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Which concealed carry permit should you get?

Every course we offer, side by side: who can apply, whether live fire is required, and what it costs.

Which permit should you get?

If you live in one of these states, start with your home state. If you want coverage beyond it, choose from the programs open to nonresidents, based on where you actually travel. An online course is training, not a permit. The state or local authority issues the permit after a separate application.

Open to nonresidents, no live fire

The simplest path if you live elsewhere. Application steps with the issuing authority still apply.

  • Idaho (CWL)

    Residents and nonresidents · No live fire · $74.99

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  • Washington (CPL)

    Residents and nonresidents · No live fire · $74.99

    This course is for the training required to buy a firearm. A Washington CPL needs no course until 1 May 2027, when live-fire training becomes required.

    Start the courseDetails

Open to nonresidents, live fire required

The classroom part can be done online. Plan for an in-person range qualification as well.

For residents of that state, no live fire

Choose these if you live in the state.

For residents of that state, live fire required

Choose these if you live in the state, and plan for a range session.

Purchase permit, not a carry license

Delaware's HQPP is for buying a handgun. It does not license you to carry.

Not sure you need a second permit? Read the Michigan CPL holder's guide or our multi-state permit strategy.

Best value: 12 courses, one price

Your permit class covered the basics. Who covered the rest?

Can you say what to do at a traffic stop, where your permit stops counting, and how your firearm must be stored on a road trip? If any of that made you pause, this is your refresher.

$49.99 for all 12, about $4.17 a course

Save at least $59.90 over buying them one at a time at $9.99 each, and Loading & Unloading Handguns is only available here. All 12 are online, 3 to 4 hours in total, on any device, and your progress is saved.

Get all 12 coursesSee what's included

Educational courses from U.S. LawShield. They don't replace your state's licensing requirements.

After the decision

Carrying in more states means answering to more states' laws.

A permit covers whether you may carry. It doesn't cover what happens if you ever have to defend yourself, possibly in a state far from home and your own attorney.

Legal-defense memberships exist for that part. It's worth reading what one includes before you travel.

Explore U.S. LawShield membership

U.S. LawShield is an independent company. We're one of their instructor partners and may be compensated for referrals.

FAQ

Choosing a permit: common questions.

Which permit should I get if I live in a state not listed here?

Start from where you travel, then compare the programs open to nonresidents: Idaho, Washington, Florida, Texas and, under specific conditions, California. Check each destination against that state's own official list before you pay for anything.

Can I get a concealed carry permit entirely online?

No. An online course is training, not a permit. The permit is issued by the state or local authority after a separate application. Some states also require an in-person live-fire qualification.

Which courses have no live-fire requirement?

Idaho, Iowa, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Of those, Idaho and Washington are open to nonresidents. Washington's CPL needs no course until 1 May 2027, when live-fire training becomes required.

Should a Michigan CPL holder get a second permit?

Only if somewhere you actually travel doesn't honor your Michigan CPL and does honor the other permit. Keep your CPL either way: Michigan honors a Florida license only when the holder lives in Florida.