How Long Is a Georgia Weapons Carry License Good For?

How Long Is a Georgia Weapons Carry License Valid?

A Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Georgia law sets a five-year term for Weapons Carry Licenses. It applies to both original licenses and renewals. The expiration date is printed on the physical license card.

Georgia does not issue a separate "concealed carry license." The state issues a single Weapons Carry License. This license covers both open and concealed carry of firearms. The same license applies whether you carry openly or concealed and lasts five years.

You must renew your WCL every five years to maintain a valid license. Georgia's permitless carry law allows eligible residents to carry without a license in many situations. Still, a valid WCL matters for interstate travel and reciprocity purposes.

Minimum Age to Get a Concealed Carry License in Georgia

The concealed carry age question comes up often. Under Georgia law, applicants must generally be at least 21 years old to receive a Georgia Weapons Carry License.

One notable exception exists. Active duty service members and certain military personnel may qualify at a younger age. The statute recognizes service members – defined as active duty members of the regular or reserve components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, National Guard, Georgia Army National Guard, or Georgia Air National Guard. It provides them a path to apply.

Two key age rules apply. First is possession. Second is carrying in public.

• Age 18 – Possession: Georgia law allows a person not prohibited by law from possessing a handgun to have one on his or her own property. You may also carry inside your home, motor vehicle, or place of business under the same statute.
• Age 21 – Public carry: This is the standard minimum age to obtain a Weapons Carry License. It allows lawful carry in public places beyond the home, vehicle, and place of business.
• Under 21 with military service: An applicant who is at least 18 may apply through the probate court. They must provide proof of completed basic training and of active service or an honorable discharge.

No other state is required to recognize a Georgia license held by a person younger than 21 under Georgia's reciprocity provisions.

When and How to Renew Your Georgia Weapons Carry License

Renewal applications are filed with the probate court in your county of residence. You do not have to return to the county that issued your original license.

Under Georgia law, an application counts as a renewal in two situations. First, your current license has 90 or fewer days remaining before expiration. Second, it expired within the last 30 days. This means you have a 30-day grace period after expiration to renew without starting over as a new applicant.

Service members whose licenses expired while serving on active duty outside Georgia get additional time. They may apply for renewal within six months of discharge or reassignment to Georgia. The application will still be treated as a renewal.

Required Documents and Fees

Renewal applicants typically need to bring proof of residency. You will also need a completed application form, provided free of charge by the probate court. Bring your expiring or expired license.

The applicant's fingerprints are already on file from the original application. The renewal process uses a nonfingerprint-based criminal history records check rather than a new fingerprint submission.

Fees are set by state law, not by county. Georgia law sets a $30.00 fee for a weapons carry license or renewal license.

Processing Times and Temporary Renewal Licenses

Once the probate court receives a renewal application, it directs law enforcement to conduct a background check. The law enforcement agency must report back within 20 days. The probate court then has ten days after receiving that report to issue or deny the renewal.

You may apply for a temporary renewal license if you need to carry while your renewal is being processed. Apply at the same time as your renewal. The probate court issues a paper receipt. When carried together with your previous license, it serves as a valid license for 90 days. The fee for a temporary renewal license is one dollar.

What Happens If You Carry With an Expired License in Georgia

Carrying a weapon without a valid license may result in criminal charges. Under Georgia law, no person shall carry a weapon unless he or she is a lawful weapons carrier. A violation is charged as unlawful carrying of a weapon.

The penalties escalate with repeat offenses:

• First offense: Misdemeanor
• Second offense within five years: Felony. This is measured from dates of previous arrests resulting in convictions to the date of the current arrest resulting in conviction. Any subsequent offense is also a felony. The penalty is imprisonment of not less than two years and not more than five years.

How Permitless Carry Affects This Analysis

Georgia's 2022 permitless carry law changed the landscape. Under Georgia law, a person who is eligible for a weapons carry license and not otherwise prohibited from possessing a weapon may carry in many situations without a license. You may carry on your property, in your home, motor vehicle, or place of business. A "lawful weapons carrier" who meets the statutory definition may also carry in parks, historic sites, recreational areas, and on public transportation.

