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ALABAMA OPEN CARRY LAWS EXPLAINED

Let's begin, open carry in a vehicle without a concealed carry license is prohibited (A permit is required to carry a pistol in a vehicle. AL Code 13A-11-73). As of August 1, 2013, the law states that: "It shall be a rebuttable presumption that the mere carrying of a visible pistol, holstered or secured, in public place, in and of itself, is not disorderly conduct."

The following individuals are excluded from being issued a concealed carry permit:

  • Any person who has been convicted of a felony (a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year).
  • Any person who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit a crime of violence, including murder, manslaughter (except manslaughter arising from the operation of a vehicle), rape, mayhem, assault with intent to rob, assault with intent to ravish, assault with intent to murder, robbery, distribution of a controlled substance, burglary and kidnapping.
  • Any person who is an unlawful drug user, a drug addict or a habitual drunkard. Factors to consider include repeated and recent arrests or convictions for drug crimes, DUI, and/or public intoxication.
  • Any person who is under indictment for a crime punishable for imprisonment exceeding one year.
  • Any person who has been convicted of domestic violence, even if the conviction is a misdemeanor.
  • Any person discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.
  • Any person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or who has been committed to a mental institution, or any person who has asserted a defense of not guilty by reason of insanity or mental defect in a criminal proceeding.
  • Any person who is or has been a subject of an incompetency proceeding, the result of which may prohibit the possession of a firearm.
  • Any person who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his/her citizenship.
  • Any person who is a fugitive from justice.
  • Any person who is an alien illegally in the United States or under a non-immigrant visa.
  • Any person who is subject to a court order that restrains that person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of an intimate partner.
  • Any person who causes justifiable concern for public safety, according to Ala. Act. No. 2013-283.

MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PISTOL PERMITS

Please read the “Pistol Permit General Guidelines” and follow the instructions before you choose to move forward in the application process. All applicants must have valid identification with you when you bring your application to the Sheriff’s Office.


The Mobile County Sheriff's Office Pistol Permit will allow you, with certain limitations, to carry a pistol concealed on your person or in your vehicle. The MCSO Pistol Permit differs from the Bill of Rights Second Amendment, which gives citizens of the United States of America the right to bear arms, in that a Pistol Permit is a privilege granted to qualified individuals by the Mobile County Sheriff.


The initial application must be completed and processed in personal at the Mobile County Sheriff's Office (address is below). Renewals can be made through the mail, if the picture is not more than 3-5 years old.


A federal, state and local Criminal History check will be completed. Note: If an individual has any type of criminal record (i.e. arrests) the application must be approved by a Mobile County Sheriff's Office Supervisor.


The applicant's picture is taken and a $20.00 fee is collected (cash, money orders, personal checks (a $35.00 fee will apply to all returned checks) and credit cards Discover, Visa and Master Card (a $2.50 fee will be applied). The MCSO Pistol Permit is good for one year.


ALABAMA RECIPROCAL GUN PERMIT AGREEMENT

Your Mobile County Sheriff's Office Pistol Permit will be good for 1-5 years from the date of issue, within the State of Alabama. The following states currently accept Alabama Pistol Permits are; Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire,North Carolina North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota,Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming Note: for all up-dated listing see Alabama Reciprocal Gun under Programs @ www.ago.state.al.us

WARNING

The SHERIFF may at anytime revoke a permit if its holder is determined to be unsuitable for this privilege.

Your Pistol Permit does not authorize you to carry a pistol while consuming alcohol or drugs.

RENEWALS ONLINE:

Click here to renew your Pistol Permit Online

By mail or in person:

Pistol permit photos shall be retaken in person every five years. For renewals by mail, please allow a few weeks for delivery. Renewal requests should include your current pistol permit number, any changes of address and/or phone numbers; and a money order, cashier’s check or personal check made out to the Sheriff’s Fund. MCSO also accepts Discover, Visa or Master Card (a $2.50 fee will be applied). The cost to renew is $20.00 per year up to five years. If you need additional information or have questions, please call 251-574-3201.


PISTOL PERMIT GENERAL GUIDELINES:

Pistol Permit Application


PLEASE MAIL RENEWALS TO:

MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

PISTOL PERMITS DEPARTMENT

P.O. BOX 113

MOBILE, AL 36601-0113


LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION ARE:

MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

510 South Royal Street

Mobile, AL 36603

8:00 AM TO 4:00 PM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY EXCEPT STATE HOLIDAYS.

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