressing concealed or open carry on hotel properties. However, hotel properties can enact their own corporate policies regarding possessing firearms. We recommend you contact the hotel to confirm their standing.
There are no Vermont state laws addressing storing a handgun in a private vehicle on a commercial lot.
QUESTION
ANSWER
Vermont law mandates that you do not have a legal duty to inform law enforcement officers that you are carrying a concealed firearm.
Yes. It is considered illegal to enter an establishment or any private lands with a posted notice prohibiting firearms. The rule applies to actual communication as well.
Yes. There are preemption laws relating to concealed carry in Vermont. Local municipalities can also regulate or prohibit the public discharge of handguns or other firearms.
Yes. Vermont does have a red flag law. A state attorney or the attorney general’s office can file a petition to the court requesting an extreme risk protection order be issued.
This order prohibits an individual from purchasing, possessing, or receiving firearms. It also requires that individual to turn over any firearms in their possession to law enforcement.
There is no legal definition of brandishing in Vermont state law. However, there are statutes mentioning that any person who intentionally points or aims any gun, pistol, or firearm shall be punished. If the person aims a firearm in self-defense or in the line of duty, no such punishment shall apply.
It is considered unlawful to carry a loaded firearm while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance according to Vermont law. As a general caution, any responsible gun owner should never carry while under the influence of something that can affect judgment or safe handling.
Vermont does not issue concealed carry permits to non-residents.
This is not applicable since the state does not issue permits to any residents or non-residents.
QUESTION
ANSWER
No. There is no permit required to purchase a handgun. You only have to purchase through an authorized retailer unless the sale is within the family.
Yes. While Vermont’s gun laws are lenient, one requirement is that you complete any firearm transfer through a licensed and authorized dealer that conducts background checks. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including:
Generally though, even transfers (including sales, trades, or gifts) between two private parties must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who conducts a background check.
No. There is no waiting or processing period after purchasing a handgun.
Handguns do NOT need to be registered after purchase in Vermont.
As long as the individual is 16 years of age, they can purchase and transport handguns. If any person (other than a family member or legal guardian) or company is found to have sold a handgun to a minor under the age of 16, they may face fines of up to $50 and no less than $10.
Yes. You are allowed to permitless carry on private property unless there is a specific posting stating otherwise.
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Vermont does not issue permits and therefore there is no application process.
Vermont is a Constitutional Carry state which does not require permits for residents and visitors to carry firearms within the state. As long as you are legally allowed to possess a firearm under state and federal law, you can carry.
Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout Vermont. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our Vermont concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.
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.
*Legal protection plans available in select states.
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