Wyoming is a firearm friendly state. If you are traveling from state to state and carrying, you need to know the situation in each state you are entering or you could get into trouble. For certain states or if you have any doubt at all, keeping moving through the state (reference the McClure-Volkmer Act to only stop for gas and emergencies) towards your final destination state. Your destination state must have acceptable laws for your stay. We make some generalities with our color map here for ease of use so you should always look up the current details of the laws. Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. You can also download an easy to print version with all states and details.
Wyoming Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license necessary
Consistency of laws: uniform throughout state
Self-defense: castle doctrine
Open carry: unrestricted
Concealed carry: shall issue state, permits accepted from some other states
Vehicle carry handguns: loaded in plain view or in cases anywhere in vehicle, concealed only with permit
Vehicle carry long guns: loaded in plain view or in cases anywhere in vehicle, never to be concealed
Official source information
Wyoming Statutes 6-8
Wyoming Statutes
Wyoming Legislature
Wyoming State Home Page
Do you have any experiences in Wyoming that you care to share with other travelers?
My mother purchased a .22 mag pistol and it comes with a case. Is it legal for her to travel with it in the case?
I am planning a wilderness trip for the spring of 2011, I plan on bringing my SW 357M with me. Do i need to apply for a permit to carry openly in Wyoming?
NO. Any gun (long or handgun) can be OPENLY carried in Wyoming (with exception of Federal Buildings, Schools ECT)
As long as you are legal to own and posses firearms that is
I’m planning a trip to Yellowstone in September and want to take along my 1911, and a shotgun.What are the lawes in Yellowstone and Wyoming that apply, I’m traveling from LosAngeles
Wyoming has an “open carry rule” meaning, you can carry ANY firearm as long as it stays in plain view. You can however carry concealed if you posses a CCW badge. (not sure if wyoming honors California) As far as Yellowstone, check the Park’s site. Some areas might require your guns be cased and not in the cab while inside the park.
You can carry your handgun in your car or truck, loaded or unloaded anywhere in the vehicle. The Castle Law is the same for your vehicle as your home.
can non-residents carry open in the state. like while driving through?
I have recently moved to Wyoming from California. As of 01/01/2011 there are NO i repeat NO laws in the state of Wyoming regarding Open Carry. You may legally OC anywhere in the state except for FEDERALLY SENSITIVE AREAS, (Schools, Post Office, Federal Buildings etc.). These are the only exceptions and they are Federal Laws, Not state laws. Concealed Carry requires a permit. Wyoming does recognize some state permits, however California is not one of them. If you are going to Yellowstone, Idaho and Montana both do recognize California Permits, but Wyoming does NOT. (Because California can issue a permit to a person with a misdemeanor drug conviction and Wyoming will not). You do have to respect Private Property and if it is posted or you are asked to leave, you must not carry a firearm on that property. Please review the laws for yourself as I am not qualified to give legal advise and this post is not to be considered as such.
what are the magazine capacity laws in Wyoming?
to xdguy Wyoming gun law as far as vehicle carry is not like your home you may not carry a loaded uncased firearm out of sight without a concealed carry permit (Until July 1, 2011, at that time Wyoming legal residents can without a permit). Colorado last time I checked sees your vehicle as the same as your home.
your info is not correct sir, CCW is only for your person, so if someone is in his, or her car, as long as its not on them, they may have it anywhere in there car, yes even under the seat. I have my CCW and know the training I have received, I also carried without one and had been stopped and never had a problem with it under my seat and even telling a officer!
I live in Ca, but I will be driving to many national parks in Utah, Wyoming and Arizona. I will be there to do a lot of photography, but I am concerned about bears, mountain Lions, Cougars and snakes. I would like to carry my 357 for protection.Should I put the 357 on a belt holster…or can I conceal it in my camera bag so as not to upset any tourists. Most likely, I would not need the 357…but you never know
So, if I’ve traveling from Montana which recognizes my CWP and I enter Wyoming en-route to Yellowstone National Park and have to stop for gas; do I need to disassemble my firearm or can I tuck my shirt in and carry openly while pumping and paying for my gas?
I am a CA resident and flying from CA to WY and return. I have a registered handgun but not a carry permit. TSA says an unloaded handgun can be in checked baggage. But what do I do once I get to WY? Is it legal to carry it unloaded in my baggage to my lodge?
PS: I will be in Grand Teton PArk.
@Chyrs, Concealed is on ” your person “, I have lived here my whole life, if you look at the Castle Doctrine it is clear. If someone can have a firearm in there home anyway the want.
Then they can in there vehicle. With a CCW permit it also gives you the option to carry. I have had all of a NRA instructor to the Police, Sheriff and Highway Patrol confirm this, also you can look at each state and its laws and it is clear that you can carry a handgun loaded, or unloaded anywhere in your vehicle, without a Permit! If its on your person in the vehicle then you would need a CCW permit.