Yes, we will do a national criminal history check on you, as well as local background checks.

Approximately 4-6 weeks.

There are many people who cannot obtain a pistol license. Most of these people are prohibited because of certain State and Federal laws. All the laws concerned in this question are contained in the Alabama State Code and in the Gun Control Act of 1968 as amended. The people who cannot obtain a pistol license are as follows:

1. No person who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit a crime of violence. This is defined as “murder, manslaughter, rape, mayhem, assault with intent to rob, assault with the intent to ravish, assault with intent to murder, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, felony theft, and domestic violence.”
2. No person who is a drug addict
3. No person who is a habitual drunkard
4. No person convicted of a felony
5. No person discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions
6. No person who has been adjudged by a court as mentally incompetent
7. No person who has renounced their US Citizenship
8. No person who is an illegal alien or unlawfully in the United States
9. No person who has been convicted of an offense involving firearms
10. No person who has been convicted of an offense involving explosives
11. No person who is not deemed suitable or proper by the Sheriff’s Office
12. No person who has been convicted of a crime of domestic violence

A license will not be issued to anyone under the age of 21.

Yes

The license is valid within Alabama for all counties.

The license you are issued by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is valid in the State of Alabama. Several states recognize the Alabama license; however, for state specific laws concerning the possession and concealment of firearms, it is necessary for you to contact authorities in the state in which you plan to travel or visit. Links to states that recognize the Alabama license are provided on the main page for pistol permits on this website.

No, you may not except under the following conditions:

1. A person permitted by law to possess a pistol may, without a license, carry a pistol in a vehicle unloaded and in a secure wrapper from the place of purchase to his home or business.
2. A person permitted by law to possess a pistol may, without a license, carry a pistol in a vehicle unloaded and in a secure wrapper to and from his home or place of business.
3. A person permitted by law to possess a pistol may, without a license, carry a pistol in a vehicle unloaded and in a secure wrapper when moving from one place of abode or business to another.

Yes. The Alabama State Code states that pistol licenses are valid for only one year from date of issuance.

There are currently two options:

1. You may come into the Sheriff’s Office in the Madison County Courthouse, Room 206 and renew it in person
2. You may mail your renewal request and payment to:

Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Gun Permits
100 Northside Sq., Rm 206
Huntsville, AL 35801

If you choose to renew by mail, please include the following:

a. Photocopy of your driver's license

b. Photocopy of current permit

c. Payment for the renewal made out to "Madison County Sheriff"

Also, there is currently no way to renew online. We apologize for this inconvenience and will be working toward that option in the future.

The paper permit is $10.00. We do offer an optional photo identification card for an additional $10.00.

We accept cash, checks, or money orders. We do not process payments from debit or credit cards at this time.

Departmental policy is that you establish residency in this county six (6) months in order to qualify for a license and satisfy the question that you are, in fact, a bona fide resident.

No. This license only allows you to carry a pistol concealed.

You may keep a pistol in or home or on your private property without a pistol license.

Yes. You may be arrested and prosecuted under Alabama State Code Title 13A-11-70 thru 84.

No. The Gun Control Act states that no one convicted of a felony may possess firearms, regardless if the conviction occurred before or after October 22, 1968.

Please check the status of your application at http://jail.madisoncountyal.gov/permits/ . Once your permit status changes to "Approved", please return to our office in Room 206 of the Courthouse with a valid Driver's License so we may issue your permit.