Wyoming operates as a constitutional carry state, meaning eligible residents and visitors can carry a handgun without obtaining a permit for either open or concealed carry. This legal status stems from the interpretation that the state constitution guarantees the right to bear arms without government interference, provided the carrier is legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Understanding Constitutional Carry
Constitutional carry, often referred to as permitless carry, is a legal designation that removes the requirement for a state-issued license to carry a concealed weapon. In these jurisdictions, the focus shifts from regulatory permissions to the inherent right recognized in foundational documents. Wyoming’s laws reflect this principle, allowing most law-abiding adults to carry a concealed weapon without the bureaucracy of application fees or mandatory training classes, though voluntary training is always strongly recommended.
Eligibility and Restrictions in Wyoming
While the state embraces constitutional carry, it is not an open season for everyone. Federal law and specific state statutes still define who is legally prohibited from carrying a weapon. Individuals who fall into these categories are not covered by constitutional carry provisions.
Felons and individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors.
Fugitives from justice.
Individuals who are unlawfully using controlled substances.
Those who have been adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution.
Illegal immigrants and specific non-immigrant visa holders.
Where You Can and Cannot Carry
Location is critical in Wyoming, as there are specific places where carrying a weapon, even under constitutional carry, is strictly prohibited. These restrictions ensure public safety in sensitive areas regardless of licensing status.
Preemption and Local Authority
Wyansas state law generally preempts local jurisdictions from enacting their own firearm regulations that are stricter than state law. This means cities like Jackson or Cheyenne cannot create ordinances that override the constitutional carry statute. However, local governments can regulate the manner of carrying, such as prohibiting the brandishing of weapons or unsafe handling, and they can ban weapons on their own properties.
Visibility and the "Unloaded" Rule
When exercising the right to constitutional carry, how you carry the weapon matters. Wyoming law allows for open carry without restriction regarding visibility. For concealed carry, the weapon must remain hidden from immediate view. Furthermore, while the law does not explicitly require the magazine to be removed, the firearm must not be loaded if it is secured in a container or within the immediate control of the carrier in a way that suggests it is not intended for immediate use. This nuance helps distinguish between lawful transport and unlawful concealed carry.
Reciprocity and Traveling Through Wyoming
For visitors driving through the state, Wyoming recognizes valid concealed carry permits from other states, adhering to federal reciprocity agreements. However, if you are carrying without a permit (constitutional carry), your status is tied strictly to your residency. Non-residents generally cannot claim constitutional carry rights and must possess a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon legally. Always verify your specific status based on your residency and the origin of your permit.
