Wyoming State Law Summary

Posted on January 1, 2012

Last updated April 17, 2012

In our publication Gun Laws Matter 2012: Understanding the Link Between Weak Laws and Gun Violence, the Law Center ranked each state based on a review of state laws in 29 different firearms-related policy areas. Wyoming ranked 44th out of 50 – having some of the worst gun violence prevention laws nationwide.

Among other things, Wyoming does not:

Require a background check prior to the transfer of a firearm between unlicensed individuals;
Require firearms dealers to obtain a state license;
Regulate the transfer or possession of assault weapons, 50 caliber rifles, or large capacity ammunition magazines;
Require gun owners to obtain a license, register their firearms, or report lost or stolen firearms;
Require the reporting of mentally ill individuals to the database used for firearm purchaser background checks;
Limit the number of firearms that may be purchased at one time;
Impose a waiting period prior to purchase of a firearm;
Regulate unsafe handguns (“junk guns” or “Saturday night specials”);
Significantly regulate ammunition; or
Allow local governments to regulate firearms.

In addition, in 2011, Wyoming became the fourth state in the nation to allow private citizens to carry concealed firearms in public without a license or permit.

In 2009, Wyoming had the highest rate of gun deaths per capita among the states. 96 people died from firearm-related injuries in Wyoming in that year. In addition, based on data published by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, in 2009, Wyoming supplied the 12th highest number of crime guns to other states per capita, and the state exports crime guns at more than three times the rate at which it imports them.