Gun Laws in Georgia
Explore comprehensive information on Georgia's gun laws. Learn about permits, registration, assault weapon laws, magazine capacity, and more. Stay informed and understand your rights as a gun owner in Georgia.
| 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 | O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-129 | Georgia is a "shall issue" for Georgia residents 21 years or older.
Permitless concealed carry took effect on April 12, 2022. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-129 | Georgia is a "shall issue" for Georgia residents 21 years or older.
Permitless open carry took effect on April 12, 2022. |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | O.C.G.A. § 16-3-23.1 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | O.C.G.A. § 16-11-173 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | O.C.G.A. §§ 16-11-120 to 16-11-125 | |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | | |
Gun Laws by State: Georgia
Understanding Gun Laws in Georgia
Gun laws vary from state to state in the United States. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the gun laws in Georgia. We'll cover everything from permits required for purchase, firearm registration, assault weapon laws, magazine capacity restrictions, and more. So, whether you're a resident of Georgia or planning a visit, this guide will help you understand the state's gun laws.
Permits and Registration
In Georgia, there is no state permit required to purchase either long guns or hand guns. This means that any law-abiding citizen can purchase a firearm without needing to first obtain a permit from the state. Furthermore, there is no requirement for firearm registration in Georgia. This applies to both long guns and hand guns.
Assault Weapon Laws and Magazine Capacity
When it comes to assault weapon laws, Georgia does not have any specific restrictions. This means that assault weapons are not banned in the state. Similarly, there are no restrictions on magazine capacity for firearms in Georgia. This means that there are no limits on the number of rounds a firearm's magazine can hold.
Owner License and Carry Permits
Georgia does not require gun owners to have a license. This applies to both long guns and hand guns. However, when it comes to carrying firearms, the laws are a bit different. For concealed carry, a permit is not required for hand guns. Georgia is a "shall issue" state for residents 21 years or older. This means that the state must issue a concealed carry permit to applicants who meet certain requirements. Permitless concealed carry took effect on April 12, 2022.
Similarly, for open carry, a permit is not required. Georgia is also a "shall issue" state for open carry for residents 21 years or older. Permitless open carry also took effect on April 12, 2022.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground Law
Georgia is a state that has the Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law. This law allows a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves against an intruder in their home, car, or place of business. There is no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense in these places.
State Preemption of Local Restrictions
Georgia has a state preemption of local restrictions. This means that only the state can make laws regarding firearms, and local governments cannot enact their own gun laws that are more restrictive than the state's laws.
National Firearms Act (NFA) Weapons
In Georgia, NFA weapons are not restricted. This includes weapons such as machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and destructive devices. However, these weapons must still comply with federal laws and regulations.
Peaceable Journey Laws and Private Sales
Georgia does not have peaceable journey laws. This means that there are no specific laws that protect travelers who are passing through the state with firearms. Lastly, Georgia does not require background checks for private gun sales. This means that private sellers are not required to conduct a background check on the buyer.
In conclusion, Georgia's gun laws are relatively permissive, with no requirement for permits to purchase, no firearm registration, and no restrictions on assault weapons or magazine capacity. However, it's always important to stay informed and up-to-date with the laws, as they can change over time.
