Vermont Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Guide

Renewal Process

No Permit Required - Constitutional Carry State

Vermont is a constitutional carry (permitless carry) state and does not issue concealed carry permits. There is no permit to renew because none is required to carry a concealed handgun.

Vermont has maintained this status since its founding, making it the original "constitutional carry" state. The concept of permitless carry is sometimes referred to as "Vermont carry" in recognition of this longstanding policy.

As confirmed by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO-12-717):

"As of March 2012, 39 states that issue permits and Vermont (permits not required) recognize concealed carry permits from other states."

Key Points

• No state-issued concealed carry permit exists - Vermont law allows any person who is legally permitted to possess a firearm to carry it concealed without a government-issued permit.
• No renewal process, fees, or application - Because no permit is issued, there is nothing to renew.
• No training requirement - Vermont does not mandate firearms training for concealed carry.
• Federal and state prohibitions still apply - Individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) or Vermont state law (13 V.S.A. § 4017) may not carry concealed or otherwise.

Reciprocity Considerations for Vermont Residents

Because Vermont does not issue permits, Vermont residents cannot use a Vermont permit for reciprocity when traveling to other states. Vermont residents who wish to carry concealed in states that require a permit should:

1. Obtain a non-resident concealed carry permit from a state that issues them (e.g., Florida, Utah, Arizona).
2. Check reciprocity agreements between the non-resident permit state and the destination state.
3. Verify current requirements before traveling, as reciprocity agreements change frequently.

Relevant Vermont Statutes

• 13 V.S.A. § 4003 - Carrying dangerous weapons: Establishes that a person who carries a dangerous weapon openly or concealed with intent to injure another shall be penalized, but does not prohibit lawful concealed carry.
• 13 V.S.A. § 4017 - Possession of firearms by certain persons prohibited (convicted felons, persons under certain court orders, etc.).
• 13 V.S.A. § 4019 - Sale or transfer of firearms: Background check requirements.

Recent Legislative Context

While Vermont remains a constitutional carry state, the legislature has enacted certain firearms regulations in recent years, including:

• Background check requirements for private sales (effective 2018)
• Magazine capacity restrictions (15 rounds for handguns, 10 rounds for long guns, effective 2018)
• Age restrictions raising the minimum age for certain firearm purchases

None of these measures have altered Vermont's permitless carry status or created a state permit system.

Note: This information is current as of the date of publication. Always verify with the Vermont State Police or consult a qualified attorney for the most up-to-date legal requirements.