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).
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.
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.