Apply for a Firearms License

Eligible Georgians may apply for a Weapons Carry License to carry out of state.

A Weapons Carry License (WCL), also called a firearms license, allows you to legally carry a concealed firearm in states that practice firearm permit reciprocity with Georgia. You do not need a WCL to purchase or carry a firearm in Georgia.

You can find detailed information about Georgia’s gun laws on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives website.

How Do I … Apply for a Weapons Carry License (WCL)?

  • Make Sure You’re Eligible

    To apply for a WCL, you must:

    • Meet at least one of these age-related requirements:
      • Be 21 or older
      • Be 18 or older if you are in the military, have completed basic training, and can provide proof that you are either on active duty or have been honorably discharged
    • Be a Georgia resident
    • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
    • Have no felony convictions or pending criminal proceedings
    • Have no drug convictions (Examples: using or possessing drugs, making drugs, distributing a controlled substance)*
    • Have no other disqualifying convictions (Examples: carrying a concealed weapon without a license, domestic violence)*
    • Have not been in a mental hospital or drug or alcohol treatment center within the last 5 years*
    • Have not been committed to a mental hospital against your will

    *In some situations, you can ask for approval from the county probate judge. Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Georgia.

  • Gather What You’ll Need

    • The location of your county probate court; if you’re unable to find the location of your local court, call 1-800-GEORGIA (1-800-436-7442) for assistance
    • Proof of identity     
    • Proof of Georgia residency
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship or your INS number
    • Form of payment (the average fee is $75,  but it varies by county; call your county probate court for details about the cost and acceptable forms of payment)
    • Self-addressed stamped envelope (if you would like to have your license mailed to you versus pick it up in person)

  • Apply for Your WCL

    • Bring your required materials to probate court
    • Request a WCL application from the clerk
    • Fill out and submit the application
    • Pay the license fee
    • Provide your fingerprints (depending on the probate court’s process, they will either take your fingerprints there or give you a Law Enforcement Affidavit to have your fingerprints taken at a Police Department; you will need to do this within 5 days of submitting your application)

  • Next Steps

    • Within 5 days, a county probate judge will request a criminal history records check and a background check
    • After about 30 days, law enforcement will finish its background check and determine whether you can receive a WCL
    • WCLs are valid for 5 years
    • At least 2 months before your WCL expires, you should return to probate court to apply for a renewal
This information was prepared as a public service of the State of Georgia to provide general information, not to advise on any specific legal problem. It is not, and cannot be construed to be, legal advice. If you have questions regarding any matter contained on this page, please contact the related agency.

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