Wyoming Concealed Carry Firearm Laws

Wyoming: Gun Laws Summary

Wyoming is a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits. The application process is handled by the county sheriff’s office and issued by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Open carry is legal without a permit for those who are 18 years or older and legally allowed to carry a firearm. As of July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is legal for any legal resident of the U.S. who is 21 years old or older and able to possess a firearm.

Self-Defense

Wyoming is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. The use of defensive force is reasonable when it is necessary to prevent an injury or loss and no more, including deadly force if necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury. A person is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury to themselves or others when using defensive force, including deadly force.

Criminal Immunity

A person who uses legal, reasonable defensive force shall not be criminally prosecuted for that use of reasonable defensive force. (Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(g))

Reciprocity

Wyoming honors permits from other states that recognize Wyoming permits.

Wyoming: Gun Laws at a Glance


Are there ammunition restrictions in Wyoming?	No. Wyoming law does not restrict handgun ammunition types. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(a)(iv)]
Is permitless carry legal in Wyoming?	Yes. As of July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is legal for any legal resident of the U.S. who is 21 years old or older, and who may lawfully possess a firearm. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(a)(iv)]
Is open carry permitted in Wyoming?	Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.
What is the minimum age to apply for a concealed carry permit in Wyoming?	The minimum age to apply for a Wyoming Concealed Firearms Permit is 21 (or at least 18 years of age if the local sheriff makes a personal recommendation on the applicant’s behalf).
How are concealed carry permits issued in Wyoming?	Wyoming is shall-issue, with discretion. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(g)]
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Wyoming with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?	No. A Wyoming CFP does not permit weapons besides handguns.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Wyoming?	Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase without a permit.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Wyoming?	Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Wyoming.
Are there magazine capacity restrictions for handguns in Wyoming?	No. There are no handgun magazine capacity limits in Wyoming.

Wyoming: Carry Locations


Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Wyoming?	Yes. Without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104]
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Wyoming?	Yes, without a permit
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Wyoming?	Yes, without a permit, although the use of firearms is prohibited in all state parks, campgrounds, recreational grounds, historic landmarks or historic sites unless otherwise designated by the state Fish and Game Commission (Wy Admin. Rule 024.0002.1.16). See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Wyoming.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Wyoming?	You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol without a permit, unless posted. Concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(t)(vii)]
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Wyoming?	Wyoming statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it’s concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
Does Wyoming have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?	Not addressed in Wyoming state law.

Wyoming: Key State Laws


Does Wyoming state law define brandishing?	No definition of brandishing was found in Wyoming law.
Any person who knowingly points a firearm at or in the direction of another, whether or not the person believes the firearm is loaded, is guilty of reckless endangering unless reasonably necessary in defense of his person, property or abode or to prevent serious bodily injury to another. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-2-504]
Does Wyoming have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances?	According to the Game and Fish Code, no person shall carry a firearm with a cartridge therein, or take any wildlife in Wyoming, while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance as defined in Wyo. Stat. § 35-7-1002. [Wyo. Stat. § 23-3-307]
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Does Wyoming issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?	No. Wyoming does not issue permits to non-residents.
Does Wyoming allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?	No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Wyoming?	There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm unless the officer asks. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(b)]
Is my Wyoming driver’s license linked to my Wyoming carry permit?	Yes. Your Wyoming driver’s license is linked to your Wyoming concealed firearms permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.
If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.	Yes. A person is guilty of criminal trespass if he enters or remains on or in the land or premises of another person, knowing he is not authorized to do so, or after being notified through personal communication or posted signs prohibiting firearms to depart or to not trespass. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-3-303]
Does Wyoming have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?	Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Wyoming. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-401(c)]
Does Wyoming have a red flag law?	Wyoming does not have a red flag law.

Wyoming: Handgun Purchase and Possession


Background Checks for Private Gun Sales	Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun. [source]
Background Check Exemption with Wyoming Concealed Carry Permit	If you have a current Wyoming concealed carry permit, you are exempt from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm. [source]
Permit Requirement for Handgun Purchase	You are not required to obtain a special permit before purchasing a handgun in Wyoming. [source]
Waiting Period After Handgun Purchase	There is no waiting period to buy a handgun in Wyoming. [source]
Handgun Registration	Handguns do not need to be registered in Wyoming. [source]
Minimum Age for Handgun Possession and Transport	You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Wyoming. [Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104]
Handgun Possession and Carry on Private Property	Although residents can concealed carry and open carry without a permit, Wyoming Statutes don’t specifically address carry on private property. [source]