Alabama Reciprocal Gun Law

As of August 1, 2007

Alabama will recognize North Dakota's handgun licenses in both Class 1 licenses to persons at least twenty-one years of age and Class 2 licenses to persons at least eighteen years of age. See Alabama Code, Section 13A-11-76. However, Alabama's reciprocity statute, Section 13A-11-85, does specifically limit reciprocity to "handguns."

North Dakota Concealed Weapon Permit Information url: http://www.ag.nd.gov/Brochures/FactSheet/CWPermits.pdf
North Dakota Concealed Weapons Permit Manual url: http://www.ag.nd.gov/BCI/CW/2009Manual.pdf

Reasons: 3, 4, 13

1. Has a statutory requirement of a signed agreement to establish reciprocal recognition of concealed handgun licenses.
2. Require by statute that an NCIC background check be done on all applicants for concealed handgun license.
3. Require fingerprint card to do criminal background check on applicant.
4. Require that minimum age for applicant for concealed handgun license is twenty-one (21) years of age.
5. Require a centralized, one phone number or on-line, database that can give 24/7 verification and status of concealed handgun licenses in Alabama prior to recognizing Alabama concealed handgun licenses.
6. They are a "shall issue" state. If an applicant meets the statutory requirements for issue of a concealed handgun license, the state "shall issue" him or her a license. Alabama is a "may issue" state if the Sheriff determines a person has a "proper reason for carrying a pistol, and that he is a suitable person to be so licensed," the Sheriff, "may issue" the person a license. Ala. Code Sec. 13A-11-75. They will not recognize handgun licenses unless they are issued by a state that is also a "shall issue" state.
7. Training requirements or proficiency requirements. 5, 8 or 16 hour training requirement and some states require passing a handgun proficiency test.
8. Permit must contain biographical information and a photograph of the permittee.
9. History of violence is a restricting factor.
10. Applicants must meet all requirements of 18 USC 922(g).
11. Applicants must make a sworn application.
12. Prohibit convicted felons from obtaining a concealed handgun license.
13. Require a mental health background check.

Following is text from the Department of Public Safety's synopsis of Alabama's pistol law:
Reprinted courtesy of the Alabama Department of Public Safety

RE: ALABAMA PISTOL LAWS AND CARRYING/TRANSPORTING A PISTOL

The following synopsis of Alabama law is furnished for general information only, and does not constitute legal advice or counsel:

Alabama law prohibits any person from carrying a pistol in any vehicle or concealed on or about their person without a pistol permit license. Code of Alabama, 1975, section 13A-11-73. Under Alabama law, a "pistol" is defined as "any firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches in length." Licenses to carry a pistol are issued by local county sheriffs in Alabama. A person must be a resident of that county to apply for and be issued a pistol permit license. Alabama as of August 1, 2001 under Act 2001-494 has provisions for recognizing pistol permits or concealed weapon licenses issued by states who will recognize pistol permits issued by Alabama.

The license requirement of section 13A-11-73 does not apply to "regularly employed" law enforcement officers; to members of the armed forces or National Guard while on duty or going to or from duty; to persons engaged in manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in pistols; or to any person permitted by law to possess a pistol while carrying it unloaded in a secure wrapper, from the place of purchase to his home or place of business, or to or from a place of repair or in moving from one place of abode or business to another. Section 13A-11-74.

It is our interpretation of the Code of Alabama that "regularly employed" law enforcement means full time, sworn law enforcement officers. Such persons are exempt from the requirement to possess a permit and may carry their pistols concealed or unconcealed.

The State of Alabama does recognize pistol licenses or permits to carry concealed weapons issued by other states who will recognize Alabama pistol licenses. [See the list posted above.] Also, a person may carry or transport a long gun (rifle or shotgun) without a permit. A person may lawfully transport a firearm, including a handgun, from one state in which they are legal to possess to another state without a permit as required under Alabama law, provided the following conditions are met:

• The firearm is unloaded.
• Neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle.
• In case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment, the firearm and ammunition shall be in a locked container other than the glove box or console.
  Title 18 U.S.C. section 926A

Under Alabama law, no person convicted in this state or elsewhere of a "crime of violence" may own or possess a pistol. Section 13A-11-72. Crimes of violence are defined as murder, manslaughter, rape, assault, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, and larceny. No person addicted to drugs or habitually intoxicated may own or possess a pistol. Section 13A-11-72. Any person in violation of Alabama’s pistol laws may be arrested and upon conviction, subjected to a term of imprisonment of not more than one year and a fine of not more than $500, or both. The pistol will be seized and may be forfeited by court order.