Is Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) Legal in Alabama? (2026)

Confidence: High

Yes — Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is legal in Alabama as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Age restriction: 19 years or older
Penalty
Misdemeanor (if not meeting requirements)
Last Updated
2026-03-25

Law changed in 2023: The permitless carry law took effect on January 1, 2023. As of early 2026, there are legislative efforts to repeal this law, but no changes have been enacted.

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Quick Answer

Alabama allows permitless concealed carry for residents 19 years or older who are legally allowed to possess a firearm. This is authorized under Alabama Code Title 13A, Chapter 11, Section 13A-11-73.1, effective since 2022.

Key Conditions & Exceptions:
  • Age restriction: 19 years or older

What the Law Says

Alabama Code Title 13A, Chapter 11, Section 13A-11-73.1 permits residents 19 years or older, who are legally allowed to possess a firearm, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to misdemeanor charges.

Alabama Code Title 13A, Chapter 11, Section 13A-11-73.1
Category Details
Permitless Carry Rules Residents 19+ may carry concealed without a permit; non-residents still require a permit.
Permit Availability Firearm sales regulated under federal and state law; no special restrictions related to permitless carry.
Penalties Carrying concealed without meeting requirements may result in misdemeanor charges.
Minimum Age 19 years or older
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

The permitless carry law took effect on January 1, 2023. As of early 2026, there are legislative efforts to repeal this law, but no changes have been enacted.

Enforcement Reality

While legal, law enforcement has expressed concerns over the permitless carry law, suggesting it is a point of contention and may be closely monitored. Local police may have a lower tolerance for any related infractions.

Charge Level
Misdemeanor (if not meeting requirements)
Enforcement Likelihood
High (due to law enforcement concerns and close monitoring)
Common Triggers
Carrying concealed while under 19 years of ageCarrying concealed in restricted locations (schools, courthouses)Carrying concealed while legally prohibited from possessing a firearm
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is for individuals under 19 to believe they can carry without a permit. Another is carrying in restricted locations such as schools and courthouses where it remains illegal.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across Alabama. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Alabama vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is fully legal in 23 states, restricted in 14, and illegal in 13. Alabama falls in the LEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry):

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is carrying a concealed weapon without a permit legal in Alabama?
Yes — Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is legal in Alabama as of 2026. Alabama allows permitless concealed carry for residents 19 years or older who are legally allowed to possess a firearm. This is authorized under Alabama Code Title 13A, Chapter 11, Section 13A-11-73.1, effective since 2022.
Does Alabama allow constitutional carry (permitless carry)?
Firearm sales regulated under federal and state law; no special restrictions related to permitless carry.
What is the minimum age for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Alabama?
19 years or older
Does the law on carrying a concealed weapon without a permit change at the Alabama border?
Yes. Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is legal with restrictions in neighboring Mississippi. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

2.
Statute Summary
Alabama Code Title 13A, Chapter 11, Section 13A-11-73.1 permits residents 19 years or older, who are legally allowed to possess a firearm, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Failure to mee…
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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Explore all related legal topics in Alabama — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.

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Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) in Other States

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