A Georgia resident whose license has expired may still lawfully carry in many situations within Georgia. This applies if the person remains eligible for a weapons carry license and is not prohibited from possessing a weapon. The legal analysis depends on specific circumstances. A person facing charges should consult a criminal defense attorney about their situation.

Georgia License Reciprocity and Out-of-State Travel

A valid Georgia WCL is recognized in a number of other states through reciprocity agreements. Under Georgia law, any person licensed to carry a weapon in another state may carry in Georgia in compliance with Georgia law. The Attorney General maintains a list of reciprocal states on the Department of Law's website.

A valid license still matters even under permitless carry. Reciprocity agreements require a valid, current license. If your Georgia WCL has expired, other states have no obligation to honor it. Carrying with an expired license in a reciprocity state could expose you to that state's criminal penalties. These penalties may be more severe than Georgia's.

Before traveling with a firearm, verify the destination state's current reciprocity status. These agreements change periodically. Each state sets its own rules for recognition.

Who Is Disqualified From Getting or Renewing a Weapons Carry License

Not everyone qualifies for a Georgia Weapons Carry License. Under Georgia law, the probate court must deny an application or renewal if the background check reveals disqualifying factors.

Common categories of disqualification include:

• Felony convictions: A felony conviction bars an applicant from obtaining a WCL unless he or she has been pardoned
• Pending felony charges: No license may be issued while felony proceedings are pending against an applicant
• Drug-related offenses: Convictions for certain drug offenses within the applicable time period may disqualify an applicant
• Mental health adjudications: Inpatient hospitalization in a mental hospital or treatment center within the past five years may affect eligibility
• Federal prohibitions: Non-citizens in nonimmigrant status must demonstrate they qualify for an exception to federal firearm prohibitions

The probate court evaluates each applicant's eligibility based on the background check results and the statutory criteria. A prior conviction that seemed old or minor could still affect a renewal application.

You may explore a pardon under Georgia law if you believe a past felony conviction should not disqualify you. An attorney can advise whether this option applies to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Concealed Carry Licenses

How Long Is a Georgia Weapons Carry License Good For?

A Georgia Weapons Carry License is valid for five years from the date of issuance under Georgia law. This five-year term applies to both original licenses and renewals. The expiration date appears on the physical license card.

What Is the Minimum Age to Get a Concealed Carry License in Georgia?

The general minimum age is 21 years old. Service members at least 18 years old may qualify before turning 21. Georgia does not issue a separate "concealed carry" license. The Weapons Carry License covers both open and concealed carry.

Can You Renew a Georgia Concealed Carry License After It Expires?

Yes, you may renew a Georgia Concealed Carry License after it expires, but only within 30 days of expiration. If you apply within that window, the probate court treats it as a renewal rather than a new application. After 30 days, you may need to apply as a new applicant. This could require new fingerprinting and a more extensive background check.

Do You Still Need a Concealed Carry License in Georgia Under Permitless Carry?

For carrying within Georgia, eligible residents may carry without a license in many situations under Georgia law. A valid WCL is still necessary for reciprocity when traveling to other states. Without a valid license, other states will not recognize your right to carry. To determine whether you need a license to carry in specific circumstances, consider consulting with an attorney familiar with Georgia's permitless carry law.

What Happens if You Are Caught Carrying With an Expired License in Georgia?

The outcome depends on the circumstances. A first offense for unlawful carrying is a misdemeanor. A second offense within five years – and any subsequent offense – is a felony carrying two to five years in prison. You may not face charges if you qualify as a lawful weapons carrier under Georgia's permitless carry law. An expired license alone may not result in criminal charges in that case.

Speak With a Georgia Weapons Charge Defense Attorney

Georgia weapons laws are technical. The line between lawful carry and a criminal charge depends on specific details. Does your license require renewal? Do you meet the definition of a lawful weapons carrier? Does a prior conviction disqualify you from possessing a firearm? These questions matter.

If you face a weapons charge in Georgia – including unlawful carrying, a denied license renewal, or questions about how a prior conviction affects your eligibility – early legal review may affect the outcome of your case.

Kohn & Yager LLC focuses on Georgia criminal defense, including weapons offenses and firearms related charges. Every case is different, and results depend on the specific facts. Contact our firm for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and understand your legal options.