Georgia Weapons Carry License

On April 12, 2022, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) and a firearm license reciprocity measure with several other states (HB 218) into law. From the date of its signing, the law no longer requires residents of Georgia who legally own firearms to file for a separate license to carry their weapons concealed.  Based on this law to bypass the licensure requirement for Georgia residents, is it still worth the time, money, and effort to secure a Georgia Weapons Carry License.  The firearm instructors at Phase2 Advantage advise their students that the answer to this question is “yes,” for many reasons. above and beyond those offered by the Chatham County Georgia Probate Court.

1. Confirmation that you ARE a “Lawful Weapons Carrier.”  This is especially important during routine matters such as traffic stops by law enforcement agencies.  A “lawful weapon carrier” (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-125.1) means any person who is not prohibited by law from possessing a weapon or long gun.  It’s in your benefit when law enforcement approaches your vehicle and learns you’re one of the “good citizens.”
2. Purchasing Firearms from a Licensed Dealer.  In many cases, license holders can use their licenses in lieu of lengthy background checks (O.C.G.A. §16-11-172).
3. Reciprocity for Travel.  In our opinion, one of the most important reasons to possess the license.  Georgia has “reciprocity” (mutual carry agreements) with 32 states. If you’re a holder of a license in Georgia you can legally carry concealed in that state as well.  In our line of work, such as Protective Service consulting, this would prevent the consultant from being selected as a candidate for the assignment.  That does not bode well for employment opportunities.