Georgia also generally allows any person who is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm to openly carry a long gun in most public spaces.¹

Under permitless carry legislation enacted in 2022,² Georgia law now generally authorizes any “lawful weapons carrier” to carry handguns openly or concealed in most public spaces without any permit required.³ A person is a lawful weapons carrier if (1) they would be eligible for a weapons carry license under Georgia law (whether or not they have a license) and are not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a handgun or long gun, (2) if they are a resident of any other state who would otherwise be eligible to obtain a weapons carry license under Georgia law but for the residency requirement, or (3) if they are licensed to carry a weapon in any other state.⁴

These general public carry laws are subject to certain location restrictions.

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1. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-126(b).[↩]
2. See 2021 GA SB 319, enacted and effective April 12, 2022.[↩]
3. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127(c); 16-11-126(g); 16-11-125.1(5) (defining “weapon” to mean a handgun or knife).[↩]
4. Ga. Code Ann. §§ 16-11-125.1(2.1).[↩]