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Concealed carry is the act of holding and carrying a firearm - usually a handgun - hidden from plain sight while in public. There are no federally regulated concealed carry laws, but 49 states have passed laws granting an individual the right, usually after obtaining a permit from the state. Four states bypass the permit application completely. Alaska, Arizona, Vermont, and Wyoming are considered unrestricted jurisdictions. After Wisconsin passed a shall-issue permit law that took effect in fall of 2011, Illinois exists as the only state without a provision allowing citizens to carry a concealed weapon.

The two most common jurisdictions for concealed carry permits are shall-issue and may-issue. In shall-issue states, the government must issue the concealed carry permit if the individual meets certain criteria. This includes a thorough background check and meeting age and residency requirements. May-issue states put discretion in the government's hand. Local law enforcement authorities can accept or reject the individual's permit application after it has been filed.

Most states publish statistics on demographics for individuals who have been granted a concealed carry permit. It's been found that permit holders are usually men. Some states show an increase in permit holders over time. Once granted, data shows that few permits become revoked.

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