Gun Laws in Wyoming

Subject/Law	Long Guns	Hand Guns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State permit required to purchase?	No	No
Firearm registration?	No	No
Assault weapon law?	No	No
Magazine capacity restriction?	No	No
Owner license required?	No	No
Permit required for concealed carry?	N/A	No	W.S. § 6-8-104	Wyoming is a "shall issue" state for citizens and permanent lawful residents who are 21 years or older. Residents of states that have reciprocity with Wyoming and who possess a permit can also apply for a Wyoming permit. Permitless carry took effect on July 1, 2011.
Permit required for open carry?	No	No		May carry openly without permit.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?	Yes	Yes	W.S. § 6-2-602	"A person who is attacked in any place where the person is lawfully present shall not have a duty to retreat before using reasonable defensive force pursuant to subsection (a) of this section provided that he is not the initial aggressor and is not engaged in illegal activity."
State preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	W.S. § 6-8-401	"Except as authorized by W.S. 15-1-103(a)(xviii) and 21-3-132, no city, town, county, political subdivision or any other entity shall authorize, regulate or prohibit the sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use, carrying or possession of firearms, weapons, accessories, components or ammunition except as specifically provided by this chapter. This section shall not affect zoning or other ordinances which encompass firearms businesses along with other businesses. Zoning and other ordinances which are designed for the purpose of restricting or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer or manufacture of firearms or ammunition as a method of regulating firearms or ammunition are in conflict with this section and are prohibited."
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No	W.S. §§ 6-8-402 to 6-8-406	Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, passed in 2010, prohibits any government servant from enforcing the NFA if a personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition is owned or manufactured commercially or privately in Wyoming and remains within the borders of Wyoming. A firearm manufactured in Wyoming must have the words "made in Wyoming" clearly stamped on a central metallic part, such as the receiver or frame. While federal enforcement is still possible, the law penalizes federal agents from enforcing such laws.[159]
Background checks required for private sales?	No	No

Gun Laws by State: Wyoming

Understanding Gun Laws in Wyoming

Wyoming, known as the "Cowboy State," has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the United States. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these laws, making it easier for residents and visitors to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to firearms.

State Permit Required to Purchase?

In Wyoming, there is no state permit required to purchase either long guns or handguns. This means that individuals can buy firearms without having to obtain a specific permit from the state.

Firearm Registration

Wyoming does not require firearm registration. This applies to both long guns and handguns. Therefore, after purchasing a firearm, you are not required to register it with any state agency.

Assault Weapon Law

There are no specific laws in Wyoming that restrict or regulate assault weapons. This means that residents can own and possess assault weapons without any additional restrictions or requirements.

Magazine Capacity Restriction

Wyoming does not have any laws that limit the capacity of a firearm's magazine. This applies to both long guns and handguns.

Owner License Required?

There is no requirement in Wyoming for gun owners to have a license. This applies to both long guns and handguns.

Permit Required for Concealed Carry?

Wyoming is a "shall issue" state for citizens and permanent lawful residents who are 21 years or older. This means that the state must issue a concealed carry permit to any applicant who meets the legal requirements. However, as of July 1, 2011, Wyoming allows permitless carry, meaning that no permit is required to carry a concealed handgun.

Permit Required for Open Carry?

In Wyoming, you may carry a firearm openly without a permit. This applies to both long guns and handguns.

Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground Law

Wyoming has a Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law. This law states that a person who is attacked in any place where they are lawfully present has no duty to retreat before using reasonable defensive force, provided they are not the initial aggressor and are not engaged in illegal activity.

State Preemption of Local Restrictions

Wyoming law preempts any local restrictions on firearms. This means that no city, town, county, or other political subdivision can regulate the sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use, carrying, or possession of firearms, weapons, accessories, components, or ammunition, except as specifically provided by state law.

NFA Weapons Restricted?

Wyoming does not restrict NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons. The Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, passed in 2010, prohibits any government servant from enforcing the NFA if a personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition is owned or manufactured commercially or privately in Wyoming and remains within the borders of Wyoming.

Background Checks Required for Private Sales?

There are no laws in Wyoming that require background checks for private firearm sales. This means that private sellers are not required to conduct a background check on the buyer.

Understanding your state's gun laws is crucial for responsible gun ownership. If you have any questions or concerns about Wyoming's gun laws, consider consulting with a legal professional or your local law enforcement agency.