How to Get a Concealed Weapons Permit in Louisiana?
As a resident of Louisiana, you may be wondering how to obtain a concealed weapons permit. The process may seem daunting, but it’s essential to understand the requirements and procedures to carry a concealed weapon legally. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to get a concealed weapons permit in Louisiana.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for a concealed weapons permit in Louisiana, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or an immigrant who is lawfully present in the United States
- Be at least 21 years old (or 18 years old if you’re a member of the military or law enforcement)
- Be a resident of Louisiana
- Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of violence
- Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
- Not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or been committed to a mental institution
- Not be subject to a restraining order or other court order that prohibits you from possessing a firearm
Application Process
To apply for a concealed weapons permit in Louisiana, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Gather Required Documents
- Proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement)
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or U.S. passport)
- Fingerprint card (available at a local law enforcement agency or sheriff’s office)
- Fill Out the Application
- Complete the Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit Application (R-13165)
- Provide a list of all previous addresses and places of employment for the past 5 years
- Provide a list of all previous marriages, divorces, and annulments
- Submit the Application and Fingerprint Card
- Take the completed application and fingerprint card to a local law enforcement agency or sheriff’s office
- Pay the application fee ($50 for a 5-year permit)
- Background Check
- The Louisiana State Police will conduct a background check on your application
- You’ll receive a notification if your application is approved or denied
- Take a Concealed Carry Course
- You’ll need to complete a concealed carry course approved by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE)
- These courses cover topics such as firearms safety, use of force, and laws related to concealed carry
- Wait for the Permit
- If your application is approved, you’ll receive a concealed weapons permit in the mail
- The permit is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before it expires
Concealed Carry Course Requirements
To qualify for a concealed weapons permit in Louisiana, you’ll need to complete a concealed carry course that meets the following requirements:
- Approved Course Providers
- The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE) maintains a list of approved course providers
- You can find a course provider near you on the LCLE website
- Course Content
- The course must cover the following topics:
- Firearms safety
- Use of force
- Laws related to concealed carry
- Emergency procedures
- The course must be at least 4 hours long and include a written test and a shooting test
- The course must cover the following topics:
- Course Completion Certificate
- You’ll need to provide a certificate of completion to the Louisiana State Police
- The certificate must include your name, date of birth, and the course provider’s name and address
Fees and Expenses
The total cost of getting a concealed weapons permit in Louisiana includes:
- Application Fee: $50 for a 5-year permit
- Course Fee: Varies depending on the course provider (average cost: $100-$200)
- Fingerprint Fee: Varies depending on the fingerprinting agency (average cost: $10-$20)
Renewing Your Permit
To renew your concealed weapons permit in Louisiana, you’ll need to:
- Fill Out the Renewal Application
- Complete the Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit Renewal Application (R-13165A)
- Provide a list of all previous addresses and places of employment for the past 5 years
- Provide a list of all previous marriages, divorces, and annulments
- Submit the Renewal Application and Fingerprint Card
- Take the completed renewal application and fingerprint card to a local law enforcement agency or sheriff’s office
- Pay the renewal fee ($50 for a 5-year permit)
- Background Check
- The Louisiana State Police will conduct a background check on your renewal application
- You’ll receive a notification if your renewal is approved or denied
Conclusion
Getting a concealed weapons permit in Louisiana requires meeting the eligibility requirements, completing an application, and passing a background check. You’ll also need to complete a concealed carry course and provide proof of completion. Remember to renew your permit every 5 years to continue carrying a concealed weapon legally. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining a concealed weapons permit in Louisiana.