How Much Does a Concealed Weapons Permit Cost?
In the United States, obtaining a concealed weapons permit (CWP) is a legal process that allows individuals to carry a concealed firearm in public. The cost of a CWP varies significantly from state to state, with fees ranging from a few dollars to over $100.
National Average
The national average cost of a CWP is around $100-$150, although it can be as low as $10 or as high as $500 depending on the state and locality. Some states, like Arizona and Wyoming, do not charge a fee for a CWP, while others, like California and New York, charge upwards of $200-$300.
State-by-State Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of the cost of a CWP by state:
| State | Fee |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $20 |
| Alaska | $0 |
| Arizona | $0 |
| Arkansas | $63 |
| California | $133 |
| Colorado | $52.50 |
| Connecticut | $90 |
| Delaware | $45 |
| Florida | $60 |
| Georgia | $99 |
| Hawaii | $100 |
| Idaho | $30 |
| Illinois | $150 |
| Indiana | $40 |
| Iowa | $30 |
| Kansas | $50 |
| Kentucky | $48 |
| Louisiana | $36 |
| Maine | $35 |
| Maryland | $102 |
| Massachusetts | $100 |
| Michigan | $115 |
| Minnesota | $63 |
| Mississippi | $30 |
| Missouri | $72 |
| Montana | $30 |
| Nebraska | $55 |
| Nevada | $103 |
| New Hampshire | $30 |
| New Jersey | $140 |
| New Mexico | $50 |
| New York | $300 |
| North Carolina | $80 |
| North Dakota | $43 |
| Ohio | $60 |
| Oklahoma | $55 |
| Oregon | $75 |
| Pennsylvania | $20 |
| Rhode Island | $100 |
| South Carolina | $50 |
| South Dakota | $0 |
| Tennessee | $100 |
| Texas | $40 |
| Utah | $30 |
| Vermont | $25 |
| Virginia | $50 |
| Washington | $100 |
| West Virginia | $20 |
| Wisconsin | $40 |
| Wyoming | $0 |
Additional Fees
Some states may charge additional fees for a CWP, such as:
- Background check fee: $20-$50
- Fingerprints fee: $10-$20
- Photo fee: $5-$10
- Mail-in fee: $5-$10
Processing Time
The processing time for a CWP can vary significantly from state to state. Some states may process CWP applications within a few weeks, while others may take several months.
Important Considerations
Before applying for a CWP, it’s essential to consider the following:
- Residency requirements: Some states require applicants to be residents of the state for a certain period before applying for a CWP.
- Age requirements: Some states have minimum age requirements for obtaining a CWP, typically 21 years old.
- Mental health requirements: Some states require applicants to submit to a mental health evaluation as part of the CWP application process.
- Fingerprints requirements: Some states require applicants to provide fingerprints as part of the CWP application process.
- Photo requirements: Some states require applicants to provide a recent photo as part of the CWP application process.
Conclusion
The cost of a concealed weapons permit varies significantly from state to state, with fees ranging from a few dollars to over $100. It’s essential to research the specific requirements and fees for your state and locality before applying for a CWP. Additionally, be sure to consider the processing time and any additional fees associated with the application process. By understanding the costs and requirements involved, you can make an informed decision about whether obtaining a CWP is right for you.
