Eligibility Requirements for Gun Ownership
Wyoming follows federal laws that prohibit possession for people that are:
- Convicted of any felony in any state, territory or other jurisdiction of the United States;
- Currently adjudicated to be legally incompetent; or
- Has been committed to a mental institution.
Age Requirements for Gun Ownership and Purchase
In Wyoming, the minimum age to purchase and possess a firearm is 21 for handguns and 18 for rifles or shotguns.
Background Check Process
Only licensed dealers are required to conduct background checks on gun buyers in Wyoming.
Since Wyoming is not a National Instant Criminal Background Check System(NICS) point-of-contact state, all background checks are handled directly by the FBI using only federal records.
How to Sell a Gun in Wyoming
Selling a gun in Wyoming is straightforward. As long as the buyer is eligible, the transaction is lawful.
You can check out the eligibility section in this article to see which buyers are prohibited. If you want a more detailed guide, you can check how to sell a gun in Wyoming.
Types of Firearms Regulated in Wyoming
There are no prohibited firearms in Wyoming state law. Federal rules (namely NFA ones) still apply, however.
Open Carry Regulations
Open carry is allowed in Wyoming without the need for a permit or license.
Concealed Carry Laws
As long as you meet the qualifications for a concealed carry permit in Wyoming, you can carry without one thanks to the state’s permitless carry law.
However, obtaining a permit still has advantages, such as the ability to concealed carry in reciprocal states. Wyoming permits are valid for 5 years and can be revoked or suspended by the state.
There are still restrictions: concealed carry is prohibited in schools, bars, detention facilities, courtrooms, government meetings, law enforcement facilities (without consent), athletic events, and other areas restricted by federal or state law.
Wyoming CCW Reciprocity
Wyoming has reciprocity with 36 states, including Texas, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and Iowa. However, some states impose restrictions.
Firearm Registration Guidelines
It is not required to register your firearms in Wyoming. As of 2024, government entities are also prohibited from keeping records of both privately owned firearms and their owners.
Red Flag Laws
Wyoming has no red flag laws.
Wyoming Gun Laws in Car
You can carry firearms in a vehicle without a permit or license in Wyoming.
Wyoming Gun Storage Laws
Wyoming does not require guns to be stored in a certain way.
Wyoming Self Defense Laws
Wyoming’s stand-your-ground law allows individuals to use lethal force without retreating if they face imminent danger. This is as long as their presence in the area is lawful and they’re not the aggressors.
Recent Legislative Changes in Wyoming Gun Laws
The recent change to Wyoming’s gun laws is WY House Bill 109, which was passed on March 22, 2024. It prohibits the enforcement of red flag gun seizures in the state, bans government entities from enforcing such laws, and allows residents to sue for violations.