Georgia’s knife laws are among the most permissive in the United States, but there are important distinctions and restrictions every resident and visitor should know. Here’s a comprehensive guide to your knife rights in Georgia as of 2025.
What Knives Can You Own and Carry?
- Legal to Own: Georgia law allows you to own virtually any type of knife, including pocket knives, Bowie knives, butterfly (balisong) knives, switchblades, throwing knives, stilettos, daggers, and disguised knives such as belt or cane knives.
- Automatic and Ballistic Knives: These are legal to own, but carrying them in public is subject to the same blade length restrictions as other knives.
Blade Length: The 12-Inch Rule
- Freely Carried: Any knife with a blade 12 inches or less can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
- Restricted Carry: Knives with blades over 12 inches are classified as weapons. To carry these in public (openly or concealed), you must have a valid Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL).
- At Home or Property: You may possess and carry any knife, regardless of blade length, within your home, vehicle, or place of business without a license.
How to Get a Weapons Carry License (WCL) for Large Knives
- Eligibility: Must be at least 21 years old (18 for military), a U.S. citizen or legal resident, with no felony convictions or pending criminal charges.
- Application: Apply through your county probate court, submit fingerprints, undergo a background check, and pay the required fee.
- Coverage: The WCL allows you to carry both firearms and knives with blades over 12 inches.
Where Are Knives Prohibited?
Regardless of blade length or license status, you cannot carry knives in the following locations:
- Government buildings (state, federal, municipal)
- Courthouses and judicial areas
- Jails, prisons, and mental institutions
- Schools and college campuses (knives with blades over 2 inches are prohibited on school grounds)
- Airports beyond security checkpoints
- Places of worship (unless specifically permitted)
- Private property with posted restrictions
Violating these location-based restrictions can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties ranging from fines and jail time to imprisonment of up to five years for serious offenses.
Preemption and Local Laws
Georgia state law preempts local knife ordinances, meaning cities and counties generally cannot enact knife laws stricter than state law. However, some municipalities (like Atlanta and Savannah) may have additional restrictions in specific public buildings or parks, so always check local rules before carrying.
Knife Carry by Minors
- Under 18: Minors may carry knives with blades under 12 inches. Carrying knives over 12 inches requires adult supervision or a WCL.
- Selling to Minors: Providing a knife to a minor can be a misdemeanor for the seller.
Self-Defense and Knife Use
Georgia’s “Stand Your Ground” law applies to knives as well. You have no duty to retreat if you are lawfully present and face an imminent threat. However, using a knife in self-defense must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat. Excessive or inappropriate use can result in criminal charges.
Penalties for Violations
- Carrying a knife over 12 inches without a WCL: Misdemeanor, punishable by fines or jail time.
- Carrying a knife in a restricted area: Felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- Using a knife in a crime: Can escalate to felony charges and extended imprisonment.
Summary Table: Georgia Knife Laws (2025)
| Knife Type / Situation | Legal to Own | Legal to Carry (≤12″) | Legal to Carry (>12″) | License Needed (>12″) | Prohibited Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket knives, Bowie, butterfly, etc. | Yes | Yes | No (unless WCL) | Yes | See list above |
| Automatic & ballistic knives | Yes | Yes (≤12″) | No (unless WCL) | Yes | See list above |
| Knives on school grounds (>2″ blade) | No | No | No | N/A | Schools, colleges |
| Knives in government buildings, etc. | No | No | No | N/A | Gov. buildings, courts, jails, etc. |
Key Takeaways
- You can own and carry most knives in Georgia, but blade length and location matter.
- Carrying knives with blades over 12 inches in public requires a Weapons Carry License.
- Never carry knives into restricted locations, regardless of blade length or license.
- Violations can result in serious criminal penalties.
Always check the latest state and local regulations before carrying a knife in Georgia to ensure full compliance with the law.
Sources:
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/georgia-knife-laws/
- https://www.abtlaw.com/criminal-defense/weapon-crimes/knife-charges/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/georgia/
- https://edc.ninja/georgia-knife-laws/
- https://www.tosahwi.com/blogs/georgia-knife-laws-a-comprehensive-guide-2025-updated