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Alabama gun laws, in plain English

Alabama is one of the simplest states in the country to buy and carry a gun. Here is what you need to know in 2026, in the order most people need it.

Buying a gun

There is no state purchase permit, no registration and no waiting period. Every gun you buy from us goes through a licensed FFL dealer in Alabama: you fill out ATF Form 4473 and the dealer runs the federal NICS background check. Federal law sets the ages: 21 for a handgun from a dealer, 18 for a rifle or shotgun.

Carrying: permitless since 2023

Alabama's permitless carry law (Act 2022-133) took effect on January 1, 2023. Anyone 19 or older, or 18 for active-duty military, veterans and law enforcement, who can legally own a handgun may carry it openly or concealed, including loaded in a vehicle, without a permit. You can still get a pistol permit from your county sheriff, and it is worth having if you travel. Details are on our pistol permit guide.

Places you can't carry

Alabama bars firearms in places such as police and sheriff's stations, prisons and jails, courthouses, mental health facilities, and school property (with narrow exceptions), plus federal buildings under federal law. Private property owners and businesses can also ban guns on their premises.

Private sales

A private sale between Alabama residents needs no background check under state law. It is still a crime to sell or give a gun to someone you know, or should know, is prohibited from having one. Sales to residents of other states must go through a licensed dealer under federal law.

Self-defense

Alabama law has no duty to retreat when you are somewhere you have a right to be and reasonably believe deadly force is necessary. How that applies to any real situation is a question for an Alabama attorney, not a gun shop.

Hunting

Hunting rules are set by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The 2026-27 gun deer season opens November 21 in most of the state; the details are in our deer season guide, and hogs, which can be hunted year-round on private land, have their own hog hunting guide.

General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. Laws change; check with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, your county sheriff, or an Alabama attorney about your own situation.

Common questions

Does Alabama require a permit to buy a gun?

No. Alabama has no purchase permit, no registration and no waiting period. Buying from a licensed dealer means ATF Form 4473 and a federal NICS background check at the counter.

Can I carry a gun in Alabama without a permit?

Yes. Since January 1, 2023 anyone 19 or older (18 for active military, veterans and law enforcement) who is not prohibited from owning a firearm may carry a concealed handgun without a permit.

Does Alabama have an assault weapons ban or magazine limit?

No. As of September 2026 Alabama has no state ban on semi-automatic rifles and no limit on magazine capacity.

Can I sell a gun privately in Alabama?

Yes. State law does not require a background check for a private sale between Alabama residents, but you may not sell to anyone you know or have reason to believe cannot legally own a gun. Many sellers use a dealer transfer anyway.

Can cities make their own gun laws?

No. Alabama law reserves firearm regulation to the state, so Birmingham, Mobile and the smallest town follow the same rules on buying, owning and carrying.

Does Alabama honor out-of-state carry permits?

Yes. Alabama recognizes valid concealed carry permits from every other state. Visitors must follow Alabama law while here.

More Alabama guides