Wyoming Gun Laws: What Gun Owners Need to Know Today
A practical guide to understanding how Wyoming regulates firearm ownership, carry rights, and legal responsibilities for residents and visitors.
Wyoming is known for its strong defense of Second Amendment rights, reflected in generally permissive firearm ownership laws. Still, residents and visitors must understand the existing legal boundaries to avoid significant consequences.
This article outlines key aspects of Wyoming’s current gun laws.
Eligibility for Gun Possession
While Wyoming broadly permits firearm possession, aligning with state constitutional protections, federal and state laws define who is legally allowed to own a gun.
Federal law, under 18 U.S. Code 922(g), sets nationwide prohibitions. Individuals disqualified from possessing firearms include those convicted of felonies (crimes punishable by over a year’s imprisonment), fugitives, unlawful users of controlled substances, those adjudicated mentally defective or committed to mental institutions, undocumented immigrants or those on nonimmigrant visas, individuals dishonorably discharged from the military, those who renounced U.S. citizenship, people subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders, and those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Wyoming state law adds further conditions. Wyoming Statute 6-8-102 prohibits individuals convicted of or pleading guilty to a “violent felony” from possessing firearms unless their rights are restored. Violent felonies, defined in Statute 6-1-104(a)(xii), include offenses like murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, serious sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and arson. Those convicted of non-violent felonies are also prohibited unless rights are restored. These state prohibitions generally do not apply to antique firearms.
Age is also a factor, primarily governed by federal law for purchases from licensed dealers (generally 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns).1Ammo.com. How Old Do You Have to be to Buy a Gun: A State Guide 2024 Wyoming law does not set a minimum age for simply possessing firearms outside of specific contexts, though the Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act (Statute 6-8-404), concerning firearms made and kept in Wyoming, sets possession age limits at 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns for items covered by that act.
Restoration of firearm rights is possible in Wyoming. Under Statute 7-13-105(f), individuals with a first-time, non-violent felony conviction may automatically regain rights five years after completing their sentence, provided no subsequent felonies occur. Those with violent or multiple felony convictions typically need a Governor’s pardon.
Purchase Protocols
Purchasing firearms in Wyoming involves different procedures depending on whether the seller is a federally licensed dealer (FFL) or a private individual. Wyoming requires no state permit or waiting period for firearm purchases.
Transactions through FFLs are governed by federal law. Buyers must complete ATF Form 4473, providing identification and answering eligibility questions. The FFL initiates a background check via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), operated by the FBI, to verify the buyer is not prohibited from owning firearms.
An exception exists for holders of a valid Wyoming Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP). Because Wyoming’s permit process meets federal requirements, including a NICS check upon issuance within the last five years, CFP holders are exempt from undergoing a separate NICS check when buying from an FFL.
Private sales between Wyoming residents face fewer state regulations. Wyoming law does not mandate background checks or record-keeping for private transactions. However, federal law prohibits anyone from knowingly transferring a firearm to a person prohibited from possessing one. While not required, private sellers are advised to verify a buyer’s eligibility. Federal age restrictions (generally 18 for long guns, 21 for handguns) still apply, though enforcement focuses primarily on FFLs.
Concealed Carry Requirements
Wyoming allows the carrying of concealed firearms under specific conditions. Since July 2021, the state has operated under a “permitless carry” system (Wyoming Statute 6-8-104(a)(iv)), allowing any U.S. resident aged 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm to carry concealed without a state permit. Eligibility mirrors general firearm possession rules: one must not be federally or state prohibited, suffer from a physical infirmity preventing safe handling, or be impaired by habitual substance abuse.
Despite permitless carry, Wyoming maintains an optional Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) system, useful for residents seeking reciprocity in other states. To obtain a CFP (Statute 6-8-104(b)), applicants generally must be U.S. residents, have lived in Wyoming for at least six months (waived for active-duty military and spouses, or those with recognized out-of-state permits), and be at least 21 years old. A sheriff may recommend a permit for individuals aged 18-21 under certain circumstances.
The CFP application involves submitting a notarized form to the county sheriff with proof of residency, ID, and proof of firearms familiarity (Statute 6-8-104(b)(vii)). Familiarity can be shown via certified courses, competition participation, military service (DD Form 214), or honorable retirement as a peace officer. Fees include $64 to the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and a local sheriff’s fee for processing and fingerprinting. The DCI conducts background checks; approval typically takes up to 90 days. Permits are valid for five years. Holders must carry their permit and ID when carrying concealed and show them to law enforcement upon request (Statute 6-8-104(b)). Renewals cost $45 (DCI) plus sheriff fees if done before expiration, rising if renewed within six months after expiration. A new application is needed if expired over six months.
Open Carry Policies
Openly carrying firearms is generally permitted in Wyoming, supported by Article 1, Section 24 of the state constitution affirming the right to bear arms. State law does not prohibit the open carrying of handguns or long guns in public by individuals legally allowed to possess them.
