Alabama permit requirements

Official-source summary. Values we could not confirm are labelled, never filled with assumptions.

At a glance

Permit required to carry

Permit currently issued

Yes

Issuance structure

Constitutional

Issuing level

County

Minimum age

Reported: 18 or 19. Confirm at the source

Training

Not confirmed. Check with Sheriff of the county of residence

Live fire

Not confirmed. Check with Sheriff of the county of residence

Application fee

Varies by county Confirm with the issuing agency

Permit term

Reported: You choose: 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime. Confirm at the source

Residency required

Yes. Resident of the county where you apply. Non-resident permits only for active-duty military stationed in Alabama and their spouses. Confirm with the issuing agency

Processing time

30 days Confirm with the issuing agency

Some current details are not fully confirmed. Verify dates, fees, and requirements on the official page before relying on them.

Issuing agency: Sheriff of the county of residence

Source: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency — last checked 2026-10-04

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What to know in Alabama

Alabama is listed as a permitless carry state, so a permit is optional for eligible adults. For the optional permit, county offices handle permits, so the office you use depends on where you live. The issuing agency is Sheriff of the county of residence. Confirm with the issuing agency

Official page: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency · Reciprocity: where a Alabama permit is honored

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