Act 4 of the First Extraordinary Session of the 1996 Legislature amended and re-enacted R.S. 40:1379.3 providing for the issuance of statewide concealed handgun permits by the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS). Obtaining a CHP in Louisiana requires a 9 hour certification course which covers:

• One hour of instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures of a revolver and semi-automatic pistol;
• One hour of instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting;
• Three hours of instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution which will include a review of R.S. 14:18 through 14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to the use of deadly force;
• One hour of instruction on handgun shooting positions;
• One hour of instruction on child access prevention; and
• Two hours of actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures
  • Live range fire shall include 12 rounds each at 6 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds;
  • Each applicant or permittee must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance;
  • Each applicant or permittee must score 100% hits within the silhouette portion of a NRA B-27 type silhouette target with a least 36 rounds

After completion of the required course, the applicant then sends in the application and required fees & documents. After passing the criminal and medical background check, the applicant will then be issued a permit.

A Louisiana CHP is valid for up to 4 years. When nearing expiration, the permit holder must take a re-certification class to apply for a renewal.