When it comes to owning or carrying knives in Georgia, it’s essential to understand the legal regulations surrounding them.
While Georgia has relatively relaxed knife laws compared to other states, there are still important restrictions concerning the types of knives you can carry, where you can carry them, and what the legal consequences are for violations.
This guide will break down Georgia’s knife laws, providing clarity on what is permissible and what is not.
Legal Definition of a Knife in Georgia
Georgia law defines a knife as any cutting instrument that has a blade longer than 12 inches. This definition includes a variety of knives such as Bowie knives, daggers, switchblades, and other sharp-edged weapons. The length of the blade is a significant factor in determining whether or not a knife is legal to carry.
Are Knives Legal in Georgia?
Yes, knives are legal in Georgia, but there are a few conditions that must be met to carry them legally. While the state does not impose heavy restrictions on owning knives, there are limitations on how and where they can be carried, depending on the knife’s size and the circumstances.
Types of Knives Legal to Own in Georgia
Most knives are legal to own in Georgia. This includes various types of blades, such as:
Bowie Knives – Legal to own
Daggers and Dirks – Legal to own
Stilettos and Switchblades – Legal to own
Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) – Legal to own
Gravity Knives – Legal to own
Knives with Brass Knuckles (Knuckle Knives) – Legal to own
Throwing Knives, Stars, and Tomahawks – Legal to own
Blade Length Restrictions
While most knives can be owned freely, if the blade is over 12 inches long, you must have a Weapons Carry License (WCL) to legally carry it in public. Without a WCL, carrying a knife with a blade longer than 12 inches can lead to legal issues.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry Laws in Georgia
Open Carry: In Georgia, there are no restrictions on openly carrying a knife with a blade under 12 inches. This means that you can carry a knife visibly without any legal trouble, as long as the blade is within the legal length limit.
Concealed Carry: If the blade of your knife is under 12 inches, you do not need a permit to carry it concealed. However, if the blade is over 12 inches, you must possess a Weapons Carry License (WCL) to carry it concealed legally.
Where You Cannot Carry a Knife in Georgia
Despite Georgia’s lenient knife laws, there are certain locations where carrying a knife—regardless of its blade length—is prohibited. These include:
Government Buildings – Including state, federal, or municipal offices
Schools and Educational Institutions – This includes K-12 schools, universities, and colleges
Airports – Carrying knives beyond security checkpoints is prohibited
Jails and Prisons – Knives are banned from detention and correctional facilities
Courthouses – Carrying a knife in a courtroom is illegal
Private Property with Posted Restrictions – Property owners have the right to ban knives on their premises
Violating these restrictions can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the situation.
Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) for Knives
To carry a knife with a blade longer than 12 inches, you need a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL). To be eligible for a WCL, you must:
Be at least 21 years old (18 if you are in the military)
Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Have no felony convictions or pending criminal charges
Pass a background check
The application for a WCL involves submitting paperwork to the local probate court and paying a fee. Once you receive the license, you can carry both firearms and knives over the legal blade length.
Knives and Self-Defense in Georgia
Georgia operates under a Stand Your Ground law, which means you do not have a duty to retreat if you are in a lawful location and face an imminent threat. Knives can be used for self-defense in Georgia, but it’s important that the force you use is considered reasonable under the circumstances.
Using a knife in self-defense can lead to legal scrutiny. If the force used is excessive or if the situation is deemed inappropriate, you could face charges, including assault with a deadly weapon.
Penalties for Violating Knife Laws in Georgia
Violating Georgia’s knife laws can result in significant legal consequences, depending on the offense:
Carrying a knife over 12 inches without a WCL: Misdemeanor, punishable by fines or jail time
Carrying a knife in a restricted area: Felony, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison
Using a knife in a crime: Can lead to felony charges, including imprisonment
Local Georgia Knife Laws
While state law governs the majority of knife regulations, local cities and counties may impose additional restrictions. For example:
Atlanta: Some public buildings prohibit all knives, even those under 12 inches in length.
Savannah: Has additional restrictions on carrying knives in parks and recreational areas.
Before carrying a knife in any specific local area, it is recommended that you check the city or county’s regulations to avoid unintended violations.
Knife Laws for Minors in Georgia
Minors (under the age of 18) in Georgia are allowed to own and carry knives, but there are some restrictions:
Knives with blades under 12 inches: Legal for minors to carry without restrictions.
Knives with blades over 12 inches: Illegal for minors to carry without adult supervision or a Weapons Carry License.
Additionally, selling or providing a knife to a minor can be considered a misdemeanor offense.
Georgia’s knife laws are relatively permissive, allowing most individuals to own and carry various types of knives. However, it is essential to understand the restrictions, such as blade length limits, restricted areas, and the requirement for a Weapons Carry License for knives with blades over 12 inches.
Being aware of these laws ensures responsible ownership and prevents unnecessary legal complications.
