Vermont Concealed Carry FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vermont require a permit to carry a concealed firearm?

No. Vermont is a constitutional carry state, meaning no permit or license is required to carry a concealed firearm for any person who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. Vermont has never required a concealed carry permit in its history, and this principle is sometimes referred to nationally as "Vermont carry."

Because Vermont does not issue concealed carry permits, there is no application process, fees, training requirements, or renewal process.

What are the age requirements for purchasing firearms in Vermont?

Under 13 V.S.A. § 4020, the sale of firearms to persons under 21 years of age is prohibited (effective April 11, 2018), unless the person:

• Is a law enforcement officer
• Is an active or veteran member of the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces
• Can produce a certificate of satisfactory completion of a Vermont hunter safety course or an equivalent course approved by the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife (including courses from another state or a province of Canada)

Are background checks required for private firearm transfers?

Yes. Under 13 V.S.A. § 4019 (effective April 11, 2018), an unlicensed person cannot transfer a firearm to another unlicensed person without the assistance of a licensed firearms dealer, unless an exception applies.

Exempt transfers include:

• Transfers by or to a law enforcement officer
• Transfers between immediate family members

Immediate family members are defined as: spouse, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, stepsibling, grandparent, stepgrandparent, grandchild, stepgrandchild, great-grandparent, stepgreat-grandparent, great-grandchild, and stepgreat-grandchild.

Are large capacity magazines legal in Vermont?

Under 13 V.S.A. § 4021 (effective April 11, 2018), the manufacture, possession, transfer, sale, purchase, receipt, or importation of large capacity ammunition feeding devices is prohibited.

A large capacity ammunition feeding device is defined as a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has a capacity of, or can be readily restored or converted to accept:

• More than 10 rounds for a long gun
• More than 15 rounds for a handgun

Exceptions:

• Devices lawfully possessed on or before April 11, 2018 are grandfathered
• A Vermont resident who lawfully possessed a device before April 11, 2018 may transport it out of state and bring it back

Note: As of July 1, 2019, nonresidents may no longer bring large capacity devices into Vermont for shooting competitions.

Are bump-fire stocks legal in Vermont?

No. Under 13 V.S.A. § 4022 (effective October 1, 2018), possession of a bump-fire stock is prohibited. A bump-fire stock is defined as a butt stock designed to be attached to a semiautomatic firearm and intended to increase the rate of fire to that of a fully automatic firearm by using recoil energy to generate reciprocating action that facilitates repeated trigger activation. Violation is a misdemeanor.

What qualifies as a "firearm" under Vermont law?

Under the 2018 laws (background checks and under-21 sales provisions), a firearm is defined as:

• Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive
• The frame or receiver of any such weapon
• Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer

The definition does not include antique firearms as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 4017(d)(2).

Can I carry a handgun in a commercial vehicle in Vermont?

According to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, 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 the jurisdiction.

Does Vermont honor concealed carry permits from other states?

Because Vermont does not issue or require concealed carry permits, there is no formal reciprocity system. Any person who may legally possess a firearm may carry it concealed in Vermont without a permit, regardless of their state of residence.

Where are firearms prohibited in Vermont?

While Vermont does not require a carry permit, firearms are still prohibited in certain locations under state and federal law, including:

• Federal buildings and courthouses (federal law)
• Schools and school property (state and federal law)
• State correctional facilities
• State capitol buildings (by posted policy)

Firearm owners should check current Vermont statutes in Title 13, Chapter 85 for the most up-to-date list of restricted locations.

What are the key dates for Vermont's 2018 gun laws (Act 94)?

Source: Act 94 of 2018

---

Primary source: Vermont Department of Public Safety - New Vermont Gun Laws FAQs. Additional information from Vermont DMV commercial vehicle FAQs. This information is for reference purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult Vermont Title 13, Chapter 85 and a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.