Louisiana Constitutional Carry Laws

6 min readJun 20, 2024

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Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.

Louisiana Gun Control Laws

Louisiana’s gun control laws are among the least restrictive in the U.S. There is no requirement for a license or permit to own a firearm, and no state restrictions on assault weapons or large-capacity magazines.

Universal background checks are not required for gun purchases. Federal law mandates background checks for purchases through federally licensed dealers, but private sales are exempt.

Gun control efforts consider the interests of gun owners, as Louisiana is popular for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. The state constitution affirms:

“The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled that the right to bear arms is not absolute, upholding restrictions on felons and juveniles possessing firearms, as well as the state’s concealed carry law, citing a compelling state interest.

There is no waiting period for gun purchases in Louisiana. However, specific requirements exist for obtaining a concealed carry permit. Applicants must be state residents, at least 21 years old, and not prohibited from firearm possession under state or federal law. Louisiana is a “shall issue” state, meaning permits will be issued if criteria are met. The Louisiana State Police provide application details.

Restrictions on Carrying Firearms

Firearms, whether concealed or open, are restricted in the following locations:

Law enforcement offices, stations, or buildings
Prisons, jails, or detention facilities
Courthouses or courtrooms
Public buildings used for governmental meetings
The state capitol building
Prohibited areas within airport facilities
Places of worship, unless authorized
Schools, campuses, or buses
Polling places
Parades or demonstrations with government permits
Establishments licensed to sell alcohol
Private residences, unless authorized by the resident

Efforts to pass a broad permitless carry law were unsuccessful in 2022. However, permitless carry was approved for active-duty military and veterans who are Louisiana residents (See L.R.S. 14:95 M).

Preemption Statute

Louisiana law includes a preemption statute that generally prevents cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans from enacting stricter gun laws than those at the state level.

Relevant Statutes (Laws)

Louisiana Revised Statutes:

Title 14, Section 95: Illegal carrying of weapons
Title 14, Section 95.1: Possession of a firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies
Title 14, Section 95.2: Carrying a firearm or dangerous weapon by a student or nonstudent on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or in a firearm-free zone
Title 14, Section 95.7: Possession of or dealing in firearms with obliterated numbers or marks
Title 14, Section 95.8: Illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile
Title 14, Section 95.10: Possession of a firearm or carrying of a concealed weapon by a person convicted of domestic abuse battery and certain offenses of battery of a dating partner
Title 40, Section 1379.3: Statewide permits for concealed handguns; application procedures; definitions
Title 40, Section 1752: Handling of machine guns unlawful; exceptions
Title 40, Section 1792: Possession of unidentifiable firearm; particular penalties; identification of source of firearm

Illegal Arms

The following firearms are illegal to possess:

Illegally obtained firearms
Firearms with obliterated, altered, removed, or concealed serial numbers or identifying marks
Machine guns

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period to purchase a firearm in Louisiana.

Who May Not Own

People are prohibited from owning a firearm if they have been convicted of, or found not guilty by reason of insanity for, a crime of violence, including:

Felonies
Burglary
Felony illegal use of weapons
Manufacture or possession of incendiary devices or bombs
Possession of a firearm during the sale or distribution of controlled substances
Sex offenses

Others prohibited include:

Juveniles under 18 (handgun prohibition)
Those convicted of domestic abuse battery within the last 10 years
Those convicted of multiple offenses involving a dating partner within the past 10 years

License Required?

No. You do not need a license to purchase a gun in Louisiana.

Concealed Carry License Required?

Yes. A concealed handgun permit is required, with exceptions for law enforcement and Armed Forces members.

Open Carry Allowed?

Yes. Open carry is permitted, but there may be location restrictions.

Eligibility for a Concealed Carry Permit

Applicants must:

Be a Louisiana resident
Be at least 21 years old
Complete an approved handgun safety training course
Not have conditions preventing safe firearm handling
Not be a felon prohibited from firearm possession
Not have a history of substance abuse or DUIs
Not have violent crime convictions
Not be a fugitive or unlawful drug user
Not have mental health adjudications without restored rights
Not be an illegal alien
Not have a dishonorable military discharge
Not have a history of violent behavior
Not be federally prohibited

Machine Gun Laws

Manufacturing, transferring, or possessing a machine gun is unlawful, except:

Under U.S. or state authority
Lawfully under federal law

Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession

First Offense: Up to six months in jail; a fine up to $500; or both
Second Offense: Up to five years in prison
Third Offense or Greater: Up to 10 years in prison, without parole, probation, or suspension
During a Crime of Violence: One to two years in prison; a fine up to $2,000; or both
During a Drug Offense: Five to 10 years in prison
During a Second or Greater Drug Offense: 20–30 years in prison
Illegal Possession with Prior Felonies: Five to 20 years in prison; a fine of $1,000 to $5,000
Illegal Possession of a Handgun by a Juvenile:
First Offense: 90 days to six months; a fine up to $100; or both
Second Offense: Up to two years; a fine up to $500; or both
Third Offense or Greater: Up to five years; a fine up to $1,000; or both
Illegal Possession after Domestic Abuse Conviction: One to 20 years in prison, without parole, probation, or suspension; a fine of $1,000 to $5,000

Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds

Up to five years in prison. If involving violence, penalties are one to five years in prison; a fine up to $2,000; or both.

Red Flag Law?

No.

Universal Background Checks?

No.

Stand Your Ground Law?

Yes. Enacted in 2014, allowing use of force in self-defense without the duty to retreat.