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Nevada Concealed Carry Laws |
Nevada operates as a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits, issued at the county level.
No permit or firearms registration is required for purchasing handguns from private individuals in Nevada. Since January 2, 2020, all sales must be processed through a licensed federal firearms dealer with a background check, excluding temporary transfers and transfers between immediate family members.
Open carry is legal throughout Nevada without a permit for anyone 18 years or older who can legally possess a firearm. Firearms can be openly carried in most places except where specifically prohibited, such as on school premises and areas where legislative business is conducted. Open carry is allowed in more places compared to concealed carry.
Residents and non-residents with recognized out-of-state permits can legally carry concealed firearms in Nevada. Applicants must be 21 years old (18 for military), complete an approved firearm safety course, and demonstrate handgun proficiency. Certain areas like school premises and public airports are off-limits for concealed carry.
Nevada recognizes permits from other states that meet specific criteria, which are listed on the state's official website.
- Resistance by Party About to Be Injured: Individuals may resist an offense against themselves, their family, or their property.
- Resistance by Other Persons: Others may intervene to prevent harm to someone else.
Homicide is justified in self-defense, defense of an occupied habitation, or defense of a person against a violent crime. This applies when the defender is not the aggressor, has a lawful right to be present, and is not engaged in criminal activity.
- “Crime of Violence” Definition: Any felony involving substantial risk of force or violence against persons or property.
Nevada supports the Castle Doctrine and “stand your ground” principles. There is no duty to retreat within one’s home or workplace. Force used in self-defense must be immediate, in good faith, and proportionate to the threat posed by the aggressor.
- Immunity from Civil Liability: Use of force likely to cause injury or death is immune from civil liability if justified under Nevada law.
[Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 193.240, 193.250, 200.120, and 41.095]
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Nevada?
Yes, any person except for convicted felons may possess and use tear gas aerosol spray weapons containing not more than 2 fluid ounces of crystalline powder containing ortho-chlorobenzalmalononitrile for self-defense. Only adults may purchase pepper spray, and sellers must record purchaser details.
Does Nevada have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. Nevada does not have magazine capacity restrictions.
Does Nevada have ammunition restrictions?
Yes. The manufacture or sale of metal-penetrating bullets is prohibited.
Does Nevada allow constitutional carry?
No. Nevada does not allow constitutional carry.
Is open carry permitted in Nevada?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry.
If Nevada requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Nevada is a shall-issue state.
What is the minimum age in Nevada to get a concealed carry permit?
You must be at least 21 years old to get a concealed carry permit in Nevada.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Nevada with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. A Nevada concealed carry permit does not allow the carry of weapons other than handguns.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Nevada?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Nevada?
Yes, with a Nevada Firearm permit or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors. Without a permit, a handgun may not be concealed on your person. It must either be entirely visible or in a concealed place away from your person. In addition, although this ordinance conflicts with Nevada state law, North Las Vegas city ordinance 9.32.080 prohibits the carrying of dangerous and deadly weapons in vehicles unless carried in good faith for the purpose of “honest work, trade or business, or for the purpose of legitimate sport or recreation.”
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Nevada?
Yes, with a Nevada Firearm permit or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Nevada?
Yes, with a Nevada Firearm permit or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Nevada.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Nevada?
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a Nevada Firearm permit or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors, unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence.
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Nevada?
Nevada statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
Does Nevada have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Nevada state law.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Nevada?
No. "No Weapons" signs are not enforced in Nevada.
Does Nevada have preemption laws related to concealed carry?
Yes, Nevada has preemption of firearms laws, except local authorities may:
- Regulate, restrict or prohibit the discharge of firearms within its boundaries; and
- Regulate the carrying of firearms by public employees during or in the course of official duties.
[Nev. Rev. Stat. § 268.418]
Does Nevada have a red flag law?
Yes, Nevada has a red flag law. The law authorizes a family or household member or a law enforcement officer to file a verified application to obtain an ex parte or extended order against a person who poses a risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, preventing them from possessing or acquiring firearms.
