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GUN LAWS  

Last Updated: Friday, July 11, 2025

Wyoming Gun Laws

STATE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION - Article 1, Section 24.

“The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state shall not be denied.”

Gun Laws Overview

RIFLES & SHOTGUNS HANDGUNS
Permit to Purchase No No
Registration of Firearms No No
Licensing of Owners No No
Permit to Carry No No*

*A Wyoming resident permit can be obtained for the purposes of carrying concealed while in other states that offer recognition or reciprocity. Effective July 1, 2021, Wyoming's amended permitless carry law takes effect and allows permitless carry by qualified residents and nonresidents of the state. 

The list and map below are included as a tool to assist you in validating your information.  We have made every effort to report the information correctly; however, reciprocity and recognition agreements are subject to frequent change.  The information is not intended as legal advice or a restatement of law and does not include restrictions that may be placed on non-resident permits, individuals under the age of 21, qualifying permit classes, and/or any other factor which may limit reciprocity and/or recognition.  For any particular situation, a licensed local attorney must be consulted for an accurate interpretation.  YOU MUST ABIDE WITH ALL LAWS: STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL.

RECIPROCITY NOTES:  Wyoming reciprocity information: Home - Concealed Firearm Permits (as of July 11, 2025) 

STATE STATUS
Castle Doctrine Enacted
Right to Carry Confidentiality Provisions Enacted
Right to Carry in Restaurants Partial Ban
Right To Carry Laws No Permit Required
Right To Carry Reciprocity and Recognition Conditional Recognition
Right to Keep & Bear Arms State Constitutional Provisions With Provisions
Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Select Map
Click on a State to see the Gun Law Profile

 

Laws on Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms

Hardware Restrictions/Bans

Wyoming state law does not have hardware restrictions or bans. 

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Wyoming state law does not regulate: 

  • “assault” weapons
  • “large capacity” magazines
  • machineguns or other National Firearm Act firearms
  • personally made or unserialized firearms, or
  • bump stocks, forced reset triggers or other accelerators.

Wyoming has no laws regarding so-called “smart guns” or requiring firearm microstamping.

 Wyoming does not regulate non-powder guns.

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Ammunition Restrictions

Wyoming does not restrict or regulate ammunition. 

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Wyoming does not require background checks for ammunition purchases, require ammunition dealers to be licensed by the state, or require dealers to keep records of ammunition transactions. It does not regulate types of ammunition other than in the hunting context; see Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 23-3-110 and 23-3-111.

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Licensing or Permitting of Possession/Acquisition

No state permit or license is required to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun.

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A person in possession of a valid concealed carry permit issued by Wyoming is exempt from a federal NICS check when purchasing a firearm; see ATF Brady Chart (2025) at Brady Permit Chart | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (version dated June 4, 2025).

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Registration

Wyoming does not require the registration of firearms or firearm owners.

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Under state law, any list or other record kept by the state Division of Criminal Investigation or other law enforcement agency that identifies an individual as a concealed carry permit applicant or permit holder is a non-public record, although these records may be shared with other law enforcement agencies. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(bb).

A 2024 law regarding “merchant category codes” (or any similar code or other indicator that a merchant servicer assigns to a merchant or to a payment card transaction that identifies whether a merchant is a firearms retailer or whether the payment card transaction involves the purchase of a firearm, firearm accessories or ammunition) expressly prohibits a state governmental agency, local government, special district or other political subdivision or official, agent or employee of the state or other governmental entity or any other person, public or private, from knowingly or willfully keeping “any list, record or registry of privately owned firearms or any list, record or registry of the owners of those firearms created or maintained through the use of a firearms code.”

This law doesn’t apply to a financial institution that is not a “merchant servicer,” to any record maintained in the ordinary course of business of any financial institution or federal firearm licensee as required by federal law at 18 U.S.C. 922, or so as to “prohibit or prevent accurate firearm record keeping for any firearm involved in a law enforcement investigation, or any firearm lawfully seized or collected pursuant to a law enforcement investigation.” Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 9-14-403(a), (c).

The information required by federal law to be maintained about firearm transactions must be “kept by every wholesaler, retailer, pawnbroker and dealer in firearms in the place of business of the wholesaler, retailer, pawnbroker or dealer, and shall be subject to inspection by any peace officer at all reasonable times.” Wyo. Stat. Ann § 6-8-203.

