Updated for 2018: Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States

by
posted on February 16, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
firearm_book_lede.jpg

While the Concealed-Carry Reciprocity Act has indeed passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, it still needs Senate approval before you can move freely about the country with your individual state's carry license. However, beyond reciprocity, each state sets its own rules on the ownership, use and transporting of firearms, so if you have spring break plans or have already booked a summer vacation that involves driving across state lines, be prudent: Your pre-travel checklist should still include becoming familiar with gun laws in any of the states or North American countries through which you’ll be passing. Don't let a routine check stop turn into a web of legal regulations with a possibility of jail time.

Now in its 22nd edition and updated with more than 100 changes for 2018, Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States is a quick reference guide that covers the essentials on legally transporting a firearm in a vehicle, concealed-carry reciprocity, when and where and how a gun can be carried for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and even travel to Canada or Mexico. The 2018 edition also includes new online updates for conditional reciprocity states as well as 50 new subheadings in each state’s traveler’s checklist detailing gun carry and possession in hotels. Written and researched by J. Scott Kappas, the 2018 Traveler’s Guide also includes a handy introduction that defines many terms of importance to anyone traveling with or carrying a firearm outside of his or her home state. $14.95 plus shipping. Contact: Traveler’s Guide (859) 491-6400; gunlawguide.com.

Examples of individual state pages:




Until the Concealed-Carry Reciprocity Act passes the Senate, each state has its own laws and can vary greatly from coast to coast. Some are more restrictive while others are not. The latest Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States can help prevent you from making a life-altering mistake. 

Latest

Weatherby 307 MZY 01
Weatherby 307 MZY 01

Weatherby Goes Black Powder: The Model 307 MZY

As Weatherby's first entry into the muzzleloading category, the Model 307 MZY promises to “deliver a new standard of accuracy, reliability, and consistency for black powder hunters.”

First Look: Federal’s X Henry 250th Collection

Federal has officially begun shipping its Federal X Henry Collector’s Edition ammunition, created in partnership with Henry Repeating Arms.

An Independence Day Celebration of the Armed Citizen

Independence Day is a celebration of armed defiance to tyranny—and of the citizen’s right to defend their lives.

When Minutes Counted: The 1776 Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

Shortly before the Declaration of Independence was signed, a small but pivotal battle took place near the port city of Wilmington, N.C. The February 27, 1776, Battle of Moores Creek Bridge was the first Revolutionary War battle to be fought in the Old North State.

I Carry: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior in a PHLster Floodlight 2 Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, we take a closer look at Kimber's latest double-stack, 2011-style handgun, the 1911 DS Warrior, and pair it with a SureFire X300 Ultra weapon light and a PHLster holster.

The Armed Citizen® July 3, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.