[Nev. Rev. Stat. 33.500 thru 33.670]
Does Nevada state law define brandishing?
No specific definition of brandishing was found in Nevada law. However, aiming a firearm at or toward any human being is considered a crime.
[Nev. Rev. Stat. § 202.290, § 202.320]
Does Nevada issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
Yes. Non-resident permits are issued to anyone who qualifies.
Does Nevada allow public access to concealed carry registry information?
No, the information is not accessible to the public but is available to law enforcement.
Is my Nevada driver’s license linked to my Nevada carry permit?
Yes. Your Nevada driver’s license is linked to your Nevada concealed firearm permit, notifying law enforcement immediately if they run your license.
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Nevada?
No duty to inform exists, but you must present your permit and proper identification if requested by a peace officer.
[Nev. Rev. Stat. § 202.3667]
Does Nevada have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
You cannot carry while under the influence (BAC of 0.08+), any controlled substance, or both. It's also illegal to be impaired by any chemical or compound that affects your firearm control.
[Nev. Rev. Stat. § 202.257]
Does my current Nevada concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Yes, for all permits issued after July 1st, 2011.
No. Nevada does not have a waiting period.
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Nevada.
The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Nevada is 18 years old.
No. You cannot carry concealed without a permit at home or on your own private property. Concealed carry requires a permit anywhere in the state.
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Nevada.
Yes. As of January 2, 2020, sales are required to be conducted through a licensed federal firearms dealer with a background check. There are exceptions including:
- The sale or transfer of a firearm between immediate family members, which means spouses and domestic partners. Also included are, whether by whole or half blood, adoption or step-relation: parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
- The transfer of a firearm to an executor, administrator, trustee or personal representative of an estate or a trust that occurs by operation of law upon the death of the former owner of the firearm.
- A temporary transfer of a firearm to a person who is not prohibited from buying or possessing firearms under state or federal law if the transfer is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm or lasts only as long as immediately necessary to prevent such imminent death or great bodily harm.
Which states' permits does Nevada honor?
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Florida
Idaho (enhanced permit only)
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi (Enhanced permits only)
Montana
Nebraska
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota (Enhanced permits only)
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Initial Permit ~$96, varies by county
Renewals $63
Check online for your county.
Link to application for Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old or at least 18 and active duty military, reserve military or honorably discharged;
- Be a lawful resident of the United States;
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from military service;
- Provide the documentation to demonstrate competence with a firearm;
- Not be a fugitive from justice;
- Not have been judicially declared mentally incompetent or insane;
- Not have been admitted to a mental health facility within the last 5 years;
- Not have habitually used intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance to the extent that your normal faculties were impaired, including DUI convictions within previous 5 years;
- Not be a medical marijuana patient;
- Not have been convicted of a crime involving the use or threatened use of force or violence, including misdemeanor convictions, within the last 3 years;
- Not have been convicted of a felony;
- Not have been convicted of a crime involving domestic violence or stalking, or currently subject to a restraining order or other order of protection against violence;
- Not be currently subject to an ex parte or extended order for protection against high-risk behavior (effective on January 1, 2020);
- Not be currently on parole or probation;
- Not have been, within the preceding 5 years, subject to any requirements imposed by a court as a condition to withholding the entry of judgment for your conviction of a felony; or suspension of your sentence for the conviction of a felony; or indictment by a Grand Jury;
- Not have made a false statement on any application;
- Not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under state and federal law, city and/or county ordinances; and
- Meet federal law requirements.
In addition, the sheriff may deny an application or revoke a permit if he or she receives a “sworn affidavit stating articulable facts based upon personal knowledge” from any person 18 years of age or older that the applicant or permittee is prohibited from possessing a permit.
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Nevada.
5 years
120 days
Non-resident permits are issued to anyone who qualifies. However, you must apply in person at the issuing office. The process is the same as for residents.
