Updated for 2026: Traveler's Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States

Are you following the law when you travel with your firearms? Here's one way to be sure.

by posted on March 30, 2026
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Travelers Guide 2026 Lede

All set for your spring break or summer travel? Fabulous—unless you are traveling with firearms. If that’s the case, you must ask some critical questions about how to legally and safely move about the country in a vehicle with guns.

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 30th year, and updated for 2026. Among the dozens of questions that are answered are these:

  • Which states allow me to carry a “loaded” firearm in the passenger compartment of my vehicle?
  • Which states allow me to carry a concealed firearm with or without a license to carry?
  • Which states honor my permit to carry a concealed firearm?
  • Which states allow carry in restaurants serving alcohol?
  • Which states’ laws allow open carry of a firearm while on foot?
  • Which states prohibit the mere possession of a handgun while in a vehicle?
  • In which states is it better to carry a rifle or shotgun for personal protection?
  • Which states prevent localities from regulating firearms carry?
  • Which states require permittees to declare their status to Law Enforcement?
  • How can I legally possess firearms in National Parks and Forests?
  • Which states allow me to carry a firearm in their state parks?

Answers to these questions—and so many more—are outlined in this latest edition. Here’s what else you’ll have access to:

—50 NEW subheadings in Traveler's Checklist detailing gun carry in Houses of Worship
—Red Flag Law coverage with graphic illustration for each state
—NEW table of contents and quick reference guide added to inside front cover
—UPDATED coverage detailing carry rules for select Indian Reservations
—NEW laws for permit issuance & carry in states affected by recent Supreme Court ruling
—Full page Reciprocity map on the inside back cover
—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 and 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

... and much more.

To find out more or to order the 2026 book, click here.


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