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Possession Standards

Wyoming law prohibits the use or knowing possession of a “firearm” by anyone who has previously pled guilty to or been convicted of committing or attempting to commit a violent felony.

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A “violent felony” means murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, sexual assault in the first or second degree, robbery, aggravated assault, strangulation of a household member, aircraft hijacking, arson in the first or second degree, aggravated burglary, sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, a domestic battery crime causing bodily injury, or a third (or subsequent) domestic battery offense committed by the person, or interference with a peace officer offense. Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 6-8-102, 6-1-104(a)(xii) (definition of “violent felony”).

This prohibition does not apply to an “antique firearm,” as defined in state law, or persons who have been pardoned for the felony or had their rights restored pursuant to Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-13-105(a) or (f) (a governor’s certificate restoring rights, on application, or a certificate restoring rights for qualifying persons convicted of nonviolent felonies issued by the state department of corrections).

State law generally makes it a felony for a person to knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair or sell a “deadly weapon” with “intent to unlawfully threaten the life or physical well-being of another or to commit assault or inflict bodily injury on another.” “Deadly weapon” includes a firearm. Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 6-8-103, 6-1-104(a)(iv) (definition of “deadly weapon”).

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Right to Carry

Open carry is legal. Wyoming is a permitless carry state.

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Wyoming law generally makes it a crime to wear or carry a concealed deadly weapon. This does not apply to law enforcement, persons with a valid Wyoming permit to carry a concealed firearm or with a permit from a jurisdiction recognized by Wyoming, or any U.S. residents who qualify for “permitless” carry under Wyoming law. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(a).

Permitless Carry. The Wyoming permitless carry law allows persons to carry a concealed handgun without a permit if they meet the requirements in Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(a)(iv), namely:

  • is a resident of the United States;
  • is at least 21 years old and eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law;
  • is free from any physical infirmity which prevents the safe handling of a firearm;
  • is not a chronic or habitual user of alcoholic liquor/malt beverages to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired (the law presumes that any person involuntarily committed to a state or federal facility for alcoholism within the previous one-year period is a chronic or habitual user);
  • has not been previously committed to a mental institution, is not currently adjudicated as legally incompetent, and has not been committed to a state or federal facility for the abuse of a controlled substance within the previous year; and
  • has not been convicted for any crimes under the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act of 1971 or any similar state or federal laws relating to controlled substances (convictions that have been pardoned or for which rights have been restored, or where the misdemeanor conviction is more than a year old, do not count).

Permits to Carry. Wyoming is a “shall issue” jurisdiction. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(b).

Issuing agency/official: Attorney General, but the state Division of Criminal Investigation processes applications

Minimum age:  21, although the sheriff of the applicant’s county of residence can recommend issuance to an applicant aged 18 to 20 if the sheriff has “personal knowledge of the applicant’s situation or circumstances which warrant the issuance” of the permit and such circumstances reasonably support issuance.   

State residency: the applicant must have been resident in Wyoming for at least 6 months prior to the application date or hold an out-of-state permit from a state that recognizes Wyoming concealed carry permits. The attorney general has special procedures for an applicant on active military service outside the state of Wyoming (or a military spouse residing with a person in active military service outside the state).

Objective disqualifications: ineligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law; physical infirmity which prevents the safe handling of a firearm; chronic or habitual user of alcoholic liquor/ malt beverages to the extent that normal faculties are impaired; currently adjudicated as legally incompetent, has ever been committed to a mental institution, or within the previous one-year period, been committed to a state or federal facility for the abuse of a controlled substance; convictions for any crimes under the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act of 1971 or similar state or federal laws relating to controlled substances (unless pardoned or for which rights have been restored, or the misdemeanor conviction is more than a year old).

Non-objective disqualifiers? A permit may be denied if the applicant has been found guilty of or has pled nolo contendere to one or more “crimes of violence” constituting a misdemeanor offense within the three-year period before the date of the application. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(c). Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(g) requires the sheriff of the applicant’s county of residence to report to the Division of Criminal Investigation facts known to the sheriff which establish reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant has been or will be a danger to self or others as a result of mental or psychological issues based on a past pattern or practice of behavior, participation in incidents involving a controlled substance, alcohol abuse, violence or threats of violence.

