Gun Laws in Alabama
Explore comprehensive information about Alabama's gun laws, including permit requirements, firearm registration, assault weapon laws, and more. Stay informed about your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner in Alabama.
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Hand Guns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | | |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | | |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | | |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | 13A-11-75 | Alabama is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 19 years or older.
Permitless concealed carry took effect on January 1, 2023. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | 13A-11-7 | May carry openly without permit, except handgun must be secured in a holster. |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | 13A-3-23 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | 13A-11-61.3 | "...the Legislature hereby occupies and preempts the entire field of regulation in this state touching in any way upon firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories..." |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | 13A-11-54 | It is illegal to carry an Any Other Weapon (AOW) disguised as a walking cane. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | | |
Gun Laws by State: Alabama
Understanding Gun Laws in Alabama
In the United States, gun laws vary from state to state. This article focuses on the gun laws in the state of Alabama. It's important to understand these laws if you're a resident, planning to move to Alabama, or simply passing through.
Permits and Registration
In Alabama, there is no requirement for a state permit to purchase either long guns or hand guns. This means that you can buy a firearm without having to first obtain a permit from the state. Similarly, there is no requirement for firearm registration in Alabama. This means that once you've purchased a firearm, you're not required to register it with the state.
Assault Weapons and Magazine Capacity
Alabama does not have an assault weapon law. This means that there are no specific restrictions on the ownership of firearms that might be classified as assault weapons in other states. In addition, there is no magazine capacity restriction in Alabama. This means that there are no limits on the size of the magazine you can have for your firearm.
Carrying Firearms
When it comes to carrying firearms, Alabama is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 19 years or older. This means that the state must issue a permit to carry a concealed firearm to any person who meets the legal requirements. However, as of January 1, 2023, Alabama allows permitless concealed carry. This means that you do not need a permit to carry a concealed firearm in Alabama.
As for open carry, you do not need a permit in Alabama. However, if you're carrying a handgun openly, it must be secured in a holster.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground Law
Alabama has a Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law. This law allows you to use deadly force to protect yourself, others, and your property from imminent danger without the duty to retreat first. This law applies to both long guns and hand guns.
State Preemption of Local Restrictions
Alabama has a state preemption of local restrictions. This means that the state law overrides any local laws or restrictions on firearms. The Alabama Legislature has declared that it "occupies and preempts the entire field of regulation in this state touching in any way upon firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories."
National Firearms Act (NFA) Weapons
In Alabama, NFA weapons are not restricted. However, it is illegal to carry an Any Other Weapon (AOW) disguised as a walking cane.
Peaceable Journey Laws and Private Sales
Alabama does not have peaceable journey laws. This means that there are no specific protections for travelers with firearms. Furthermore, Alabama does not require background checks for private gun sales. This means that if you're buying a firearm from a private individual, you're not required to undergo a background check.
Understanding gun laws can be complex, but it's important for responsible gun ownership. Always make sure to stay informed and follow the laws to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
