Understanding Georgia’s Firearm Possession Laws

July 13, 2025 • Posted In White Collar Crime

Georgia’s gun laws are generally considered less restrictive than those of many other states. Learn about these laws, and you can determine if you are eligible to own a firearm in Georgia. If you are charged with violating any of Georgia’s firearm possession laws, discuss your case with an Atlanta firearm offenses attorney.

Georgia Has a Constitutional Carry Law

The Georgia Constitutional Carry Act was signed into law in April 2022. This law gives Georgia residents the right to carry a handgun openly or concealed in public without having to get a state-issued Weapons Carry License (WCL).

Regardless, you can still apply for a Weapons Carry License in Georgia. To get this license, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 21; you can be at least 18 and obtain a WCL if you are in the military, have finished basic training, and can provide proof that you are 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 be involved in pending criminal proceedings
• Have no drug convictions
• Have no disqualifying convictions
• Not have been in a drug or alcohol treatment center or mental hospital within the last five years
• Not have been committed to a mental hospital against your will

Having a WCL can be beneficial if you want to carry a firearm outside of Georgia. For example, some states have reciprocity agreements with Georgia. If you plan to travel to a state with one of these agreements in place and you want to bring your gun, you must have a WCL.

You Cannot Carry a Firearm in Certain Places

Based on Georgia’s gun laws, even if you have a Weapons Carry License, you are prohibited from bringing a firearm to various places, including:

• Schools
• Courthouses
• Jails
• Government buildings
• Places of worship
• State mental health facilities
• Nuclear power facilities
• Airports

If you violate the location restrictions in Georgia, you are subject to a misdemeanor or felony conviction. Those convicted of a misdemeanor can receive a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Comparatively, those convicted of a felony may be subject to a prison sentence of two years or longer, tens of thousands of dollars in fines, and other penalties.

You May Have to Undergo a Background Check to Buy a Gun

There are background check procedure laws in Georgia to consider if you are getting ready to purchase a firearm. These laws will affect you based on whether you decide to buy a firearm from a licensed dealer or private party.

You must undergo a background check if you purchase a gun from a licensed dealer. In this situation, the dealer conducts the check, and if there are no issues, you can complete your transaction. Yet, if the dealer identifies any red flags, you may not be able to buy a gun.

On the other hand, a background check is not required if you buy a gun privately. However, a private seller is required to comply with federal laws. Thus, this seller may order a background check as part of a gun purchase. As long as you pass the check, you will be able to purchase a firearm and carry it without a permit.