Georgia’s open carry laws are among the most permissive in the United States, but there are still important rules and restrictions to understand. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can and can’t do under Georgia’s open carry laws in 2025:
What Is Allowed
Permitless Open Carry: Since April 12, 2022, anyone who is a “lawful weapons carrier”—meaning a person not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm and at least 21 years old (or 18 if active military or honorably discharged veteran)—can openly carry handguns and long guns in most public places without a permit.
Carry in Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Areas: Open carry is generally allowed in state and national parks, forests, and wildlife management areas, as long as you are a lawful weapons carrier.
Carry in Vehicles: You may openly carry a firearm in your own vehicle (owned or rented) without a license. If you are in someone else’s vehicle, you need the owner’s permission.
Carry at Restaurants and Bars: Open carry is permitted in restaurants that serve alcohol, but not in bars unless you have the owner’s permission. However, it is illegal to carry while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Private Property: Open carry is allowed on private property unless the property owner posts signage prohibiting it. However, Georgia law does not enforce “no weapons” signs—violating them is not a criminal offense, but you may be asked to leave and could face trespassing charges if you refuse.
State Preemption: Local governments cannot enact their own open carry laws that are stricter than state law, except in limited circumstances.
What Is Not Allowed
K-12 Schools: Open carry is prohibited in K-12 schools, except for authorized personnel.
Government Buildings, Courthouses, Jails, and Airports: Open carry is not allowed in these locations, even for lawful weapons carriers.
State Capitols and Political Demonstrations: Open carry is prohibited on state capitol grounds and at political protests.
Bars: Open carry is generally not allowed in bars, unless you have the owner’s permission.
Under the Influence: It is illegal to openly carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Federal Property: Federal law prohibits open carry on federal property, such as post offices and Corps of Engineers land.
Additional Notes
No Magazine Capacity Limits: Georgia does not restrict magazine capacity for handguns or long guns.
No Duty to Inform: You are not required to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm unless asked.
No Red Flag Law: Georgia does not have a red flag law allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk.
No Handgun Registration: Handguns do not need to be registered in Georgia.
Quick Reference Table
| Location/Situation | Open Carry Allowed? | Notes/Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Most Public Places | Yes | Lawful weapons carriers only |
| Parks, Forests, WMAs | Yes | Lawful weapons carriers only |
| Own Vehicle | Yes | Permission needed in others’ vehicles |
| Restaurants | Yes | Not in bars, unless owner allows |
| K-12 Schools | No | Except authorized personnel |
| Government Buildings | No | Includes courthouses, jails, airports |
| State Capitol Grounds | No | Also at political protests |
| Bars | No | Unless owner allows |
| Under Influence | No | Illegal |
| Federal Property | No | Post offices, Corps of Engineers land |
Georgia’s open carry laws are broad, but there are clear exceptions and restrictions. Always ensure you are a lawful weapons carrier and respect location-specific prohibitions to avoid legal trouble.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Georgia_(U.S._state)
- https://giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/open-carry-in-georgia/
- https://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/Permitless_Carry_States.pdf
- https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/ga-gun-laws/