Wyoming State Law Summary

Last updated April 8, 2011

In the publication Gun Laws Matter: A Comparison of State Firearms Laws and Statistics, LCAV ranked each state based on a review of state laws in 25 different firearms-related policy areas. Wyoming ranked 43 out of 50 – having enacted few gun violence prevention laws.

Wyoming does not:

Require a permit to carry a concealed weapon;

Require a background check prior to the transfer of a firearm between private parties;

Prohibit the transfer or possession of assault weapons, 50 caliber rifles or large capacity ammunition magazines;

License firearm owners;

Require the registration of firearms;

Limit the number of firearms that may be purchased at one time;

Impose a waiting period on firearm purchases; or
Regulate unsafe handguns.

Local governments in Wyoming generally lack authority to regulate firearms and ammunition.

Wyoming ranks 12th among the states in number of gun deaths per capita. In 2007, 76 people died from firearm-related injuries in Wyoming. In 2009, Wyoming supplied the 12th highest number of crime guns to other states per capita, and the state exports more crime guns than it imports.

For details about specific firearms laws in Wyoming, choose a topic below.

Overview

State "Right to Bear Arms"

Statistics

Local Authority to Regulate Firearms

State Firearms Policies