In your car/home, you can have your gun loaded/unloaded/on you/openly visible/concealed, etc. without a GWL. Step out of the car and you need a GWL to carry it at all.
I hang mine from a gold chain on the rear view mirror.
All kidding aside, if you do not have a GWL, and are legally allowed to own a gun then you may carry it any way you wish in your home, car, and place of business.