For name changes, you must present yourself in person at the LVMPD Records and Fingerprint Bureau, provide proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court document) and pay the fee. A new photo will be taken, along with a signature with your new name.
For changes of address, you must notify the sheriff who issued your permit in writing within 30 days of the permanent address change by printing and completing the CCW Change of Address form. A permittee who fails to notify the sheriff pursuant to the provisions of this section is subject to a civil penalty of $25. There is no fee for an address change; however you will not get a new permit issued nor will you receive any type of sticker with the updated address. If you would like to obtain a new permit that reflects the new address, there is a $15 fee.
You will need to go to the issuing office and file an affidavit that your permit was lost or stolen. A replacement fee of $15 will be charged.
- Moving to Nevada and interested in applying for a resident permit? Nevada issues resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. If you move to Nevada with a reciprocal out-of-state CCW permit, you may use that permit for only the first 60 days of living in-state. Afterward, you need to get a new CCW permit issued from your local sheriff's office.
- Moving from Nevada and have a Nevada resident permit? If a person with a Nevada concealed weapon permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided you submit the above referenced name/address change form.
Take a concealed firearms qualification course from a certified firearms instructor. Training must include a live fire component.
Download an application or pick one up from your county sheriff’s office. Clark County residents or out-of-state residents who received firearms training in Clark County may apply for a permit using this online portal.
Take the (unsigned) completed application to the law enforcement office with the following:
- Training certificate;
- Proof of residency (valid driver’s license);
- Proof of citizenship; and
- Permit fee
You will be required to sign the application in front of a witness at the station. You will be fingerprinted and photographed.
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
Places Off-Limits Even with a Permit/License
- Public and private K-12 schools (including parking lots);
- Child care facilities;
- Facilities belonging to the University of Nevada, the Community College System or any other vocational/technical school (including parking lots);
- Public buildings with metal detectors or signs prohibiting firearms at each public entrance (unless a permittee that is employed there); and
- Secured areas of airports.
[Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 202.3673(1)-(4)]
- Law enforcement agency facilities;
- Prisons, jails, and detention facilities; and
- Courthouses and courtrooms.
[Nev. Admin. Code § 202.020]
- State legislative buildings or any other places where the legislature conducts its business [Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 218A.905(8)];
- Hoover Dam [43 CFR §423.30];
- Red Rock National Conservation Area [BLM Rules]; and
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence.
- Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes. The handgun must be visible if on a person. Handguns in a glove box, on or under a seat are allowed. You will need a permit to concealed carry a handgun in a holster or pocket while in a vehicle.
- Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
- Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes.
- Carry in places of worship? There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Nevada?
Yes. It is unlawful for a person, or a group of people acting together, to intentionally interfere with another person who is lawfully hunting or trapping.
[Nev. Rev. Stat. 503.015]
Under Nevada law, it is legal to own any type of knife. It is legal to open or concealed carry any type of knife, except that it is illegal to concealed carry a machete or any instrument which could be considered a dangerous or deadly weapon. Dirks, daggers, and switchblades may not be possessed on school property. Municipalities may have additional restrictions. For example, Clark County doesn't allow concealed carry of any knife with a blade of 3 inches or more without written permission from the sheriff.
[N.R.S. 202.350(1)(d)(3), 202.265, Clark County 12-04-180]
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Nevada, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
Yes. There is no known statute in Nevada making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. City and county sheriffs and district attorneys have indicated that anyone with a valid concealed weapon permit can do so while abiding by Nevada’s face covering mandate.
Casinos are private property and are likely posted with no firearms signs. You could be asked to disarm or leave the property if your firearm was observed. Failure to do so would be considered a trespass violation.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Nevada?
Yes.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Nevada?
Yes. A person who is hunting during any period of an open season during which hunting is restricted to the use of only archery equipment or a muzzle-loading firearm may carry for self-defense a handgun that has a barrel length of less than 8 inches and does not have a telescopic sight. The handgun may not be used to hunt any wildlife.
[Nev. Rev. Stat. 503.150(2)]