Which of the following best defines a reciprocity agreement?

• A. An informal written agreement between states
• B. A formal written agreement between two states that says they will mutually honor the other's handgun permit
• C. A federal mandate on handgun permits
• D. A local policy

Answer: (B)

Reciprocity agreements are formal written pacts between states to mutually recognize and honor each other’s handgun permits. This means that if one state issues a permit, another state agrees to recognize that permit as valid for carry within its borders, and vice versa, as long as the permits meet each state’s requirements. The emphasis is on interstate, mutual recognition and the formal, written nature of the agreement, not on informal understandings, federal mandates, or local policies. For example, a permit from your state may be honored in another state that has signed a reciprocity agreement, allowing you to carry there under that state's laws.