Vermont Concealed Carry Firearm Laws

Vermont: Gun Laws Summary

Vermont is a constitutional carry state, meaning that individuals who can legally possess a firearm are allowed to carry openly or concealed without a permit. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4001]

There are some restrictions on gun sales in Vermont. 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, active or veteran member of the National Guard, or law enforcement. Vermont does not require permits to purchase and has no firearms registration. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4006]

In terms of self-defense, Vermont does not have a Castle Doctrine or a “stand your ground” law. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 2305]

Use of Deadly Force

If a person kills or wounds another in the just and necessary defense of their own life or the life of their husband, wife, parent, child, brother, sister, master, mistress, servant, guardian, or ward, or in the suppression of a person attempting to commit murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, burglary, or robbery with force or violence, he or she shall be guiltless. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 2305]

Open Carry

Open carry is legal in Vermont without a permit. Any person 16 or older (although federal law requires the age to be 18) who can legally possess a firearm is allowed to carry openly. There is no distinction between resident or non-resident, both are allowed to carry without a permit in Vermont. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4001]

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry is legal in Vermont without a permit. Any person 16 or older (although federal law requires the age to be 18) who can legally possess a firearm is allowed to carry concealed. There is no distinction between resident or non-resident, both are allowed to carry without a permit in Vermont. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4001]

Vermont: Gun Laws at a Glance


Minimum Age for Concealed Carry	The minimum age to concealed carry in Vermont is 18. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4029(a)]
Concealed Carry of Weapons Other Than Handguns	Not applicable. Vermont does not issue permits. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4029(a)]
Taser or Stun Gun Ownership	Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4022(a)]
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray Purchase and Use	Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Vermont. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4022(a)]
Ammunition Restrictions	No. Vermont does not have ammunition restrictions.
Constitutional Carry	Yes. Vermont allows constitutional carry.
Open Carry	Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4029(a)]
Concealed Carry Permits	Vermont does not issue permits.
Handgun Magazine Capacity Restrictions	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 to generally restrict the sale, purchase, possession, manufacture and importation of large-capacity ammunition-feeding devices. There is a grandfather provision for large-capacity magazines that were lawfully possessed on or before April 11, 2018. There are various exemptions which include law enforcement, government officials and shooting competitions. Additional exemptions include attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition as well as curios or relics. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4021(e)(1)]

Vermont: Carry Locations


Carrying a Concealed Handgun in a Vehicle	Yes, without a permit.
Concealed Carry at Roadside Rest Areas	Yes. Concealed carry is allowed at roadside rest areas in Vermont.
Concealed Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas	Yes. Carrying a concealed firearm is allowed in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas in Vermont. [State Park Rules I.b.2]
Concealed Carry in Bars and Restaurants that Serve Alcohol	Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry in bars or restaurants, unless posted.
Firearms on Hotel Property	Vermont statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
Storing Firearms in Private Vehicles in an Employee Parking Lot	Not addressed in Vermont state law.

Vermont: Key State Laws


Red Flag Law	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 the person’s custody or control. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4053]
Carrying a Concealed Firearm while using Alcohol or Drugs	Not addressed in state statutes. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Concealed Carry Permits to Non-Residents	No. A permit is not necessary.
Access to Concealed Carry Registry Information	Not applicable. Vermont does not issue permits.
Duty to Inform Law Enforcement	There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Vermont.
Violation of “No Firearms” Signage	Yes. It is illegal to enter or remain on any land or in any place as to which notice prohibiting firearms is given by actual communication or posted signs. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 3705]
Preemption Laws Related to Concealed Carry	Yes. Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Vermont, except local municipalities may regulate or prohibit the discharge of firearms. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 2295]
Definition of Brandishing	No definition of brandishing was found in Vermont law. Any person who shall intentionally point or aim 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 shall discharge any such firearm so intentionally aimed or pointed shall also be punished. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4011]

Vermont: Handgun Purchase and Possession


Permit to purchase	A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Vermont.
Background checks for private sales	Yes. Firearm transfers must be completed through a licensed firearms dealer and require a background check. Exemptions include the following: transfers from one immediate family member to another immediate family member, and transfers to another person in order to prevent imminent harm to any person, provided that this exception only applies while the risk of imminent harm exists. [Vt. Stat. Ann. § 4019(e)]
Waiting period	There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Vermont.
Handgun registration	Handguns do not need to be registered in Vermont.
Possession/carry without a permit	Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Vermont for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm.
Minimum age to possess/transport	16 years old. A person, firm or corporation, other than a parent or guardian, who sells or furnishes to a minor under the age of 16 years a firearm or other dangerous weapon or ammunition for firearms shall be fined not more than $50.00 nor less than $10.00. This section shall not apply to an instructor or teacher who furnishes firearms to pupils for instruction and drill. A child under the age of 16 years shall not, without the consent of his or her parents or guardian, have in his or her possession or control a pistol or revolver constructed or designed for the use of gunpowder or other explosive substance with leaden ball or shot. A child who violates a provision of this section shall be deemed a delinquent child under the provisions of chapter 52 of Title 33. [Vt. Stat. Ann. §§ 4007 and 4008]