We’re not all going to be near the weapons shed when the SHTF, so we should prepare ourselves to the best of our abilities.
Though there are different ways to do so, one of the smallest tasks we can do is to learn how to carry a concealed pistol with us at all times. In this article, we’ll be going through everything that you need to know to get a concealed carry license.
We’ll be establishing the different types of concealed carry licenses, and broadly describe what you need to do to receive a concealed carry license.
License Types
May Issue – This type of license allows legal authorities to grant licenses to carry concealed firearms to citizens who establish a compelling need to do so.
Shall Issue – This type of license requires authorities to provide a license to any applicant who meets specified criteria.
No Issue – Some states are Right Denied and do not allow private citizens to carry handguns, and do not offer concealed carry weapon permits
Method One: May Issue
Under the circumstances of a May Issue license, you’ll need to have a reason to require carrying a concealed weapon. Sadly, stating, “Just in case,” doesn’t apply, and your request will be thrown out immediately.
You’re under the subjectivism of what the courts determine as a “good cause” to obtain a concealed carry license in these states.
It’s impossible to properly decide what good cause is, especially on paper. This gives the courts the right to deny any applications for concealed carry licenses and prevents any further attempts at gaining said license.
These states are the following that, by state law, have May Issue licensing: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
These states are May Issue by law, however, they often direct their licensing authorities to issue licenses to nearly every single applicant that comes through, with the exception of a few unlucky souls. These states become considered Shall Issue in terms of their practice.
Method Two: Shall Issue
These states are the following that, by state law, have Shall Issue licensing: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Unlike the May Issue, there is no requirement that the applicant provide a “good cause” for requiring a concealed handgun. Where each state’s individual law differs, sometimes at the drop of a hat, creating and updating the bylines of fifty different states wouldn’t be plausible. These are active at the time of this article, June 6, 2017.
If you’re in a state where Shall Issue licenses coincide with their laws and practices, you’ll need to provide the appropriate documentation. When you do so, issuing authorities will have no choice but to issue you a concealed carry permit.
Method Three: No Issue
Well, there aren’t many ways around this. By law, which can be different from active practice, the District of Columbia, alongside Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, certain districts of California, Massachusetts, and New York are subject to this.
Acquiring either type of permit in a No Issue state comes with some hoops to jump through. Primarily, you’ll need to be ex-law enforcement, an active on-duty security guard, or an active member of the military. There aren’t many circumstances apart from those that would be deemed acceptable to issue any type of concealed carry license.
Military Installation Rules
If you’re a member of the United States military, then you’ve already undergone extensive weapon usage and safety checks. You can probably disassemble and reassemble your sidearm with your eyes closed.
Carrying a weapon onto or through a military installation, when it is personally owned, needs to go through the proper channel.
Typically, that decision will rest with the commander of said military installation. Installation policies will vary depending on the state’s predominant laws, especially under the No Issue states. That goes for merely transporting the sidearm to the ‘border’ between the military base and the adjourning city/area.
While on a military installation, the standard laws of the state don’t necessarily apply, hence why you need approval from the commander. However, they can’t let you enter knowing you’re technically illegally transporting an unauthorized weapon to reach the base.
Training Requirements
We’re generalizing on this one, but several states require this before even applying for a conceal carry license. It’s a small price to be paid, and you’ll most likely learn a thing or two while you’re there.
Traditionally, you would go to a classroom setting to learn about weapon safety. Training courses provided by the National Rifle Association are usually combined into your classroom experience, complete with live demonstrations of gunfire on most training sites.
Some states will recognize prior work as a police officer or military status as enough of a safety course, and you can skip this step altogether. It is recommended that you research the requirements for your own state to receive the most relevant information.
Rulings of the Court
Before we get onto the how-to portion of this article, you will need to know a few more things. Arming yourself with knowledge before delving into this will save you a headache afterwards, so its recommended that you play close attention to this section.
In 2008, in the Supreme Court case of District of Columbia V. Heller, the presiding judge Antonin Scalia wrote the following words:
“Like most rights, the Second Amendment right is not unlimited. It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose: For example, concealed weapons prohibitions have been upheld under the Amendment or state analogs… The majority of the 19th-century courts to consider the question held that prohibitions on carrying concealed weapons were lawful under the Second Amendment or state analogs.”
To further clarify, the fight on this is never going to stop. We advise you to check .gov websites often to ensure that you’re up-to-date on all potential bans and court-related information. It’ll protect you from just about anything.
For a video on how to avoid court intervention if you’re transferring your concealed carry license or permit between states, for example if you’ve just moved, view this video below.
