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New Hampshire Concealed Carry Laws |
New Hampshire is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Residents apply to the local law enforcement office, and non-residents to the State Department of Justice, to obtain a Pistol/Revolver License (PRL).
There is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required to buy a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry and concealed carry are legal in New Hampshire without a license for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm. There is no minimum age to carry a firearm, although the federal minimum age is 18 years old. Pistol/Revolver Licenses (PRLs) are issued to residents and non-residents for reciprocity purposes. No fingerprinting or photograph is required for a PRL. New Hampshire law does not mandate firearms safety training or demonstration of firearms knowledge for license applicants. Due to permitless carry, any individual aged 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit.
New Hampshire follows the Castle Doctrine and has a “stand your ground” law. A person lawfully present in a place threatened with bodily injury or loss of life is not required to retreat before using force.
A person in control of premises or licensed to be there may use non-deadly force to prevent or stop criminal trespass. Deadly force can only be used in defense against a person or to prevent arson by a trespasser.
Civil Immunity: Individuals using force in self-defense, defense of others, premises, property, or in law enforcement are protected from civil liability for injuries sustained by an aggressor.
[N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 627:4, 62:5, 627:6, 627:7, and 627:1a]
A person may use non-deadly force to defend themselves or others from imminent unlawful non-deadly force. Deadly force is justified if there is a reasonable belief that another person:
- Is about to use unlawful deadly force against the actor or a third person,
- Is likely to commit burglary or forcible sex offenses,
- Is likely to use unlawful force in a felony against the actor within their dwelling or its curtilage.
Deadly force is not justified if the actor can safely retreat, surrender property, or comply with demands to abstain from acts they are not obliged to perform.
“Curtilage” includes outbuildings directly connected to a dwelling, used for domestic purposes. “Dwelling” includes any place adapted for overnight accommodation, whether or not occupied.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in New Hampshire?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license for anyone at least 18 years old with no felony convictions.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in New Hampshire?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in New Hampshire.
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
Does New Hampshire have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. New Hampshire does not have magazine capacity restrictions.
Ammunition Restrictions?
Does New Hampshire have ammunition restrictions?
Yes. New Hampshire law prohibits any person from attempting to use or using, in the course of committing any misdemeanor or felony, any teflon-coated or armor-piercing bullet or cartridge or any bullet or cartridge that contains an explosive substance in the projectile and is designed to explode upon impact.
Permitless Carry?
Does New Hampshire allow permitless carry?
Yes. New Hampshire allows permitless carry.
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in New Hampshire?
Yes, without a license. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry.
Gun Permit Licensure?
If New Hampshire requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
New Hampshire is a shall-issue/permitless carry state.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in New Hampshire to get a concealed carry license?
18. There is no minimum age to carry a firearm, however the federal minimum age is 18 years old.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in New Hampshire with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. A concealed carry license does not allow you to carry weapons other than handguns.
Carry in Vehicle?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in New Hampshire?
Yes, without a license for anyone not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm.
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in New Hampshire.
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in New Hampshire?
Yes, concealed carry is allowed in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in New Hampshire.
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in New Hampshire?
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry in bars or restaurants, unless posted.
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?
Does New Hampshire have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in New Hampshire state law, although employers may have a policy.
Carry/Possess at a Hotel?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies.
Driver's License Linked to Carry License?
Is my New Hampshire driver’s license linked to my New Hampshire carry license?
No. Your New Hampshire driver’s license is not linked to your New Hampshire pistol/revolver license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license.
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in New Hampshire?
No. "No Weapons Allowed" signs are not enforced in New Hampshire.
Preemption?
Does New Hampshire have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in New Hampshire.
Red Flag Law?
Does New Hampshire have a red flag law?
No. New Hampshire does not have a red flag law.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?
Does New Hampshire have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
Not addressed in state statutes. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities.
Non-Resident Permitting?
Does New Hampshire issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Yes. The process is the same as for residents.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
Does New Hampshire allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No. However, the information is available for law enforcement.
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?
Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in New Hampshire?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in New Hampshire.
Brandishing?
Does New Hampshire state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in New Hampshire law. However, a person is guilty of reckless conduct if he recklessly engages in conduct which places or may place another in danger of serious bodily injury. A person is guilty of criminal threatening when by physical conduct, the person places or attempts to place another in fear of imminent bodily injury or physical contact. As of September 21, 2021, per the passage of HB 195, the act of displaying a firearm will not count as reckless conduct “in and of itself and without additional circumstances.”
Waiting Period?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in New Hampshire?
No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in New Hampshire.
Handgun Registration?
Do handguns need to be registered in New Hampshire?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in New Hampshire.
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in New Hampshire?
18 years old.
Possess a Handgun on My Private Property Without a License?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?
Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in New Hampshire for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm.
Purchase Permits?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in New Hampshire?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in New Hampshire.
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in New Hampshire?
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
New Hampshire License Exempts from Background Check?
Does my current New Hampshire concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
No.
Which states' permits does New Hampshire honor?
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 18 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 18 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire offers resident and non-resident licenses. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors New Hampshire resident licenses (and not those issued to non-residents).
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
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)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
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)
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)
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)
Requirements:
An applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Give the names and addresses of three references;
- Provide his or her driver's license number; and
- Meet federal law requirements.
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 New Hampshire.
Fees:
Initial License & Renewals
$10 for residents
$100 for non-residents
Valid For:
5 years
Processing Time:
14 days
Application:
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
Link to non-resident application
A non-resident can complete the non-resident application and mail it to the NH State Police: NH State Police
Permits and License Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
Name/Address Changes:
For a resident license, notify the local police department of your new address. For a non-resident license, forward a letter to NH State Police notifying them of the change of address, including the old and new address. If you would like to receive a license that reflects the new address, enclose a fee of $3.00. Send to:
NH State Police Permits and Licensing Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
Lost/Stolen Licenses:
Write a letter explaining the reason for your request and include a duplicate license fee of $3.00. Send to the above listed address.
Residency Changes:
Moving to New Hampshire and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?
New Hampshire issues resident and non-resident licenses, so you can apply for your license at any time. In order to apply for a resident license, you may need to provide a New Hampshire driver's license or state ID, or an out-of-state Driver's License, along with a current utility bill at your NH residence or a signed rent/lease agreement.
Moving from New Hampshire and have a New Hampshire resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your New Hampshire license remains valid?
If a person with a New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License establishes residency in another state, the license is valid until it expires provided you submit the above referenced Name/Address change form.
Wear a COVID Mask & Carry?
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in New Hampshire, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
There is no known statute in New Hampshire making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
Carry While Gun Hunting?
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in New Hampshire?
Yes, however the handgun cannot be used to take or attempt to take deer.
Carry While Bow Hunting?
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in New Hampshire?
Yes. A hunter is entitled to carry firearms while bow hunting, unless prohibited by state or federal law from carrying a firearm. No person taking deer under the provisions of this section shall take or attempt to take deer with any type of firearm.
[NH Stat. Sec 208.5]
Hunter Harassment Law?
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in New Hampshire?
Yes. No person shall purposely obstruct or impede the participation of any individual in the lawful activity of hunting, fishing, or trapping.
[NH Stat. § 207:57]
What Are the Knife Laws in New Hampshire?
The law allows for the concealed and open carry of any type of knife by anyone who is not a convicted felon, although they cannot be carried in any courthouse.
[RSA § 159:19]