This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.
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Louisiana CHP Requirements
How to get a Louisiana Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $125 — $25 per year — $125 for a five-year permit; the fee is reduced by half for applicants 65 or older. A lifetime permit is available at a higher one-time fee (R.S. 40:1379.3(H), (V)).
- Minimum age
- 21 (permitless carry: 18)
- Training
- Required — The applicant must demonstrate competency with a handgun — satisfied by an approved NRA or state-police-recognized course (including live range fire), law-enforcement firearms training, or qualifying military service (R.S. 40:1379.3(D)). Lifetime-permit holders must re-demonstrate live-fire competency every five years.
- Fingerprints
- Required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 5 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Open to non-residents
- Non-resident permit
- Available
Applications are processed by Louisiana State Police.
Steps to get a Louisiana CHP
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Complete the required firearms training. The applicant must demonstrate competency with a handgun — satisfied by an approved NRA or state-police-recognized course (including live range fire), law-enforcement firearms training, or qualifying military service (R.S. 40:1379.3(D)). Lifetime-permit holders must re-demonstrate live-fire competency every five years.
- Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
- Submit your application to Louisiana State Police. File your Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) application with Louisiana State Police. See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the CHP application fee of $125. $25 per year — $125 for a five-year permit; the fee is reduced by half for applicants 65 or older. A lifetime permit is available at a higher one-time fee (R.S. 40:1379.3(H), (V)).
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CHP is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
Note: Louisiana allows permitless carry, so this permit is optional in-state — but it is still worth holding for reciprocity when traveling.
Last verified 2026-07-10 against Louisiana State Police — Concealed Handgun Permit Reciprocity.
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Louisiana CHP FAQ
- What are the requirements for a Louisiana CHP?
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by Louisiana State Police.
- Is training required for a Louisiana CHP?
- Yes. Louisiana requires firearms training to obtain the CHP. The applicant must demonstrate competency with a handgun — satisfied by an approved NRA or state-police-recognized course (including live range fire), law-enforcement firearms training, or qualifying military service (R.S. 40:1379.3(D)). Lifetime-permit holders must re-demonstrate live-fire competency every five years.
- How long does it take to get a Louisiana CHP?
- Louisiana has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CHP — check with Louisiana State Police for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a Louisiana CHP?
- Yes. Louisiana issues a CHP to qualifying non-residents.
- How much does the Louisiana CHP cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $125. $25 per year — $125 for a five-year permit; the fee is reduced by half for applicants 65 or older. A lifetime permit is available at a higher one-time fee (R.S. 40:1379.3(H), (V)). The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.