A Georgia Weapons Carry License (“WCL”) is a state-issued license that authorizes eligible individuals to carry a handgun (openly or concealed) and certain other weapons as provided by Georgia law. WCLs are issued by the Probate Court in the applicant’s county of residence and are generally valid for five (5) years, unless revoked by court order.
Effective April 12, 2022, Georgia law allows a “lawful weapons carrier” to carry a handgun without first obtaining a Georgia WCL. This is often referred to as “open carry” or “constitutional carry.”
Important: Permit-less carry does not mean “everyone can carry everywhere.” Georgia law still restricts who may carry and where weapons may be carried. Private property owners may also restrict weapons on their premises.
Interstate travel: A WCL can help when traveling because other states may recognize (or “honor”) a Georgia WCL through reciprocity.
Georgia’s 2022 law expanded reciprocity and provides that individuals who are licensed to carry in any other state may be authorized to carry in Georgia, subject to Georgia’s restrictions and the person remaining a lawful weapons carrier.
Reciprocity rules can change. Before traveling, verify the destination state’s current laws and whether it honors your license.
Map courtesy of ConcealedCarry.com. Reciprocity information changes frequently—users must verify with the destination state.
Firearm purchases from federally licensed dealers (FFLs): Georgia WCLs are listed by ATF as qualifying “Brady alternative” permits (NICS alternative) under federal law meaning an eligible purchaser may be exempt from the instant background check at the point of sale when presenting a valid WCL, subject to the dealer’s procedures and all applicable laws.
A WCL provides a standardized credential that may be requested in certain contexts.
Eligibility is governed by Georgia law. Common requirements include but are not limited to:
• Georgia residency in the county where you apply (limited exceptions may apply).
• Minimum age 21; active-duty military and certain service members may qualify at 18.
• Applicant must not be prohibited from possessing or receiving firearms under state or federal law.
If you have questions about eligibility, please consult an attorney. Court staff cannot provide legal advice.
Applicants are encouraged to begin and submit their application online at:
Once submitted successfully, visit Lanier County Probate Court with the following during business hours to complete the application:
Acceptable Documentation May Include:
Documentation must be current and valid at the time of application.
A Georgia Weapons Carry License holder may apply to renew their license:
If a license has been expired for more than 30 days, the applicant must apply as a new applicant and complete fingerprinting and full statutory processing. Applicants are responsible for renewing prior to expiration. Carrying on an expired license may violate Georgia law.
Renewal applicants must:
If you were originally issued your license in another Georgia county but now reside in this county, you must renew in your county of current residence. Renewal in a new county is permitted if your license is still valid or expired within the last 30 days.
To complete application for renewal:
Visit Lanier County Probate Court with the following during business hours to complete the renewal application and submit to a criminal history check as required by statute
Acceptable Documentation May Include:
Documentation must be current and valid at the time of application.
If your Georgia Weapons Carry License has been lost, stolen, damaged, or your legal name has changed, you may apply for a replacement license in your county of residence. Replacement licenses do not extend the expiration date of the original license. A name change does not automatically update your Weapons Carry License; a replacement must be requested.
If your license was stolen, you are encouraged to report the theft to local law enforcement.
A replacement may be issued if:
Visit Lanier County Probate Court with the following during business hours to complete the replacement application:
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws and reciprocity agreements can change without notice. Always confirm current requirements with the appropriate state agency and/or a licensed attorney. The Probate Court and its staff cannot provide legal advice.
