Permits

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News How To Apply Fees Training Instructors Instructor Requirements Forms

Prohibited Locations Duties of Permittees Reciprocity Laws and Administrative Rules Links Frequently Asked Questions Contact LSP Handgun Permit Unit

 News  

The passage of Act 84 of the 2013 Regular Legislative Session allows for the issuance of a lifetime concealed handgun permit. Louisiana began issuing lifetime permits on August 1, 2013. The application has been updated to reflect this new option.

The passage of Act 398 of the 2013 Regular Legislative Session ceases requirements for the registration of firearms as defined in LRS 40:1781.  Effective August 1, 2013, the Concealed Handgun Permit Unit no longer accepts applications to register or transfer firearms. However, this does not affect any requirement of federal law to register those weapons with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

The passage of Act 874 of the 2012 Regular Legislative Session and the recently passed amendment to the constitution regarding the “strict scrutiny” standard does not nullify present laws regarding firearms or handguns. Statutes are presumed constitutional. A statute remains in effect unless and until, after being challenged in a court of proper jurisdiction, the law is declared unconstitutional.

The 2010 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature has made changes to LRS 40:1379.3. Most significantly, as of August 15, 2011, Louisiana will no longer allow residents to present a permit issued by another state for carrying in this state. The Laws and Rules Handbook is currently being re-written to reflect these changes.

• If you are interested in becoming an instructor, you must submit a completed instructor application, a detailed course syllabus, and certified true copies of your instructor certifications. Only Louisiana P.O.S.T. Firearm Instructor or National Rifle Association Basic Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home or Personal Protection Outside the home will be accepted. Please do not send cover letters, resumes, or any other material that is not required. This information must be submitted together or your application will not be processed.
• Due to the large volume of applications that the section has received this year, processing time has been increased to 120 business days.
• Please be sure to review your application for accuracy before submission. A discrepancy will delay its timely processing.
• You must list all arrests, regardless of the outcome, on the application and provide certified true copies of the dispositions from the court.

 Concealed Handgun Permit New Legislation (Effective August 15, 2008)

1. R.S. 40:1379.3(A)(2) – “Any information in any application for a concealed handgun permit or any information provided in connection with the application… shall be held confidential and shall not be subject to any public records request nor shall the information be considered as a public record pursuant to R.S. 44:1 et seq.”

Laws and Rule Booklet

The electronic version of the Laws and Rule Booklet has been updated to include the changes in the 2008 Regular Legislative Session. Printing of updated booklets will not be conducted until the Louisiana Administrative Code is amended in accordance with the changes in statute.

NEW Law and Rule Booklet

Reciprocity (Effective August 15, 2004)

Effective August 15, 2004, the concealed handgun laws were amended concerning reciprocity with other states. The statute provides as follows:

“…A current and valid concealed handgun permit issued by another state shall be deemed to be valid within this state if a current and valid concealed handgun permit issued by Louisiana is valid in those states.” Louisiana law requires residents of the State of Louisiana to possess a Louisiana permit to carry a concealed weapon in this state. Louisiana law does not prohibit residents from obtaining permits from other states to carry in those states.

Please see the Reciprocity section for updates.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please contact the Concealed Handgun Permit Unit at (225) 925-4867.

The Louisiana Concealed Handgun permit grants statewide authority to a citizen to carry a concealed handgun on his or her person. A handgun is defined as “a type of firearm commonly referred to as a pistol or revolver originally designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and which is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition.” It does not include “shotguns or rifles that have been altered by having their stocks or barrels cut or shortened.”

How to apply for your Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit.

Application Process:

1. The average processing time is 120 business days for new and renewal concealed handgun permit applications.
2. In an effort to allow the most efficient processing of your application, we suggest that you review the following tips for both new and renewal applications:
   1. Review your application for completeness. An incomplete application may result in the delay or denial of your application.
   2. Make sure all questions are answered correctly, specifically the questions with regard to arrests, medical conditions, and 18 USC 922 g. (See selected statutes in the Law and Rule Booklet )
      1. Read the arrest question carefully, as you must list all arrests, summons, and citations (except speeding citations) even if listed on a previous application. You must provide a certified true copy of all arrest dispositions with your application.
      2. If you listed a medical condition you must have the treating physician complete the medical summary form before submitting your application.
      3. If you are currently subject to a protective or restraining order you must provide a certified true copy with your application.
3. For renewals, complete your application and send it in as soon as possible to avoid any lapse in permit privileges.

