According to Article 1, Section 1, paragraph VIII of the Georgia Constitution, a person has the right to keep and bear arms.  However, the Georgia general assembly has reserved the right to prescribe the manner in which arms may be borne.  A Georgia permit is not required to purchase rifles, handguns, shotguns or long guns.

When a person purchase a handgun an instant criminal history background check is conducted and approved by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.  Following details are required during the background check: one photo identification, name, birth date, gender, race, social security or other identification number of such potential buyer or transferee.  A fee is collected to cover the cost of the background check.  When purchasing a firearm the actual buyer should take delivery of the firearm.  Under the official code of Georgia Section 16-11-113, it is a felony to solicit, persuade, encourage, or entice any dealer to transfer or convey a firearm to a person other than the actual buyer.  Even, intentionally aiding or abetting a dealer to transfer or convey a firearm to a person other than the actual buyer is a felony.

The main government office that deals with issues relating to firearms is:

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

P.O. Box 370748

Decatur, Georgia 30037-0748

Phone: (404) 244-2501

Georgia Attorney General

40 Capitol Square, SW

Atlanta, Georgia 30334-1300

Phone: 404-656-3300