Carrying
La. R.S. 14:95 — a person 18 or older who is not barred from having a gun may carry it concealed without a permit
No permit is needed at 18. The ban on intentionally concealing a firearm on one's person does not apply to a person who is 18 years of age or older and is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under R.S. 14:95.1, federal law, or any other state or federal law.
- A person carrying that way is held to the same limits as a permit holder: the places a concealed handgun may not go, the rule against carrying while under the influence, and the duty to tell an officer.
- A person carrying under that rule who is approached by a police officer in an official manner tells the officer there is a weapon, submits to a pat down, and allows the officer to disarm him temporarily.
- Illegal carrying of weapons carries a fine of not more than $500, up to 6 months, or both.
Carrying a firearm while committing a crime of violence, or while unlawfully possessing a controlled dangerous substance other than 14 grams or less of marijuana, is a separate and far heavier offense: not less than 5 nor more than 10 years at hard labor without probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
A permit still matters for carrying in other states and for some federal purposes. A particular case is a question for a licensed Louisiana attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- La. R.S. 14:95 — Illegal carrying of weapons
- La. R.S. 40:1379.3 — Statewide permits for concealed handguns; application procedures; definitions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Louisiana attorney.