Original/First-Time Applicants:

In order to apply for a concealed handgun permit, a citizen should follow the steps below:

Apply for a Concealed Handgun Permit by one of the following ways:

1. 1. Complete and submit the new online Concealed Handgun Permit Application at HERE.
   2. Download a Concealed Handgun Permit Application and complete the instructions found on pages one and two of the application.
   3. Obtain an application at the State Police Headquarters (7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806) between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
2. Provide all necessary documentation pertaining to training, arrest dispositions, medical summary dispositions, and divorcee decrees (if applicable).
3. Contact your local police office, local sheriff’s department, or State Police Headquarters for fingerprinting. Fingerprinting at State Police Headquarters requires a $10.00 money order. Bring your photograph with you so the person fingerprinting you can sign and date the back of it. Prints must be submitted on an FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card. The card should be completed as outlined in the application instructions. Example
4. Paper applications, fingerprint cards, and/or other documentation must be submitted to:
   Louisiana State Police
   Concealed Handgun Permit Unit
   PO Box 66375
   Baton Rouge, LA 70896

Renewals:

1. Permit holders will be notified in writing at their address of record, approximately 120 days prior to the expiration of their permit to begin the renewal process.
2. Upon notification, apply for a Concealed Handgun Permit by one of the following ways: Complete and submit the new online Concealed Handgun Permit Application at http://chp-web.dps.louisiana.gov. Download a Concealed Handgun Permit Application and complete the instructions found on pages one and two of the application. Obtain an application at the State Police Headquarters (7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806) between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
3. Submit the renewal application with a new training certificate, a photocopy of your driver’s license, and the appropriate fees (see below for fee schedule). NOTE: Passport photos are no longer needed to process your applications.
4. The completed application should be returned to the Department no less than 90 days prior to the expiration of the permit to allow sufficient time for processing.
5. You must submit your application within 60 days after the expiration date or you will be required to submit a new original application including fingerprints.
6. Paper applications, fingerprint cards, and/or other documentation must be submitted to:
   Louisiana State Police
   Concealed Handgun Permit Unit
   PO Box 66375
   Baton Rouge, LA 70896
   ATTENTION: RENEWAL DEPT.

Louisiana Concealed Carry Handgun Permit Fees

Original/First-Time Applicants
Five Year Permit:
Ages 21 – 64
$125

65 Years of Age or Older
$62.50

Lifetime Permit:
Ages 21 – 64
$500

65 Years of Age or Older
$250

NOTE: If you have not continuously resided within the State of Louisiana for the 15 years immediately preceding the date on which your application is received, an additional $50 non-refundable fee shall be submitted. This is only for first-time applicants and is not required for any subsequent renewals.

Five Year Permit Renewals:
Ages 21 – 64
$125
65 Years of Age or Older
$62.50

NOTE: For renewal applications the additional $50 non-refundable fee and the submission of a fingerprint card is not applicable.

NOTE: ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, and must be paid by money order, cashier’s check, or certified check.

Louisiana Concealed Carry Handgun Course Training Proficiency Requirements

Original/First-Time Applicants:

In addition to meeting the qualifications in R.S. 40:1379.3(C), an applicant must demonstrate competence with a handgun by completion of an approved firearms safety or training course taught by an NRA or P.O.S.T. certified instructor that is registered with State Police, or completion of small arms training while serving in the military (as evidenced by a DD-214), [active service members, reservist and national guard members must include a clear photocopy of their military ID (front & back) with a copy of their last qualification record from their 201 file], or possession of a current valid license to carry a concealed weapon issued by a parish law enforcement officer.

Lifetime permit holders are required to complete refresher training every five years as required by LRS 40:1379.3.(V)(4).

Renewals:

Pursuant to LAC 55:I:1307.D, each permittee applying for a renewal of his permit shall complete additional educational training within one year prior to submitting a renewal application. To obtain renewal training, please contact one of the LSP Registered Instructors.

Instructors

Any training course or class offered for the purpose of certification to obtain a concealed handgun permit must be conducted by an NRA or P.O.S.T. certified instructor who has registered his name and certification with the Department. The Department does not regulate the fees charged by these instructors.

Instructor List – These instructors have registered with the Concealed Handgun Permit Unit in accordance with the administrative rules and have authorized release of their names and phone numbers to applicants as of 05/15/2014.

