Get a Gun License in Georgia

A Georgia Weapons Carry License is required to carry any handgun or other weapon either openly or concealed, in the State of Georgia.

To apply for a GWL one must visit the Probate Court of the county he or she resides resides in, bring proof of identity and residence, $30 for Probate Courts costs and an additional amount for the Sheriff's Office (fees vary but $75 to 80 in Total is a good average for a 5-year license.[1] Georgia is a "shall issue" state, if you meet the qualifications you cannot be denied, one does not "need a reason" to apply for a license.

Steps

  1. Determine that you meet Georgia's licensing requirements. See O.C.G.A. § 16-11-129
  2. Contact your local Probate Court to determine if there are appointments, special days, and exactly what fees are required. Court fees are established by law but fingerprinting fees may vary between each county in Georgia. Generally, license fees are collected by the Probate Court and distributed to the Sheriff's Office for fingerprinting but not always so be sure to get complete information.
  3. Visit your county Probate Court. Bring a method to pay the licensing fee, proof of county residence, and a valid identification.
  4. Complete form DPS 445 "Application for License.[2] Swear to its authenticity, and pay the court fees. Applicants will then be photographed and sent to have fingerprints taken.
  5. Wait for processing. Georgia law sets the maximum time the Court, and Sheriff's Office have to process an application. If the time limit has exceeded an applicant may file suit and recover damages. § 16-11-129
    • Depending upon the county, the license may be mailed to the applicant by the court, or by a stamped envelope provided by the applicant, or the applicant may be required to pick up the license in person.
  6. Keep your license up to date as needed. Due to a recent change in the law, only the initial application requires the applicant to be fingerprinted and subsequent renewals do not incur the fingerprinting fees.

Tips

  • Long arms (rifles and shotguns) do not require a GWL to carry, provided that if the weapon is loaded, it must be carried openly and fully exposed. § 16-11-126
  • A person may carry a weapon or long gun on his or her property or inside his or her home, motor vehicle, or place of business without a valid weapons carry license. § 16-11-126
  • A license holder must carry his or her GWL at all times that the person is carrying a weapon.
  • Failure to have a GWL in one's possession carries the same penalty as not having a Georgia Driving License in one's immediate possession, a $10 fine if a valid license is produced in court. See §16-11-137.
  • A person carrying a weapon shall not be subject to detention for the sole purpose of investigating whether such person has a weapons carry license. (Detention having been defined by the Supreme Court in Terry v. Ohio). Ibid

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.georgiapacking.org/GaCode/?title=16&chapter=11&section=129
  2. ↑ http://www.maconbibb.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Application-For-Weapons-Carry-License.pdf
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