With a number of states adopting Constitutional Carry laws, one of the issues that is coming up is what should the age limit be for those who carry. Of the 18 Constitutional Carry states, twelve allow people to carry guns at 18 years of age. One other state allows carrying at age 19. We have previously done research showing that 18 to 20 year olds are just as responsible at carrying as those who are 21 and older, though we can’t tell whether the results are similar for those who aren’t required to get a permit. If you count New Hampshire and Vermont age limits as 18 (given that is federal law), the average age that people can carry in Constitutional Carry states is 18.9 and in Right-to-Carry states is 19.7.
Alaska 21 and older
Arizona 18 and older
Arkansas 18 and older
Idaho 18 and older
Kansas 18 and older
Kentucky 18 and older
Maine 21 and older, people 18-20 years old and without military qualifications must have a permit to carry concealed.
Montana 18 and older
Mississippi 18 and older
Missouri 19 and older
New Hampshire no age limit
North Dakota 18 and older
Oklahoma 21
South Dakota 18 and older
Utah 21 and older, can get a provisional concealed handgun permit at 18
Vermont 16 and older, though Federal law requires that you must be 18 and older
West Virginia 18 and older
Wyoming 21 and older
The Right-to-Carry states tend to be a little bit more restrictive.
Alabama 18 and older
Colorado 18 and older
Connecticut 21 and older
Florida 21 and older
Georgia 18 and older
Illinois 21 and older
Indiana 18 and older
Iowa 18 and older
Michigan 18 and older
Minnesota 21 and older
North Carolina 18 and older
New Mexico 19 and older
Nebraska 21 and older
Nevada 18 and older
Ohio 21 and older
Oregon 21 and older for concealed carry. 18 and older for open carry
Pennsylvania 21 and older for concealed carry. 18 and older for open carry
Rhode Island 21 and older
South Carolina 21 and older
Tennessee 21 and older
Texas 21 and older or 18 years old for active-duty military, but 18 to 20 can go to court and be given a permit.
Virginia 18 and olderWashington 21 and older
Wisconsin 18 and older
