The following states have a “Shall Issue” concealed carry law: (This means that in these states, unless someone is disqualified due to criminal history or other legal issues, the governmental body that issues the permit has to issue the applicant a permit. This is in stark contrast to the laws in Iowa where the sheriff can deny you a permit simply because he doesn’t like you due to your political or religious beliefs, the kind of work you do, or the color of the car that you drive.)

Arizona
Washington
Oregon
Nevada
Utah
Idaho
Montana
Wyoming
New Mexico
Texas
Oklahoma
Kansas
Nebraska
South Dakota
North Dakota
Minnesota
Missouri
Arkansas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Tennessee
Kentucky
Indiana
Ohio
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
North Carolina
Georgia
Colorado
Florida
South Carolina
Michigan
Maine
New Hampshire
Virginia
Rhode Island

The following states do not require law abiding citizens to obtain government permission to carry firearms for self-defense:

Vermont
Alaska

The following states have a “May Issue” concealed carry law:

Hawaii
Alabama
California
Iowa
New York
Massachusetts
Connecticut
New Jersey
Delaware
Maryland
District of Columbia

The following states refuse to honor the constitution and this country’s common law heritage and refuse to issue any permits at all:

Wisconsin
Illinois