Instructor Requirements

Instructor Requirements – Click here to view Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit Instructor Requirements

Forms

1. Concealed Handgun Permit Application
2. Change of Address
3. Instructor Information Form
4. Medical Summary and Disposition
5. Suspension/Revocation Affidavit DPSSP 4646 (Law Enforcement Use Only)

Firearm Registration/Transfer Forms

The passage of Act 398 of the 2013 Regular Legislative Session ceases requirements for the registration of firearms as defined in LRS 40:1781.  Effective August 1, 2013, the Concealed Handgun Permit Unit will no longer accept applications to register or transfer firearms. However, this does not affect any requirement of federal law to register those weapons with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Louisiana Concealed Carry Prohibited Locations

R.S. 40:1379.3 (N) states that no concealed handgun may be carried into and no concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to this Section shall authorize or entitle a permittee to carry a concealed handgun in any of the following:

• A law enforcement office, station, or building;
• A detention facility, prison, or jail;
• A courthouse or courtroom, provided that a judge may carry such a weapon in his own courtroom;
• A polling place;
• A meeting place of the governing authority of a political subdivision;
• The state capitol building;
• Any portion of an airport facility where the carrying of firearms is prohibited under federal law, except that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal, if the firearm is encased for shipment, for the purpose of checking such firearm as lawful baggage;
• Any church, synagogue, mosque or similar place of worship; See RS 40:1379.3 (U)
• A parade or demonstration for which a permit is issued by a governmental entity;
• Any portion of the permitted area of an establishment that has been granted a Class A-General retail permit, as defined in Part II of Chapter 1 or Part II of Chapter 2 of Title 26 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.
• Any school “firearm free zone” as defined in R.S. 14:95.6.

The provisions of R.S. 40:1379.3 (N) shall not limit the right of a property owner, lessee, or other lawful custodian to prohibit or restrict access of those persons possessing a concealed handgun pursuant to a permit issued under this Section. No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued may carry such concealed handgun into the private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person.

Duties of Concealed Carry Permittees in Louisiana

The permit shall be retained by the permittee who shall immediately produce it upon the request of any law enforcement officer. Anyone who fails to do so shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars. Additionally, when any peace officer approaches a permittee in an official manner or with an identified purpose, the permittee shall:

1. Notify the officer that he has a weapon on his person;
2. Submit to a pat down;
3. Allow the officer to temporarily disarm him.

A permittee may not carry and conceal a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) as defined in R.S. 40:961 and 964. For purposes of the concealed handgun law, a permittee is considered under the influence of alcohol when a blood alcohol reading of .05% or greater by weight of alcohol in the blood is obtained, or a blood or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a CDS.

The permit to carry a concealed handgun shall be revoked by the deputy secretary when the permittee is carrying and concealing a handgun under any of the following circumstances:

1. The blood alcohol reading of the permittee is .05% or greater by weight of alcohol in the blood;
2. The permittee’s blood test or urine test shows the confirmed presence of a CDS as defined in R.S. 40:961 and 964;
3. The permittee refuses to submit to a department certified chemical test when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer.

R.S. 40:1379.3(L) provides that anyone who carries and conceals a handgun in violation of any provision of this Section, unless authorized to do so by another provision of the law, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

R.S. 40:1379.3(C)(1) requires the making of a sworn application to the deputy secretary of public safety services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The providing of false or misleading information on the application or any documents submitted with the application shall be grounds for the denial or revocation of a concealed handgun permit. The application shall reflect training in pistols, revolvers, or both. Any permittee under this Section shall notify the department of any address or name change within thirty days of the change. Failure to timely notify the department of a name or address change may result in suspension of the permit for up to thirty days.

R.S. 40:1379.3(R)(1) requires each permittee, within fifteen days of a misdemeanor or a felony arrest, other than a minor traffic violation, in this state or any other state, shall notify the deputy secretary of public safety services by certified mail. The deputy secretary may suspend, for up to ninety days, the permit of any permittee who fails to meet the notification requirements of this Section.

R.S. 40:1379.3(F)(1) mandates that the deputy secretary shall revoke the permit if at any time during the permit period the permittee fails to satisfy any one of the qualification requirements provided for in Subsection C of R.S. 40:1379.3.

Louisiana Concealed Carry Rights Reciprocity

What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity? The relationship or policy between legal concealed carry states where privileges or rights are granted by each state to the legal citizens of the other.

It is very important that you understand concealed carry reciprocity before you plan to travel with your concealed carry weapon. Please take the time to study reciprocity and become knowledgeable of the states that are concealed carry reciprocity friendly with Louisiana.

It is your duty as a Louisiana concealed carry permit holder to know the laws governing reciprocity and the exchange of rights and privileges between states that you plan to travel to or through.

There are only 10 states in the United States that either do not honor reciprocity with Louisiana or they have not responded to a request for concealed carry reciprocity with the State of Louisiana.

Pursuant to R.S. 40:1379.3(T)(1) a valid permit in another state is valid in Louisiana if the issuing state honors concealed handgun permits issued by Louisiana.

Permit holders are reminded that while carrying a concealed handgun in another state they are bound by that state’s laws governing concealed carry and permittees from other reciprocal states are bound by Louisiana concealed carry laws while in Louisiana.