Vermont is a constitutional carry state where permits are not required.
All gun sales must be completed through a licensed firearms dealer unless the transfer is to a family member. Buyers under 21 years old must have completed a Vermont hunters course (or equivalent) or be a member or former member of the military, National Guard, or law enforcement. Vermont does not require permits to purchase firearms and has no firearms registration.
Both open carry and concealed carry are legal without a permit in Vermont. Any person 16 or older who can legally possess a firearm is allowed to carry openly or concealed. There is no distinction between residents and non-residents; both are allowed to carry without a permit in Vermont. The state does not issue permits.
Vermont does not have a Castle Doctrine or a “stand your ground” law, but courts have consistently ruled that there is no duty to retreat when attacked in one’s dwelling.
A person is guiltless if they kill or wound another in the following circumstances:
- In the just and necessary defense of their own life or the life of a family member or guardian.
- In the suppression of a person attempting to commit murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, burglary, or robbery with force or violence.
What is the minimum age in Vermont to get a concealed carry permit?
The minimum age to concealed carry in Vermont is 18.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Vermont with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
Not applicable. Vermont does not issue permits.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Vermont?
Yes. Stun guns and tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Vermont?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Vermont.
Does Vermont have ammunition restrictions?
No. Vermont does not have ammunition restrictions.
Does Vermont allow constitutional carry?
Yes. Vermont allows constitutional carry.
Is open carry permitted in Vermont?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.
If Vermont requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Vermont does not issue permits.
Does Vermont have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No more than 15 rounds for handguns. On February 19, 2021, the Vermont Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the state law banning high-capacity magazines. In 2018, Vermont enacted legislation restricting large-capacity ammunition-feeding devices, with exemptions for law enforcement, government officials, shooting competitions, and certain historical items. On March 25, 2022, legislation was signed allowing non-residents to transport high-capacity magazines into the state for organized shooting competitions, effective July 1, 2022.
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Vermont?
Yes, without a permit.
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Vermont?
Yes. Concealed carry is allowed at roadside rest areas in Vermont.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Vermont?
Yes. Carrying a concealed firearm is allowed in state/national parks, state/national forests, and wildlife management areas in Vermont.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Vermont?
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry in bars or restaurants, unless posted.
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Vermont?
Vermont statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops its own policies, so it's best to contact the individual hotel to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Does Vermont have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Vermont state law.
Does Vermont have a red flag law?
Yes, Vermont has a red flag law. A state's attorney or the office of the attorney general may file a petition requesting that the court issue an extreme risk protection order prohibiting a person from purchasing, possessing, or receiving a dangerous weapon, or having a dangerous weapon within their custody or control.
Does Vermont have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
Not addressed in state statutes. As a responsibly armed individual, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision made while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Does Vermont issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
No. A permit is not necessary.
Does Vermont allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
Not applicable. Vermont does not issue permits.
Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Vermont?
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Vermont.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Vermont?
Yes. It is illegal to enter or remain on any land or in any place where notice prohibiting firearms is given by actual communication or posted signs.
Does Vermont have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes. The state has preemption of firearms laws in Vermont, except local municipalities may regulate or prohibit the discharge of firearms.
Does Vermont state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Vermont law. However, any person who intentionally points or aims any gun, pistol, or other firearm at or towards another, except in self-defense or in the lawful discharge of official duty, shall be punished. Any person who discharges any such firearm so intentionally aimed or pointed shall also be punished.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Vermont?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Vermont.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Vermont?
Yes. Firearm transfers must be completed through a licensed firearms dealer and require a background check. Exemptions include:
- Transfers from one immediate family member to another.
- Transfers to prevent imminent harm to any person, provided that the exception only applies while the risk of imminent harm exists.
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Vermont?
No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Vermont. Starting July 1st, 2023, there will be a 72-hour waiting period to purchase firearms.
Do handguns need to be registered in Vermont?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Vermont.
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?
Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Vermont for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm.
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Vermont?
The minimum age is 16 years old. A person, firm, or corporation, other than a parent or guardian, who sells or furnishes a firearm or other dangerous weapon to a minor under the age of 16 years is subject to fines. A child under 16 years old cannot possess or control a pistol or revolver without the consent of a parent or guardian. Violations may result in the child being deemed delinquent.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
- Carry in Bars/Restaurants that Serve Alcohol?
- Yes.
- Carry in My Vehicle Without a Permit/License?
- Yes.
- Carry in Roadside Rest Areas?
- Yes.
- Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests, and WMAs?
- Yes.
- Carry in Places of Worship?
- There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
- Elementary, Middle, or High Schools, Including Buildings and Grounds and on a School Bus.
- Mud Creek Controlled Hunting Area in Alburg.
- Residential Treatment Program Properties.
- Any Private Preserve Without Written Consent of the Owner or Person Having the Exclusive Right to Take Fish or Wild Animals on Such Lands.
- Polling Places.
- The Bomoseen State Game Refuge.
- Courthouse.
- Any State Institution.
- Any State Building.
- Any Place Where the Carrying of Firearms is Prohibited by Federal Law or State Law or Regulation.
On March 25, 2022, Gov. Phil Scott signed S.4 into law, which restricts possession of firearms in hospital buildings. It went into effect on July 1, 2022.
Q: Can I legally carry a concealed firearm in Vermont while wearing a COVID-19 protective mask?
A: There is no known statute in Vermont making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
Q: Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Vermont?
A: Yes, except during Turkey and Muzzle Loading Hunting seasons.
Q: Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Vermont?
A: Yes. The holder of an archery license or a super sport license may possess a handgun while archery hunting, provided that the license holder does not take game by firearm while archery hunting.
Q: Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Vermont?
A: Yes. A person shall not intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of fish or wild animals.
Q: What are the knife laws in Vermont?
A: It is legal in Vermont to carry, openly or concealed, any type of legal knife, provided there is no criminal intent. Switchblades with a blade longer than 3 inches are illegal. Municipalities may have additional restrictions. Carrying knives onto school grounds, school buses, or government property is prohibited.