Is a California Resident Permit Valid in Wyoming?

Why

• California is not on Wyoming's official reciprocity list.
• Wyoming allows permitless carry, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.

Statutory test, not a closed list: Wyoming honors an out-of-state permit if (1) the issuing state recognizes Wyoming permits and (2) the permit is valid statewide in the issuing state — holder residency in the issuing state is not required, so qualifying non-resident permits count. DCI publishes the 35-state list above 'for convenience only... this listing has no legal effect.' Largely academic for most visitors: permitless carry already covers any US resident who may lawfully possess a firearm.

Carry rules in Wyoming

Recognition is only half the question. Once you're inside Wyoming, its carry rules apply to you exactly as they do to locals.

• No proactive duty to inform. Permit holders must carry the permit with valid ID whenever carrying concealed and display both upon request of any peace officer (W.S. 6-8-104(b)).
• Wyoming sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Wyoming allows permitless concealed carry for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Permitless carry extends to vehicles — any US resident who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry a loaded handgun concealed in a vehicle without a permit.

Off-limits places in Wyoming

• Law enforcement facilities, without the chief administrator's written consent (W.S. 6-8-104(t))
• Detention facilities, prisons and jails
• Courtrooms (unless authorized by the judge)
• Portions of establishments primarily devoted to dispensing alcohol for on-premises consumption
• K-12 school and public college/university facilities — opened in 2025 ONLY to holders of Wyoming-issued CFPs (W.S. 6-8-105(c), HB0172); out-of-state permit holders and permitless carriers remain prohibited
• Places where firearms are prohibited by federal law

Frequently asked questions

Is a California resident permit valid in Wyoming?

Wyoming says no to the permit and yes to permitless carry. Your California resident permit carries no legal weight there, but eligible adults may carry concealed without one.

Do I have to tell police in Wyoming that I am carrying?

No proactive duty to inform. Permit holders must carry the permit with valid ID whenever carrying concealed and display both upon request of any peace officer (W.S. 6-8-104(b)).

Does Wyoming limit magazine capacity?

Wyoming sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Wyoming without any permit?

Wyoming allows permitless concealed carry for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Where does Wyoming publish its official reciprocity list?

Wyoming publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.