Training/Familiarity requirement? Yes; see Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(b)(vii).

Fees: Application fee is $50 plus fingerprinting fee.

Fingerprints required: Yes, but sheriff has the authority to recommend permit be issued prior to the mandatory fingerprint processing, based on the sheriff’s personal knowledge that the applicant is qualified to be issued a permit.

Maximum processing time? 60 days; if denied the applicant must be given the reason(s) in writing and has the right to a reconsideration based on additional documentation relating to the denial within 30 days. The reconsideration decision must be made within 20 days.

Duration of permit? Five years unless revoked or suspended.

Other ID required when carrying with permit? The person must be in possession of their carry permit and valid ID at all times when carrying a concealed firearm and must display both upon the request of a peace officer.

Mandatory notifications: Permit holders must notify the Division of Criminal Investigation within 30 days of a change in their permanent address or upon loss or destruction of a permit. A permit that is lost or destroyed is automatically invalid. The Division must maintain an automatic listing of permit holders and pertinent information, but this information is not a public record. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(n), (bb).

Special provisions? A resident who has been denied a Wyoming permit is prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm in Wyoming under a permit issued by another state for as long as the resident remains ineligible for a Wyoming permit. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(m)(ii).

Non-resident carry? The state permitless carry applies to nonresidents within Wyoming.  Wyoming extends reciprocity to non-residents with an out-of-state permit or license issued by a state that Wyoming honors; Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(a)(iii). Wyoming does not issue non-resident carry permits.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(cc) requires the attorney general to provide a procedure under which a person who is on active military service outside Wyoming, or who is a military spouse residing with such person, and who otherwise meets the requirements for a Wyoming concealed carry permit to apply for a permit/ renewal of a permit without appearing in Wyoming. See the Wyoming State page here: Home - CFP Military

Places where carrying is prohibited. Wyoming amended its law on prohibited places effective July 1, 2025. Any person who is carrying pursuant to a permit (Wyoming or out-of-state recognized through reciprocity), or in compliance with the permitless carry law, is prohibited from carrying a concealed handgun into:

any facility used primarily for law enforcement operations or administration without the written consent of the chief administrator, or a detention facility, prison or jail;

it is a crime to carry or take any firearm or other weapon, concealed or not, into a courtroom, except a judge may carry a weapon and the presiding judge may determine who will carry a weapon in the courtroom;

any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic liquor and malt beverages for consumption on the premises;

an elementary or secondary school facility, if the person is enrolled as a student at any elementary or secondary school; and

any place where the carrying of a firearm is prohibited by federal or state law.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 6-8-104(t) and 6-5-209(b), (c) (courtrooms). See also Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-5-209(a) (deadly weapon possession at a jail, a state penal institution, the Wyoming boys’ school, Wyoming girls’ school, the state hospital, or a correctional facility operated by a private entity).

The Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act (2025) allows persons with a valid Wyoming permit, a valid out-of-state permit Wyoming recognizes, or who comply with the state permitless carry law, to carry a concealed weapon in any meeting of a governmental entity, the legislature or a committee thereof; any public airport in areas of the airport where the carrying of concealed weapons is not prohibited or restricted under federal law or federal regulation; and any public building not otherwise prohibited. Under this law, only persons with a valid Wyoming permit may also carry concealed at a public school, public college or university athletic event taking place on public property that does not sell alcoholic beverages; a public elementary or secondary school facility; and a public college or university facility. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-105.

However, the Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act does not prohibit a private property owner from restricting firearms on their private property; prohibit a governmental entity from prohibiting the open carry, display or wearing of a firearm in its facilities or on its campus; allow carrying in any facility where explosive or volatile materials are present or in certain health and human services facilities department of corrections; or allow carrying into facilities where otherwise prohibited by law.

This law authorizes the board of trustees in each school district to adopt rules to govern its employees and volunteers lawfully carrying concealed weapons on or in any property or facility owned or leased by the school district. If the board adopts such rules, the rules must comply with the requirements at § 6-8-105(f); if the board fails to adopt any rules, the default is that an employee or a volunteer with a valid Wyoming carry permit may carry concealed at a public school, public college or university athletic event taking place on public property that does not sell alcoholic beverages, or a public elementary or secondary school facility.

The Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act makes it a misdemeanor for a person to knowingly prohibit entry to a designated carry zone to anyone lawfully carrying as required, with the crime being punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, a fine of up to $2,000.00, or both; see Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-105(e). 

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State Firearms Preemption

State Firearm Preemption Law: Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-401. 

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Exceptions to preemption: Zoning or other ordinances, so long as these are not designed to restrict or ban the sale, purchase, transfer or manufacture of firearms or ammunition; localities may also prevent or suppress riots, disorderly assemblies or other conduct which disturbs or jeopardizes the public health, safety, peace or morality in a public or private place, Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 15-1-103(a)(xviii). The Game and Fish Commission is allowed to regulate hunting, trapping, and fishing pursuant to Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 21-1-302.

A new 2025 law, the Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act, also authorizes the board of trustees in each school district to adopt rules to govern its employees and volunteers lawfully carrying on or in any facility owned or leased by the school district; Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-105(f).

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Private Transfers of Firearms

Wyoming does not regulate private sales and transfers of firearms and has no specific laws regulating gun shows. No state permit is required to purchase or transfer a rifle, shotgun or handgun.

Stand Your Ground Law

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-602(e) reads that “a person who is attacked in any place where the person is lawfully present shall not have a duty to retreat before using reasonable defensive force,” as permitted in that section, provided that the person using that force “is not the initial aggressor and is not engaged in illegal activity.”

"Red Flag" Law

Wyoming does not have a "red flag" law. 

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State law generally prohibits state and local actors from using public funds from implementing or enforcing red flag-type orders against Wyoming residents. Violations are enforceable by civil actions, civil penalties, and additional injunctive or other equitable relief. This does not include persons otherwise ineligible to possess a firearm/ammunition under state or federal law, anyone ordered not to possess a firearm/ammunition as a condition of bond, parole or probation, or persons subject to a domestic violence or similar order of protection. Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 9-14-301 to 9-14-304, and Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-39-122.

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Wyoming NEWS
Wyoming: Legislature Adjourns Sine Die form 2025 Session

Monday, March 10, 2025

Wyoming: Legislature Adjourns Sine Die form 2025 Session

On Thursday, March 6th, the Wyoming legislature adjourned sine die from the 2025 legislative session. Earlier this session, House Bill 172, ...

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Goes Into Law Without Governor Gordon's Signature

Friday, February 28, 2025

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Goes Into Law Without Governor Gordon's Signature

On the evening of Thursday, February 27th, Governor Mark Gordon announced that he will let House Bill 172, the "Wyoming Repeal ...

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Bill On Governor Gordon's Desk

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Bill On Governor Gordon's Desk

On Friday, February 21st, the Senate passed House Bill 172, the "Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act," by a ...

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Bill Set for Final Vote  in Senate

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Bill Set for Final Vote in Senate

Today, February 20th, House Bill 172, the "Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act," passed its second reading in the ...

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Bill Heads to Senate Floor

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Bill Heads to Senate Floor

On Tuesday, February 18th, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced House Bill 172, the "Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones ...

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Bill in Senate Committee

Friday, February 14, 2025

Wyoming: Gun-Free Zone Repeal Bill in Senate Committee

On Tuesday, February 18th, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on House Bill 172, the "Wyoming Repeal ...

Wyoming: 2025 Legislative Session Convenes

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Wyoming: 2025 Legislative Session Convenes

Today, January 14th, the Wyoming State Legislature begins the 2025 legislative session.

Wyoming: Pro-Gun Bill Headed to Governor Gordon’s Desk

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Wyoming: Pro-Gun Bill Headed to Governor Gordon’s Desk

Today, House Bill 125 passed out of the Senate and will now head to Governor Gordon’s desk for final approval. ...

Wyoming: Pro-Gun Bills Eligible for Floor Votes in Both Chambers

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Wyoming: Pro-Gun Bills Eligible for Floor Votes in Both Chambers

Three pro-gun bills are eligible for floor votes in the Wyoming legislature. On the Senate floor, House Bill ...

Wyoming: Pro-Gun Bills Advance Through the Legislative Process

Monday, March 4, 2024

Wyoming: Pro-Gun Bills Advance Through the Legislative Process

Today, Senate File 105 passed in committee with a vote of 8-1 and is scheduled for a second ...

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.