Wyoming Knife Laws

At a Glance:

Wyoming law provides that it is an offense to wear or carry a “concealed deadly weapon” unless one possesses a valid weapon permit or is otherwise eligible to hold a weapon permit. In general, persons at least 21 and not convicted of a violent crime or drug offense are eligible.

The statutory definition of a “deadly weapon” does not mention knives but does include an instrument “which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is reasonably capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.”

Relevant Statutes:

6–1–104. Definitions
(iv) “Deadly weapon” means but is not limited to a firearm, explosive or incendiary material, motorized vehicle, an animal or other device, instrument, material or substance, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is reasonably capable of producing death or serious bodily injury;
6-5-209. Taking deadly weapons into jails, penal institutions, mental hospitals or courtrooms; penalties
6-8-103. Possession, manufacture or disposition of deadly weapon with unlawful intent; penalties
6-8-104. Wearing or carrying concealed weapons; penalties; exceptions; permits
6-8-401. Firearm, weapon and ammunition regulation and prohibition by state

Restricted Knives:

There are no restricted or prohibited knives.

Concealed Carry:

Concealed carry is not an issue for persons at least 21 and not ineligible to hold a weapon permit. (See discussion below.)

Restrictions on Sale or Transfer:

A person who knowingly possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs or sells a deadly weapon with intent to unlawfully threaten the life or physical well-being of another or to commit an assault or inflict bodily injury on another is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or both. § 6-8-103.

Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations/Circumstances:

There are restrictions for Court facilities, jails, mental health, and correctional facilities.

Statewide Preemption:

Yes, § 6-8-401 provides in pertinent part:

(c) The sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use and possession of firearms, weapons and ammunition shall be authorized, regulated and prohibited by the state, and regulation thereof is preempted by the state. (underling supplied)

 Discussion:

Concealed Carry Eligibility

Wyoming concealed carry statute, § 6-8-104 (a), exempts from the prohibition:

1. ‘Peace Officers’,
2. Persons holding a valid Wyoming weapon permit
3. Persons holding a weapon permit issued by a governmental agency or another state with weapon permit reciprocity, or
4. A person who does not hold a weapon permit but is otherwise eligible to hold a permit under Wyoming law.

The criteria for permit eligibility are set forth at § 6-8-104 (b). One must be a U.S. resident and a resident of Wyoming for at least 6 months. Accordingly, persons from another state visiting Wyoming or relocating to Wyoming are not exempted unless they hold a permit issued by another state.

Persons convicted of certain crimes or who have been the subject of legal intervention for drug or alcohol abuse are also ineligible.

Every Day Carry

Wyoming law does not stigmatize knives by type or size.  Law-abiding adults in the state may select and carry such a knife as they believe suitable. Persons under the age of 21 should recognize that a concealed knife is subject to being considered a ‘dangerous weapon’ and proceed accordingly. A first offense violation of § 6-8-104, the concealed carry statute, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $750 and/or confinement in a county jail for not more than 6 months.

Updated December 11, 2019, by Daniel C. Lawson