Updated for 2023: Traveler's Guide to Firearm Laws of the Fifty States

There is one way to be sure law-abiding gun owners stay that way while traveling, and that is to refer to this guide.

by posted on April 1, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Travelers Guide To Firearm Laws 2023

With each passing year, the nuances of legally traveling with firearms become more important to understand, especially with state and federal courts changing the rules from one year to the next. What's permitted in one state might make you a felon the minute you cross state lines—even if all was just fine when you did it last year. And what about carrying in hotels, restaurants, state parks and more? 

There is one way to be sure law-abiding gun owners stay that way, and that is to refer to the Traveler's Guide to Firearms Laws of the Fifty States, now in its 27th year, and updated for 2023. Here's what you'll find in the new edition:

Featured in the new 2023 edition:

  • NEW coverage detailing carry rules for select Indian Reservation
  • NEW laws for permit issuance & carry in states affected by recent Supreme Court ruling
  • NEW full page interactive reciprocity map
  • Updated Traveler's Checklist coverage for carry in hotels, schools, restaurants, airport terminals, state parks and colleges
  • RV gun carry while "boondocking"
  • Expanded coverage for all vehicle carry issues
  • Permitless carry, reciprocity, recognition, open carry & self-defense issues explained in greater detail
  • Monthly online updates to conditional reciprocity lists
  • New formatting for state pages - provides easier reading and more detail
  • Over 100 law changes in statutes, codes and out-of-state permit recognition

Owners of the 2022 Edition (more than 100 changes, including):

★ 50 new subheadings in “Traveler’s Checklist” detailing gun carry at select Indian Reservations

★ monthly online updates to conditional reciprocity lists

★ new formatting for state pages—provides easier reading and more detail

★ over 100 changes including new rules for constitutional carry, weapons carried with a license and vehicle carry at schools and colleges

To learn more or to order, visit Traveler's Guide to Firearms Laws of the Fifty States.

Sample page:

Latest

Julie Golob Bianchi Cup 2026 Lede
Julie Golob Bianchi Cup 2026 Lede

Springfield Armory Announces Julie Golob's 2026 Bianchi Cup Record-Setting Achievements

Golob used the Echelon 4.0FC 9 mm over the Memorial Day weekend competition, earning top women's honors in multiple divisions and historic placements.

The Armed Citizen® Reload May 29, 2026

An uninvited hotel guest who threatened employees with a knife learned the opposite of hospitality the hard way.

3 Pieces of “Expert” Advice New Gun Owners Can Ignore

With more than 20 years as an NRA Training Counselor, the author is an actual expert firearms instructor. Here's what to watch out for if you are just beginning your journey.

New Guns 2026: CZ 75 Legend Now Shipping

Introduced in early 2026, the pistol is built to honor one of the most influential handgun designs of the modern era.

New Gear 2026: Ruger ReadyDot Micro Reflex Sight System for LCP MAX Pistol

This new reflex sight requires no batteries, allowing the shooter to focus on acquiring and staying on target without worry.

5 Items You Need to Butcher Your Own Venison

Butchering your own deer isn’t really all that complicated, but there are a handful of gear items you absolutely have to have to get it done.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.