Louisiana carry status overview
Louisiana is a permitless carry state. HB 1, signed by Gov. Landry, effective July 4, 2024 allows any person 18 years of age or older who is legally eligible to possess a firearm to carry concealed without a permit. Open carry is broadly permitted. A permit remains available for residents who travel to other states that require reciprocity.
| Permitless carry | Yes — since 2024 |
| Governing law | Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14 § 95.1 |
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Open carry | Yes — broadly permitted |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed without permit |
| Permit available | Yes — Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) |
Permit for reciprocity
The Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is available to Louisiana residents who wish to carry legally in other states. Even though no permit is needed in Louisiana, obtaining one greatly expands where you can legally carry when traveling. Apply at: https://www.dps.louisiana.gov/ ↗
Key prohibited locations
- K–12 school buildings and grounds
- Courthouses and court facilities
- Law enforcement and correctional facilities
- Secure areas of airports
- Any location prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
Always verify the complete prohibited locations list in Louisiana's official statutes at the official statute source.
The French Quarter exception — permitless carry does not apply
This is the single most important Louisiana-specific trap, and most national carry guides miss it entirely. SB 419 (2024), which took effect the same day as permitless carry, makes it unlawful to carry a concealed handgun without a valid permit inside the French Quarter Management District in New Orleans. Permitless carry does not extend into that district.
The practical effect catches people out: a Louisiana resident carrying lawfully under permitless carry everywhere else in the state becomes unlawful the moment they walk into the Quarter. A permit holder carrying the exact same firearm in the exact same way is fine. If you visit New Orleans and intend to carry, the CHP stops being a convenience for out-of-state travel and becomes the thing that keeps you legal in one of the most-visited parts of the state.
The same 2024 bill also prohibits concealed carry at certain sporting events. Both restrictions were added to La. R.S. 40:1379.3(N).
Duty to inform law enforcement
Louisiana requires anyone carrying a concealed handgun to notify a law enforcement officer that they are armed when approached in an official capacity — for example, during a traffic stop. This obligation applies to permitless carriers as well as permit holders, and it is a point where Louisiana is stricter than many other permitless states, several of which have no duty-to-inform requirement at all.
If you have carried in a no-duty-to-inform state and assume the same rules apply after crossing the state line, this is the requirement most likely to create a problem.
Statewide preemption — no local gun ordinances
Louisiana has strong firearm preemption. La. R.S. 40:1796, effective August 1, 2024, bars any city, parish, or other political subdivision from enacting or enforcing rules more restrictive than state law regarding the manufacture, sale, purchase, possession, carrying, storage, ownership, transfer, or transportation of firearms and ammunition. Conflicting local ordinances were required to be repealed or amended within six months.
For a carrier, this means Louisiana's rules are largely uniform statewide — with the French Quarter district above being a state-created exception rather than a local one, which is precisely why it survives preemption.
Frequently asked questions — Louisiana
Does Louisiana require a permit to carry concealed?
No. Since 2024, any person 18+ who is legally eligible to possess a firearm may carry concealed in Louisiana without a permit. The Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) remains available for out-of-state reciprocity.
Is a permit worth getting in Louisiana?
Yes, especially for travelers. A Louisiana permit provides reciprocity in other states. Permits can be obtained through the state's issuing agency. Without a permit, your carry rights are limited to Louisiana and other permitless carry states.
Does Louisiana honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Louisiana recognizes valid carry licenses from other states. Additionally, as a permitless carry state, any eligible person 18+ may carry without any permit in Louisiana.
Can I carry in the French Quarter without a permit?
No. SB 419 (2024) makes it unlawful to carry a concealed handgun without a valid permit inside the French Quarter Management District in New Orleans. Louisiana's permitless carry does not extend into that district. If you hold a Louisiana CHP or a permit Louisiana recognizes, you may carry there; if you are relying on permitless carry alone, you may not.
Do I have to tell a police officer I'm carrying in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana requires you to notify a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a concealed handgun when approached in an official capacity, such as a traffic stop. This applies to permitless carriers, not just permit holders — which is stricter than several other permitless carry states.
Which bill made Louisiana a permitless carry state?
SB 1, enacted as Act 1 of the 2024 Second Extraordinary Session. Gov. Jeff Landry signed it on March 5, 2024, and it took effect July 4, 2024, making Louisiana the 28th permitless carry state. It amended La. R.S. 14:95 (illegal carrying of weapons).
Can New Orleans or Baton Rouge pass their own gun rules?
Generally no. La. R.S. 40:1796, effective August 1, 2024, preempts local firearm regulation — cities and parishes cannot enact or enforce rules more restrictive than state law on possession, carrying, transport, or storage. The French Quarter restriction is an exception because it was created by the state legislature, not by New Orleans.