“Concealed carry” has a lot of meanings under different types of state law. It generally means that a person can legally carry a firearm in public spaces as long as it isn’t openly displayed. Most states with these laws restrict concealed carry in places like hospitals, schools and on public transportation. They can also dictate which type of firearm can be concealed carried, usually only a handgun is allowed.
About a decade ago, most states required gun owners to obtain a permit to conceal carry. But since then, many states have removed those regulations under laws often called “constitutional carry.” As of 2023, approximately 23 states require concealed carry permits; 27 do not. States without permits tend to also remove laws requiring firearm training before someone can purchase a weapon. The permitting process in many states include background checks as well.
Allowing people to carry concealed firearms, especially without obtaining a permit, has been linked to elevated shootings, studies have shown. For example, the average rate of firearm assaults increased in the 10-year period after 34 states relaxed their concealed carry restrictions, a Johns Hopkins analysis found.