Best Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permit (2026)
For the most reciprocity per dollar, Arizona ($60, ~38 states, about $12/year) and Florida (~$97 but valid 7 years, ~37 states, and the loosest training requirement) are the best non-resident permits. Utah remains popular but now costs more per year and requires a Utah-certified class.
Verified July 2026. Reciprocity agreements change frequently — always confirm each permit's current honored-states list with the issuing state before you travel.
| Permit | Initial | Renewal | Valid | Honored by | Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $60 | $43 | 5 yr | ~38 states | State-approved safety course |
| Florida | ~$97 | ~$87 | 7 yr | ~37 states | Broad — accepts many proficiency certs |
| Utah | $87 | $50 | 5 yr | ~37 states | Utah-BCI-certified class required |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100 | 5 yr | Few states | None required |
| Maine | $80 | $80 | 4 yr | Few states | In-person safety course |
Best value per state-covered-per-year: Arizona, then Florida. New Hampshire and Maine non-resident licenses are honored by few states, so they're poor choices for a travel/reciprocity permit.
Which should you get?
- Cheapest broad coverage: Arizona — $60, ~38 states, no state-specific class beyond an approved safety course.
- Longest validity / easiest training: Florida — 7 years (lowest annualized cost) and accepts many existing proficiency certs.
- The classic add-on: Utah — still widely held, but now $87 with a required Utah-BCI-certified class.
- Skip for travel: New Hampshire and Maine non-resident licenses — honored by too few states to be worth it for reciprocity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best non-resident concealed carry permit?
For broad, cheap coverage, Arizona ($60, ~38 states, $12/year) and Florida (~$97 but valid 7 years, ~37 states, loosest training rules) are the two best values. Utah is the classic add-on permit but now costs more per year and requires a Utah-certified class specifically.
Why get a non-resident permit if my state has permitless carry?
Reciprocity. A non-resident permit from Utah, Florida, or Arizona is honored by ~37–38 states, letting you legally carry when you travel. Permitless carry only covers you inside states that allow it.
Which non-resident permit has the easiest training requirement?
Florida accepts a wide range of firearms-proficiency certificates rather than a state-specific class, making it the easiest to qualify for. Utah requires a Utah-BCI-certified instructor's course specifically; New Hampshire's non-resident license requires no training at all but is honored by few states.