Concealed carry on Federal property? Here is what you need to know…
If you have a license or permit to carry a handgun issued by your home state, the license or permit does not give you any rights to carry onto federal property or inside federal facilities. One difference between federal law and state carry law is how the terms property, premises, buildings, and facilities are used. Under federal law, a person is generally prohibited from carrying on federal property (think grounds, parking lots, and sidewalks) and at federal facilities (think buildings).
Carrying at Veterans Affairs Hospitals and Post Offices
The major places we see good people get into trouble are Veterans Affairs hospitals and the United States Post Offices. As you may know, you are generally prohibited from carrying a firearm into one of these facilities, but did you know that prohibition extends to the parking lot? Even a firearm inside of your vehicle at these locations is almost always a violation of the law.
Carrying at National Parks
National parks are a little bit different. Generally, federal law allows the possession of a firearm in a national park, so long as you are not prohibited from possessing a firearm and the possession is done in compliance with the law in the state in which the national park is located. However, just like the other federal facilities we’ve discussed, you cannot bring a firearm into any federal buildings—including: ranger stations, museums, exhibits, and restrooms.
We hope you found this quick refresher helpful, but if you have any questions about carrying legally, call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.
The information provided in this presentation is intended to provide general information to individuals and is not legal advice. The information included in this publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication without the prior written consent of U.S. LawShield, to be given or withheld at our discretion. The information is not a substitute for, and does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. We strive to ensure the information included in this publication is accurate and current, however, no claim is made to the accuracy of the information and we are not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of information in this publication. The use of this publication does not create an attorney-client relationship between U.S. LawShield, any independent program attorney, and any individual.
That’s what I figured.
They passed the law that you can carry on federal parking lot but not inside the building ,is this correct?
what if I lock it up like I do when I travel into or through California
A little off-topic. We know we are not permitted to carry a firearm onto school property. Is it ok to carry while in your vehicle and dropping a student off, so long as you remain in your vehicle? Instances, where I see this necessary, would be if you are not returning home because you are en route to work/shopping, otherwise, how would you be able to have your forearm with you the rest of the day?
Question: Is it lawful to keep loaded firearm in the glove compartment in a parted car at a national park facility? Does it needs to be locked in the glove compartment if it is lawful.
It would be difficult to avoid doing that if you go visit a national park carrying. There would be no place to keep the firearm if that is not allowed. It would be kind of moot to allow carrying into national park if you can’t keep the firearm in a parked car at one of these stations since you’re almost certain to visit them during a visit to the park.
Mike Thiess, you can carry on part of the school property. They use the word premises. And I quote… “3) “Premises” means a building or a portion of a building. The term does not include any public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area.”
That is, if you are licensed to carry.
I’m a veteran using the VA health care system. I am also a licensed carry card/gun owner (LTC). If I can’t carry my firearm on the property of the VA PERIOD, not even the parking lot. What do I do with my firearm after driving over 50 miles to get there???? I guess that’s a question for my local attorney through TLS (Texas Law Shield)