Georgia Gun Control Laws

• 16-11-121- 16-11-134: Georgia Code Title 16. Crimes and Offenses

It's illegal to possess the following arms in Georgia:

• Sawed-off shotgun or rifle
• Machine gun
• Dangerous weapon ("rocket launcher," "bazooka" or "recoilless rifle," "mortar," "hand grenade") or silencer

• People with a felony conviction
• People convicted of an offense arising out of possession, manufacture, or use of a controlled substance
• A fugitive from justice
• Persons with pending proceedings for a felony, forcible misdemeanor, or for carrying a deadly weapon within a school safety zone or at a public gathering
• Anyone under 18 years old
• Anyone hospitalized as an inpatient at any mental hospital or drug or alcohol treatment center within 5 years of applying for a gun license

• Residents can carry with a WCL
• Non-residents need a license issued by a state that Georgia honors

• Open carry is allowed if you have a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) or a concealed carry permit from a state Georgia accepts.
• Open carry is not allowed in certain premises like schools and courthouses.

• You must be 21 years old.
• You must be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States.
• You can't have any felony convictions.
• You can't have a criminal record involving the use or manufacture of any controlled substance.
• You can't be a subject of a restraining order due to:
  • Possessing a firearm without a permit
  • Possessing a firearm in an off-limit area
  • A misdemeanor for the use of drugs five years before the permit application
• You must be mentally fit.
• You must not be a fugitive or have an arrest warrant.
• You must not have your firearm permit revoked within three years before filing your application.
• You must meet other federal law requirements needed for a CCW permit.

• People with a felony conviction can face from 1 to 5 years in prison for possession of a firearm.
• People who possess weapons that are unlawful can be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison.
• If you carry a firearm without a license you could face:
  • A misdemeanor and up to $1,000 in fines and one year in prison if it's your first offense.
  • Second or subsequent offenses are charged as felonies and you could face a sentence of 1 to 5 years in prison.