State-By-State Duty To Inform Laws: Know When You Have To Inform An Officer That You’re Carrying A Firearm

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Legal Heat gives us a state-by-state look at each state’s gun laws to find out if you have a duty to inform an officer that you’re carrying a firearm. This map and it’s information was compiled by Phil Nelsen, who is an attorney and expert in firearm law.

This only applies to a person with the state’s designated version of a license or permit to carry a concealed firearm (or weapon, as the term applies) or granted reciprocity therein to do so.

  • We are not covering open carry.
  • We are not covering what happens if you are in violation of a crime.
  • We are covering if you are legally obliged to inform law enforcement as to your legal concealment of a firearm without first being asked.
  • If you are in a state where firearms registration is required as a condition to receive a permit, or are required to have a permit to acquire, or any of the other convoluted mechanisms prior to being a legal, concealed carrier in that state – this list assumes you have lawfully completed those conditions.  So if you have not completed those processes, this list isn’t for you.
  • This article is written (and researched) from the perspective that if you are:
    1. Legally allowed to conceal a firearm AND
    2. You are stopped by law enforcement THEN
    3. Are you required to inform them you have a concealed firearm on your person?
  • Duty To Inform is taken to mean, in the context of this article, a specific lawful duty to inform a member of law enforcement without being asked first.

Take a look at the interactive map below and click on your state to see what the law states. You may be surprised at what you find!

 

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About the Author

Brandon is the founder of Concealed Nation and is an avid firearm enthusiast, with a particular interest in responsible concealed carry. His EDC is a Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP, with a Shield Sights RMSC Red Dot, that holds Hornady 165 gr FTX Critical Defense rounds, and rides comfortably in a Vedder Holsters ComfortTuck IWB holster.

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