How to Get Your Georgia Concealed Weapon Permit

General: Georgia does NOT require training to get your Concealed Weapons Permit as of June 2020. You do not have to show proof of gun safety training. At least one county in Georgia shows on their website that this is required but this is false as in the Georgia code there is no requirement for it.

Where to Go: Georgia prescribes that all Concealed Weapon Permit Applications be submitted at the Clerk of Probate Court Office in your county courthouse. We encourage you to visit your county webpage for specific details on how to apply. Generally, you will fill out an application there, be photographed, pay your fee (around $75), and arrange to get fingerprinted. The background check consists of a criminal background check and a check of state mental health records for any involuntary commitment for treatment.

How Long Does it Take?  The process takes about 60 days generally. Georgia law requires that law enforcement submit to the judge the findings of their background check within 30 days of application and findings related to a denial of the permit. If the background check comes back clean, the judge is required by law to issue the CCW within 10 days of receiving the background check results. Georgia is a "shall issue" state, that is, if the applicant qualifies for a CCW, the judge must issue it. If you have not received a denial or your permit within 90 days of application, contact your Clerk of Probate Court.

The CCW permit itself is a plastic card with security devices the exact same size as your driver's license and even looks much like one. The license is valid for five years.

Grounds for Denial of a CCW:  Read the code section below, 16-11-127 referenced below. It will list the disqualifying conditions. Appeals of denials are allowed so if you feel you were improperly denied, hire a lawyer and appeal the denial.

Renewals:  It is highly recommended to apply for renewal a minimum of 60 days prior to your expiration date. If the background check process is likely to run beyond your expiration date, a temporary renewal can be issued which is valid generally until your permanent license is received.

Georgia Codes Relevant to the Application Process: You can find the Georgia code on www.Justia.com. Enter "Georgia" and the code number from below to view these codes in their entirety.

Title 16:  Crimes and Offenses

Chapter 11: Offenses Against Public Order and Safety 

Offenses Against Public Order and Safety

Article 4:  Dangerous Instrumentalities and Practices

Part 3:  Carrying and Possession of Firearms

16-11-129  Weapons Carry License, temporary renewal permit, mandamus; verification of license.

Georgia Codes Relevant to Carrying a Concealed Weapon:  The following is the relevant code section regarding how to legally carry concealed weapons and what areas prohibit the carry of concealed weapons. We HIGHLY recommend you spend time in these code sections.

Title 16:  Crimes and Offenses

Chapter 11: Offenses Against Public Order and Safety

Article 4:  Dangerous Instrumentalities and Practices

Part 3:  Carrying and Possession of Firearms

16-11-126:  Possession and carrying a concealed weapon, penalty for violating the licensing requirement.

16-11-127:  Carrying weapons in unauthorized locations - penalties.

16-11-127.1  Carrying weapons within school safety zones, at school functions, or on school property.

16-11-127.2 Weapons on the premises of nuclear power facilities.

16-11-128  Carrying a pistol without a license.

Georgia Codes Relevant to the Justified Use of Lethal Force: Again we HIGHLY encourage you to spend time in this code section also. Many of our students have significant misconceptions of what the law allows. Keep in mind that the codes are what the legislature wrote - how they are applied in any given situation is interpreted by the Appeals and Supreme Courts - as outlined in their decisions. This body of decisions is called "case law" and for the average lay person not knowing how to research it, it is difficult to find and interpret.  Atlanta Firearms Training has a one day course in Georgia Law regarding the use of lethal force and related subjects that does reference Georgia case law established in the appeals process. We strongly urge you to take this course or a competitor's course in Georgia law in order to avoid unlawfully using lethal force and finding yourself in prison for a very long time.

Title 16:  Crimes and Offenses

Chapter 3: Defenses to Criminal Prosecutions

Article 2:  Justification and Excuse

16-3-.....(Numerous Code Sub-Sections)