Where Can You Carry a Concealed Gun — and Where Is It Still Prohibited?

You've got your permit. Your state is constitutional carry. You're legal. But legal to carry where, exactly? This is one of the most misunderstood areas of gun law in America — and getting it wrong can turn a law-abiding gun owner into a felon in seconds. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of where you can and cannot carry a concealed firearm in 2026.

The Golden Rule: Federal Law Sets the Floor, States Set the Ceiling

Federal law establishes certain locations that are off-limits nationwide, regardless of your state's carry laws or your permit status. States can add additional restrictions on top of those federal prohibitions — but they cannot remove the federal ones. Always check both layers.

Where Federal Law Prohibits Carry

These locations are off-limits under federal law for virtually everyone, including permit holders:

1. Federal Buildings and Courthouses

Carrying a firearm into any federal facility — post offices, federal courthouses, Social Security offices, VA hospitals, IRS offices, and similar buildings — is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 930. This applies even if you have a valid concealed carry permit.

Source: Cornell Law – 18 U.S.C. § 930: Possession of Firearms in Federal Facilities

2. School Zones

The Gun-Free School Zones Act (GFSZA) prohibits carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of a K–12 school. There is a narrow exception for individuals with a state-issued permit in the state where the school is located, but this is frequently misunderstood and varies by jurisdiction. When in doubt, don't carry near schools.

Source: ATF.gov – Gun-Free School Zones Act

3. Airports (Secure Areas)

You may transport a firearm in checked baggage, but carrying — concealed or open — past the TSA security checkpoint is a federal offense. The non-secure areas of airports (ticketing, baggage claim) are governed by state law and vary.

Source: TSA.gov – Transporting Firearms

4. Military Bases and Federal Land Installations

Active military installations are federal property and generally prohibit civilian carry. National parks and federal lands have their own rules — carry is generally allowed in national parks where state law permits it, but federal buildings within those parks remain off-limits.

Source: National Park Service – Firearms in National Parks

Where State Law Commonly Prohibits Carry

Beyond federal restrictions, most states have their own list of prohibited locations. While these vary significantly, the most common include:

Bars and Establishments That Serve Alcohol

Many states prohibit carrying in bars or restaurants where alcohol is the primary business. Some states allow carry in restaurants that serve alcohol but prohibit it in bars. Some states prohibit carry if you yourself are consuming alcohol. Know your state's specific rule.

Houses of Worship

This varies widely. Some states explicitly allow carry in churches, synagogues, and mosques. Others prohibit it unless the religious institution has specifically authorized it. Several states leave it to the discretion of the institution.

Polling Places and Election Facilities

Many states prohibit firearms at polling locations on Election Day. This is increasingly common legislation and worth checking before you vote while carrying.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Some states prohibit carry in hospitals, mental health facilities, and other healthcare settings. Others allow it. Check your state law and look for posted signage.

Sports Arenas and Entertainment Venues

Professional sports venues, concert halls, and stadiums often prohibit firearms under state law or as a condition of their operating license. Many also post private property "no firearms" notices, which carry legal weight in many states.

College and University Campuses

Campus carry laws are a patchwork. Some states explicitly allow it (Texas, Utah, Colorado), others explicitly prohibit it, and others leave it to individual institutions. Always check both state law and your institution's policy.

Source: NCSL – Guns on Campus: Overview of State Laws

Government Buildings (State and Local)

State capitols, courthouses, city halls, and other government buildings are frequently off-limits under state law, even for permit holders. Look for posted signage and know your state's specific statutes.

Private Property: The Right to Exclude

This is where many gun owners get tripped up. Private property owners — businesses, landlords, employers — have the legal right to prohibit firearms on their premises in most states. When they post a "no firearms" sign, the legal consequences vary:

• Criminal trespass: In some states (Texas, for example), ignoring a properly posted 30.06 or 30.07 sign is a criminal offense.
• Civil trespass only: In other states, the sign has no criminal weight — you can only be asked to leave.
• No legal effect: A handful of states do not give private "no guns" signs any legal force at all.

Know your state's signage laws. When in doubt, respect the sign and the property owner's wishes.

Source: NRA-ILA – State Gun Laws by State

Where You Generally CAN Carry (With a Valid Permit or in Constitutional Carry States)

• ✅ Public streets, sidewalks, and parks (check local ordinances)
• ✅ Your personal vehicle (rules vary by state)
• ✅ Retail stores and restaurants that don't serve alcohol as primary business (unless posted)
• ✅ Hotels and motels (unless posted)
• ✅ National forests and most public lands (check specific rules)
• ✅ Your own home and property
• ✅ Most state parks (varies by state)

Quick Reference: Prohibited Locations Cheat Sheet

Location	Federal Prohibition	Common State Prohibition
Federal buildings	❌ Always prohibited	—
School zones (K–12)	❌ Generally prohibited	❌ Often prohibited
Airport secure areas	❌ Always prohibited	—
Military installations	❌ Always prohibited	—
Bars/alcohol-primary venues	—	❌ Often prohibited
Houses of worship	—	Varies by state
College campuses	—	Varies by state
Government buildings	—	❌ Often prohibited
Private property (posted)	—	Varies by state
National parks	Buildings only	Generally allowed

The Bottom Line

Having the right to carry is only half the equation. Knowing where you can legally exercise that right is what separates a responsible gun owner from someone facing a felony charge. The rules are layered — federal, state, local, and private — and they change. Make it a habit to check the laws for every new location you carry in, especially when traveling.

Stay legal. Stay aware. Stay ready.

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