Reciprocity Refresh: How to Check Before Every Trip in 90 Seconds


As we get ready for travel during the holiday season, let's refresh our understanding of the rules and laws governing the transport and carry of firearms across the U.S.

Permitless carry at home doesn’t magically follow you across state lines. Reciprocity is a patchwork, and the rules shift. Before you toss a pistol in the car or check a hard case at the airport, run this quick check so your road trip doesn’t turn into a civics lesson you can’t afford.

Before we continue, know that we DO NOT provide legal advice. This article reflects our personal opinion and understanding of current laws. Laws change. Always verify with official state sources before you travel.

The 90-Second Pre-Trip Workflow

  1. Pull up a current reciprocity map.
    Open the USCCA reciprocity tool, select your permit(s), and add every state on your route. Note which states honor your permit and which don’t. Screenshot it for the glove box. USCCA

  2. Verify with official state pages.
    Click through to the official site for any state you’re entering. Example: Florida carriers can confirm recognition on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reciprocity page and PDF list. Florida Department of Agriculture

  3. Spot the gotchas.
    Even when a state honors your permit, you still must obey that state’s carry rules: places off-limits, duty-to-inform, magazine or signage rules, vehicle carry quirks, and sensitive-place restrictions. Aggregators like Handgunlaw.us maintain quick references, but treat them as a second opinion after the state site. handgunlaw.us

  4. Flying? Lock it down.
    If you’re traveling by air, confirm TSA’s rules: unloaded, locked hard-sided case, checked baggage only, declare to the airline. Then check your airline’s page for any extra quirks. Do not wing this. TSA fines aren’t collectible souvenirs. Transportation Security Administration

That’s the whole dance. Two tabs, one screenshot, no drama.

What “Reciprocity” Actually Means

Reciprocity means State B recognizes your carry permit from State A. That recognition can be reciprocal, unilateral, or nonexistent, and it changes. Texas DPS, for example, posts each state’s status and notes updates when recognition shifts.

Florida carriers: FDACS maintains the official recognition list and PDF. It’s the straight-from-the-horse source you should reference before you drive.

Keep in mind that the map you saved last year might be wrong today. Check the official page every trip.

Quick Examples You’ll Actually Run Into

  • You have a Florida CWL and you’re driving FL → GA → TN:
    Use the USCCA map to confirm recognition, then verify on FDACS and each destination’s state page. Both Georgia and Tennessee recognize a valid Florida CWL, but you still follow their off-limits lists and vehicle carry rules once you cross the line.

  • You have a Texas LTC and you’re flying to a match:
    Check Texas DPS reciprocity to see which states honor your LTC. Then follow TSA’s firearm transport rules and your airline’s baggage page to avoid a lobby spectacle at check-in.

Five Things That Trip Up Otherwise Smart People

  1. Assuming permitless carry equals universal carry.
    Recognition of your permit is not the same as recognition of your state’s permitless policy. Many states only honor licensed carry from specific states. Check the map and the state site.

  2. Ignoring “duty to inform.”
    Some states require you to inform an officer you’re armed during a stop; others don’t. That’s not a suggestion. Verify on the state’s page or a reputable summary.

  3. Missing private-property and signage rules.
    In some states, certain signs carry the force of law. That cute “no guns” sticker might be legally binding. Yes, really. Check the destination state’s guidance.

  4. Forgetting airport rules.
    Firearms in carry-on bags are illegal. TSA sees thousands a year, mostly loaded. Unloaded, locked case, checked bag, declared. End of story.

  5. Not saving proof.
    Screenshot the reciprocity result and the state page with the date. If someone challenges you, having the state’s own page in your photos beats “my buddy said.”

One-Page Travel Checklist (print this)

  • USCCA reciprocity map screenshot for your route. USCCA

  • Official state reciprocity page for your destination saved to your phone. Florida Department of Agriculture

  • Off-limits list and duty-to-inform rules verified (state page or Handgunlaw.us cross-check). handgunlaw.us

  • For flights: TSA rules and your airline’s firearms page reviewed; unloaded firearm in a locked hard case; ammo packed per airline policy; declare at counter. Transportation Security Administration

  • Copies of your permit(s), ID, and any proof of training in your range wallet.

Bottom Line

Don’t rely on last year’s memory or your cousin’s Facebook post. Two minutes with a reciprocity map and the official state site keeps you legal, calm, and on schedule.

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Sources

  • National reciprocity tool: USCCA Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws by State. USCCA

  • Florida official reciprocity: FDACS Concealed Weapon License Reciprocity page and PDF list. Florida Department of Agriculture

  • Texas official reciprocity: Texas DPS Handgun Licensing reciprocity information and FAQs. Texas Department of Public Safety

  • Aggregated state rules: Handgunlaw.us (reciprocity maps and FAQs; use to cross-check against official pages). handgunlaw.us

  • Air travel with firearms: TSA transporting firearms guidance; TSA “What Can I Bring” firearms page; example airline policy page. Transportation Security Administration

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