Unlike concealed carry, open carry lacks specific statutes beyond the general right to possess. No state permit is required for open carry, applicable to residents and non-residents alike. Eligibility aligns with general firearm possession laws; individuals must not be prohibited persons under federal or state law.
While federal law restricts handgun sales from dealers to those 21+ and long gun sales to 18+, and federal law (18 U.S. Code 922(x)) limits handgun possession by those under 18 with certain exceptions, Wyoming state law does not set a minimum age for merely possessing or openly carrying long guns. The minimum age for open carry is often considered 18, reflecting federal standards, though not explicitly stated in state statute for the act itself.
Open carry is legal within vehicles for those permitted to possess firearms, loaded or unloaded, without a permit. This differs from hunting regulations prohibiting discharge near public roads (Statute 23-3-305(c)). While legal, openly carrying firearms may draw public or law enforcement attention. State law (Statute 6-8-401) affirms the right to bear arms and preempts most local firearm regulations, ensuring statewide consistency.
Places Where Guns Are Prohibited
Despite Wyoming’s permissive stance, state and federal laws prohibit firearms in specific locations.
Federal law generally forbids firearms in federal buildings where employees work (18 U.S. Code 930), including courthouses and office buildings, and on U.S. Postal Service property (39 Code of Federal Regulations 232.1), except for official duties. The federal Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S. Code 922(q)) broadly prohibits firearms within 1,000 feet of K-12 schools, though exceptions exist, including for state-licensed carry permit holders.
Wyoming state law (primarily Statute 6-8-104(t)) designates additional prohibited locations for concealed carry, generally understood as off-limits for most firearm possession:
Law enforcement facilities (police stations, sheriff’s offices), without administrator consent.
Detention facilities, prisons, and jails (also Statute 6-5-209, making it a felony).
Courtrooms, though judges may carry or authorize others.
Meetings of governmental bodies (city councils, state legislature).
Elementary and secondary (K-12) school facilities. Statute 21-3-132 allows districts to permit trained, permitted employees under specific rules.
College and university facilities, without institutional security consent.
School, college, or professional athletic events unrelated to firearms.
Portions of establishments primarily licensed for on-site alcohol consumption (e.g., bar areas).
Licensed child caring facilities (Statute 14-4-149), unless unloaded and locked away or carried by law enforcement.
Any place prohibited by other federal or state laws (Statute 6-8-104(t)(xi)).
Private property owners can also prohibit firearms on their premises. Recent legislative proposals aim to modify some restrictions, particularly regarding government meetings and educational settings for permit holders.
Reciprocity with Other States
Understanding how concealed carry permits are recognized across state lines is crucial for travelers. Wyoming addresses this through state law and agreements, known as reciprocity.
Wyoming allows permitless concealed carry for any U.S. resident 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm (Statute 6-8-104(a)(iv)). This means eligible visitors do not need a permit to carry concealed in Wyoming. The state still issues optional Concealed Firearm Permits (CFPs), mainly benefiting residents traveling elsewhere.
Wyoming recognizes valid, statewide concealed firearm permits from other states, provided the issuing state also recognizes Wyoming permits (Statute 6-8-104(a)(iii)). The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains a list of recognized states. However, due to Wyoming’s permitless carry law for all eligible U.S. residents, the practical effect is broad allowance for concealed carry by visitors meeting the age and legal possession criteria.
For Wyoming residents traveling outside the state, a Wyoming CFP’s validity depends on the destination state’s laws. Many states have formal reciprocity agreements with Wyoming. The DCI publishes a list of states recognizing Wyoming permits, including states like Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Utah, among others. Wyoming CFP holders must verify current reciprocity and comply with all laws of the state they are visiting, as regulations can differ significantly and change. Some states also have permitless carry laws that might apply to Wyoming residents, but verification is essential.
Penalties for Violations
Violating Wyoming’s firearm laws can result in serious consequences, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the specific offense.
Possessing a firearm when prohibited under federal or state law (e.g., due to a felony conviction or domestic violence order) is a significant offense, potentially leading to felony charges and further loss of rights. Carrying a firearm, openly or concealed, into a location designated as prohibited by state or federal statute (such as schools, federal buildings, courtrooms, or bars) can lead to criminal charges, typically misdemeanors unless other factors escalate the offense.
Unlawfully transferring a firearm, such as selling to someone known to be prohibited, violates federal law and carries potential penalties. Violations related to concealed carry, such as failing to carry the required permit and identification when carrying under a CFP (where applicable, like out-of-state travel relying on the permit), or violating specific restrictions tied to the permit, could result in lesser charges or permit revocation.
Specific penalties are detailed within the statutes defining the prohibitions. For example, bringing a deadly weapon into a jail is explicitly defined as a felony under Statute 6-5-209. Individuals facing charges related to firearm violations may also face significant fines, imprisonment, and lasting impacts on their ability to possess firearms in the future. Given the complexities, understanding and adhering to all applicable federal and state firearm laws is essential.
