Weapons Carry License

Georgia's Constitution protects the right to bear arms but this does not mean everyone may carry a gun, or that guns may be carried everywhere. Georgia requires a license to openly carry a weapon, or to carry a concealed weapon on (or near) your body. The Burke County Probate Court issues firearms licenses to county residents 21 and older.

The information below are FAQs. Additional information and questions can be answered by the Burke County Probate Court (burkecountyprobate.com)

A license to carry authorizes a person to carry a handgun openly or in certain concealed positions. These include:

In a shoulder or waist belt holster
Hip grip, or similar device
Handbag or purse
Attaché case, briefcase, or other closed container

To apply for a Weapons Carry License, you must be 21 years old or older, unless you are 18 or older and provide proof you have completed basic training in the armed forces of the United States and can provide proof you are actively serving in the armed forces of the United States or have been honorably discharged from such service, and you must be a legal resident of Burke County.

Requirements - All Applicants

Must be 21 years of age
Must be a resident of Burke County
Must present a picture identification including applicant's physical address
Must be prepared to be photographed without hat or glasses

Proof of residency is required and the Probate Court will accept your driver's license if it has your correct Burke County address. Burke County will ONLY accept a valid Georgia Drivers License or State Issued ID as proof of residency. No other alternate forms of proof of address are accepted here.

Military personnel 18-20 years old may apply for a weapons carry license if adequate proof of the following is provided to the court: that you have completed basic training, that you are actively serving in the armed forces of the United States or that you have been honorably discharged from such service.

Foreign nationals must have INS resident card. If you are a naturalized US citizen, you should bring your naturalization papers.

Applications are to be completed online at Weapons Carry Application (georgiaprobaterecords.com). Once the application is completed, you are to contact the Burke County Probate Court to schedule an appointment to complete your process in person.

Renewal Applicants

To keep your permit current, you must apply for a new permit every five years. Applications are to be completed online at Weapons Carry Application (georgiaprobaterecords.com). Once the application is completed, you are to contact the Burke County Probate Court to schedule an appointment to complete your process in person. Please bring your current permit along with your valid driver's license during your appointment. Your driver's license should reflect your correct Burke County address. If it does not show your correct address, please contact the Burke County Probate Court for additional information.

If you have a current Gun Permit, you may come in 90 days before your expiration date but no later than 30 days after your expiration date to renew your Gun Permit at a reduced fee (see below for fees).

Applicants can expect to of the status of their licenses in approximately three weeks unless something comes back on their background check.

Fees

The Probate Court accepts cash and checks only.

Probate Court Fee (required fees for both new and renewal applications inludes costs for fingerprinting)

Burke County Probate Court New Applicant - $84.75

Burke County Probate Court Fee for Renewal Applicant - $45.00

Replacement permits cost $21.00

Replacement Permits

To request a replacement permit, you will be required to provide your Driver's License. You will fill out an affidavit explaining what happened to your permit, (ex. lost, stolen). The fee for a replacement permit is $21.00. The replacement license will be the same type license it is replacing. For example, if the license you lost was the older laminated style, that is the replacement you will receive. For further questions, please speak with a representative of the Burke County Probate Court.

Reciprocity

Georgia firearms permit holders should familiarize themselves with the individual requirements and limitations on firearms permits in any of the reciprocating states where they wish to exercise their rights under this reciprocity program. Georgia currently reciprocates in recognizing firearms licenses with the following states. Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.