Vermont Concealed Carry - Training Requirements

Overview

Vermont has no training requirements for concealed carry of firearms. Vermont is a constitutional carry (permitless carry) state and has been since its founding - it is historically the original model for permitless carry in the United States, often referred to as "Vermont Carry."

Key Points

• No permit required: Vermont does not issue concealed carry permits and does not require any permit, license, or government authorization to carry a concealed firearm.
• No mandatory training: Because there is no permit system, there are no state-mandated training, classroom, or range qualification requirements for civilians who wish to carry a concealed handgun.
• No application process: There is no application, background check (beyond the point-of-sale NICS check), fees, or paperwork specific to concealed carry.
• No renewal requirements: With no permit to obtain, there is nothing to renew and no continuing education or recertification obligation.

Age Restriction for Firearm Purchases

While no training is required to carry a concealed firearm, Vermont law does reference training in the context of firearm purchases for younger buyers:

• Under 13 V.S.A. § 4020, the sale of firearms to persons under 21 years of age is prohibited unless the buyer is a law enforcement officer, an active or veteran member of the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces, or a person who 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 Canadian province).
• This provision took effect April 11, 2018 under Act 94 of 2018.

Source: Vermont Department of Public Safety, "New Vermont Gun Laws FAQs" - dps.vermont.gov

Law Enforcement Training (Not Applicable to Civilians)

Vermont does maintain extensive training requirements for law enforcement officers through the Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC) and the Vermont Police Academy, including:

• Basic training and annual in-service training for three levels of law enforcement certification (Levels I, II, and III) under 20 V.S.A. § 2358
• Fair and impartial policing training
• Domestic violence training
• Use-of-force training

These requirements apply exclusively to law enforcement personnel and have no bearing on civilian concealed carry rights.

Source: 20 V.S.A. Chapter 151 - legislature.vermont.gov

Private Security Firearms Training

Vermont does require firearms training for licensed private investigators and security guards who carry firearms in the course of their professional duties. The Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation administers a Firearms Qualification Program with certification and recertification requirements.

This is a professional licensing requirement and does not apply to ordinary civilians carrying concealed firearms.

Source: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation - sos.vermont.gov

Other Relevant Vermont Firearms Laws (Act 94 of 2018)

While not training-related, the following laws affect firearm ownership and carry in Vermont:

• Universal background checks (13 V.S.A. § 4019): Private firearm transfers must go through a licensed dealer (with family exemptions). Effective April 11, 2018.
• Large-capacity magazine restrictions (13 V.S.A. § 4021): Magazines holding more than 10 rounds (long guns) or 15 rounds (handguns) are prohibited, with limited grandfathering for devices possessed before April 11, 2018.
• Bump-fire stock ban (13 V.S.A. § 4022): Possession prohibited since October 1, 2018.

Practical Recommendations

Although Vermont imposes no legal training requirement, firearms safety training is widely recommended by law enforcement agencies, firearms instructors, and legal defense organizations. Voluntary training options available to Vermont residents include:

• NRA-certified firearms courses
• Vermont hunter safety courses (administered through the Department of Fish and Wildlife)
• Private firearms instruction
• Self-defense and situational awareness courses

Summary

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Note: Vermont's permitless carry status means there is no state-issued permit available for reciprocity purposes with other states. Vermont residents who wish to carry in other states must obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one.

Sources: Vermont Department of Public Safety; 13 V.S.A. § 4019, § 4020, § 4021, § 4022; 20 V.S.A. Chapter 151; Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation.