The full text of Vermont statutes is available at: legislature.vermont.gov/statutes
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
The Vermont Department of Public Safety oversees several firearms-related programs and licensing:
More information: Vermont State Police Licensing
Vermont firearms laws are codified primarily in Title 13, Chapter 85 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated. Key sections include:
The full text of Vermont statutes is available at: legislature.vermont.gov/statutes
Note: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy provided as a convenience. The statutes include actions through the 2025-2026 legislative session.
The VCJC oversees law enforcement training, certification, and statewide use of force policies. Their resources include:
More information: vcjc.vermont.gov
In 2018, Governor Phil Scott signed a package of gun safety measures including:
Governor Phil Scott vetoed S.30, which would have extended the federal background check waiting period from 3 business days to an effectively unlimited period (with 30-day application expiration). The Governor proposed a compromise of 7 business days instead. The veto letter is available at: governor.vermont.gov
Vermont is a constitutional carry (permitless carry) state. No state-issued permit is required to carry a concealed firearm. Vermont does not issue concealed carry permits.
As of early 2025, Vermont law does not prohibit carrying firearms into town-owned municipal buildings such as town halls. A report from the Vermont Secretary of State's office recommended that lawmakers consider legislation banning firearms from town-owned municipal buildings. Legislative proposals such as S.131 have been introduced to allow municipalities like Burlington to enact local firearms restrictions, testing the limits of Vermont's adherence to Dillon's Rule (which restricts local governments to powers expressly granted by the state).
According to the Vermont DMV: There is no Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation that prohibits a firearm from being possessed by a commercial vehicle operator while driving a commercial vehicle. However, other laws or regulations may apply depending on the operator and jurisdiction.
Federal background checks for firearm purchases are conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Vermont's universal background check requirement works in conjunction with this federal system.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report on states' concealed carry laws and requirements: GAO-12-717
While not specific to firearms law, the following Vermont legal resources may be helpful:
| Agency | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont State Police | - | vsp.vermont.gov |
| Vermont Criminal Justice Council | - | vcjc.vermont.gov |
| Vermont DMV (Commercial Vehicles) | 802-828-2064 | dmv.vermont.gov |
| Vermont Governor's Office | - | governor.vermont.gov |
| Vermont Legislature | - | legislature.vermont.gov |
Note: Because Vermont does not require a concealed carry permit, there is no state agency that processes permit applications. Residents and visitors who are legally eligible to possess firearms may carry concealed without a permit, subject to all applicable state and federal restrictions.
This page covers one part of our Vermont concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Vermont guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.