Registering for Your Concealed Carry License
We’ve made it to the registration section. Keep in mind everything that was mentioned above, as well as any additional information regarding your individual state. Now we’ll be getting into how to actually apply for your license, including time restrictions on receiving your license.
Below is a general list of required documentation that you should already have ready. In some states, these might defer. These include the following:
- State Issued ID (From the state you are applying for)
- Social Security Card (Never bad to have this ready)
- Background Check (Available through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI))
- Certificate of Completed Weapon Safety Classes
- Documentation Showcasing “Good Character”
- Additional Proof of Residency (Lease, deed, etc.)
- $50.00 (Registration fees. Sometimes in the form of a valid credit card for identification.)
With all this information at the helm, you can usually apply online at most government websites. Otherwise, use their sites to figure out a physical address where you can go. Some states have this done at local precinct police stations, others at city/town hall locations. Try and see what works, and ensure you have up to date information to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Delays
You can expect anywhere from thirty to sixty days before you’ll receive your physical copy of the license or permit. In the meantime, there is no proper documentation to protect you from carrying a weapon, even if the application status was approved.
If an officer pulls you over, and you notify him of your weapon with both hands on the steering wheel, he will ask for your concealed carry license or permit. If you do not have one, it will be a big deal, even if your weapon is registered and everything else is completely in order.
How to Act When You’re Pulled Over When You Have a CCW
You can review this video below for a humorous outlook on this scenario from an actual police officer.
The biggest thing to do is remain calm. It’s a daunting situation, especially with the nation against police officers during the better part of 2016. Police aren’t there to take your guns or to penalize you for having them. In fact, most police officers commend private citizens who carry concealed firearms with proper documentation.
Keep your hands visible, preferably on the wheel. When the officer arrives at your car, he’s going to say something pertaining to why he pulled you over.
Wait until he is finished, look him in the eyes, and clearly state, “Officer, I just need to let you know I have a concealed handgun on (list area here, hip, halter holster,) I’m going to reach for the permit and registration in the glove box.”
When they nod and okay it, do exactly as you’ve said, gift them the documents and return your hands to a stable position where they can see them.
This isn’t because they’re at-the-ready to pull out their guns and retaliate, but to give them peace of mind. Police deal with potentially deadly situations on a daily basis; they’re on alert, so don’t be nervous or stressed out.
Why You Need Concealed Carry License
The incident in this video linked below ends with some text that said, ‘The armed thug was shot twice. This was his third robbery in 6 weeks. (CVS & Radio Shack) He was arrested at the hospital and sentenced to 15 yrs.’
On top of protecting yourself, having your own legal sidearm can protect the public as well. We’re all in this together, and when someone threatens the tranquility of shopping at a grocery store at eight o’clock at night, members of the public with concealed carry permits can spring into action.
It’s not recommended to act without thinking, however if it’s safe to do so, help others that are in need as a sense of public safety.
Penalties
Don’t take this lightly. These can greatly inhibit your ability to get a concealed carry license or permit in the future if you don’t tread carefully.
- Jail: You can serve up to five years in prison if you’re caught with an illegally concealed firearm.
- Fines: Fine amounts can vary, though stem into the low thousands, which is considerably less intense when compared to jail time.
- Probation: Instead of prison, you can be put on probation the same way a criminal being allowed out of prison on early release would be. Depending on the state and county, this can be up to a full year.
The morale of the story is: do not mess around with this. In a post 9/11 world, these cases are taken far more seriously than before.
For things to avoid with your concealed carry license or permit, view the video below.
Conclusion
Take all precautionary methods that you possibly can. The whole process is not something to be taken lightly, considering the possibilities of citations and potential jail time depending on your state and country location.
In all cases, knowledge is your greatest weapon to use. Using all the information we’ve provided above, as well as any additional research that you might do – you’ll be ready to face anything when SHTF.
My name is Teresa Fikes. I am a Homesteader, survivalist, prepper, historian, and writer plus much more all in one package deal. I was raised on a small family farm were I was taught at an early age to survive off the land without the help of modern conveniences. I am a writer by profession and a Homesteader by Blood, Sweat, and Tears.
This article is contributing to the bunk that the “government” is perpetrating ILLEGALLY on the American people. NONE of this is a legal requirement under the U.S. Constitution and is indeed a representation of how the ruling class (which should never exist in America) are breaking the law which they have sworn to uphold!!!
To paraphrase:
Because it is important for the government to control an armed military,
The right and duty of the people to keep that government in check by
owning and carrying weapons shall not be infringed.
Do you have a VALID REASON for owning a concealed carry permit? Does your job require to carry large amounts of cash while you’re working? Do you make Cash deposits at a bank several times a week? Large cash deposits are done by computers now a days. Not in person. So are you getting that permit because of MACHISMO?