Like most of the states in the U.S., the Northeast state of New Hampshire adopts a shall-issue and constitutional carry policy. Because of this, the state should be able to issue a permit to anyone who can meet the requirements set by the law. At the same time, open and concealed carry are both legal within the state's jurisdiction without a permit with a few restrictions and exemptions. In the same manner, purchasing a firearm is also very permissive in New Hampshire as no permit, background check, or firearm registration is required in order to purchase a handgun even from a private individual. Permitless open carry, though, is only legal for those who are at least 18 years, pursuant to the federal law.
In order to obtain a Pistol/Revolver License (PRL), a resident must apply for one at the local law enforcement offices located within his or her state of residence. Non-residents, on the other hand, can apply for a gun permit at the State Department of Justice.
Unlike other states, however, New Hampshire adopted lenient requirements for those who want to apply for a pistol license. They don't require applicants to take any form of the firearm safety course, nor will the applicant's photo or fingerprints be taken during the application process.
If you want to know more about the laws followed by the state of New Hampshire in relation to the issuance of gun permits as well as its reciprocity relationship with other states, this guide will answer all of your questions.
Here's everything you need to know:
New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver Permits and Gun Laws
As a constitutional carry and shall-issue state, applying for a license in the state of New Hampshire is easier than other states. Both residents and non-residents can apply for a license at local law enforcement offices or the State Department of Justice. As a basic requirement, the applicants must be at least 18 years old and should not be prohibited from possessing a firearm according to the Federal law. Processing for the application is also a very straightforward task too. The following sections will discuss everything that you need to know regarding the application and renewal of the New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License (PRL).
New Hampshire Concealed Carry Permit
As earlier mentioned, applying for a gun permit in the state of New Hampshire is more lenient as compared to other states. For instance, there are only a few requirements at the state level. In order to obtain a pistol license in Hampshire, you 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.
However, Federal law statutes that there are individuals who are prohibited from possessing any firearm. If you are one of the following persons, then you are PROHIBITED from applying for a Pistol/Revolver License in the state of New Hampshire:
- Fugitives from justice
- Persons who are unlawful users of or are addicted to narcotics or any other controlled substances (including medical marijuana, see below)
- Persons adjudicated as a mental defective or who have been committed to a mental institution
- Persons who have been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
- Persons who are under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
- Military veterans discharged under dishonorable conditions
- Persons who have renounced U.S. citizenship
- Aliens illegally in the U.S.
- Persons subject to a court order that restrains them from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner
- And persons convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
Please note that some exceptions may be invoked.
When applying for a pistol or revolver permit in the state of New Hampshire, you don't need to complete any state-accredited firearm safety training course. However, it is best if you take one to make sure that you know how to properly handle, safe keep, and use your firearms before you apply for a license.
Resident Application
Here's a step-by-step guide for applying for a New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License (PRL):
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STEP 1: |
Download the application form or pick one up from a local law enforcement office.Fill the form up with factual and accurate information. |
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STEP 2: |
Take the completed application to your local law enforcement office. The following offices can process your application:
You will need the names of three persons for references. |
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STEP 3: |
You will be notified by mail within 14 days whether your application has been approved or denied. |
As a shall-issue state, the local law enforcement must issue a gun permit if “it appears that the applicant has good reason to fear injury to the applicant’s person or property or has any proper purpose.” Activities like hunting or target shooting are considered proper purposes. Self-defense is another one.
Please note that the state does not require applicants to submit a photo or fingerprint samples.
Non-Resident Application
Non-residents can also apply for a New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License. The steps are similar to the process taken by residents. The only difference is that their application must be submitted to the State Justice Department or mailed to the following address:
NH State Police
Permits and License Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
The New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License has a validity of five years and has to be renewed before it expires. In that regard, handgun licenses renewals must be submitted 30 days before the expiration date, as indicated in the permit. In order to process your renewal, you need to follow these steps:
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STEP 1: |
Download the application form or pick one up from a local law enforcement office. There is a separate form for resident and non-resident renewals. Fill the form up with factual and accurate information. |
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STEP 2: |
Take the completed application to your local law enforcement office. The following offices can process your application:
You will need the names of three persons for references. Non-resident renewals must be mailed to the address above. |
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STEP 3: |
You will be notified by mail within 14 days whether your application has been approved or denied. |
When applying for a pistol license or a renewal of the current license, both residents and non-residents need to pay a processing fee. Here’s the breakdown of fees needed to be paid when applying for and renewing the New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License:
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Resident Initial Permit |
$10.00 |
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Resident Renewal |
$10.00 |
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Non-Resident Initial Permit and Renewal |
$100.00 |
New Hampshire Concealed Carry Handgun Laws
Vehicle Carry
YES - WITHOUT A LICENSE
There is no law that prohibits any person from carrying a firearm inside a vehicle in the state of New Hampshire. According to the law, the “availability of a license to carry a loaded pistol or revolver under this section or under any other provision of law shall not be construed to impose a prohibition on the unlicensed transport or carry of a firearm in a vehicle, or on or about one’s person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, by a resident, nonresident, or alien if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire.”
Must Notify Officer
NO - MUST INFORM OFFICER
You are not required to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm whenever approached for official business. It is best, however, that you carry your CCW permit with identification and show these to law enforcement if they request them.
Open Carry
YES - WITHOUT A LICENSE
Open or concealed carry without a permit/license in New Hampshire is legal.
No Weapons Allowed signs enforced?
NO
“No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in New Hampshire gun laws. There are no legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned in the law as being off limits.
New Hampshire Gun Forms & Supporting Documentation
Purchase and Possession
PURCHASE
A state permit is not required for the purchase of any rifle, shotgun, or handgun in New Hampshire.
It is illegal to sell any firearm to an individual who has been convicted of a felony. It is further illegal to give or sell a handgun to a minor, with the exception of: gifting a handgun from a parent, legal guardian, or executor to a child or heir.
POSSESSION
A state license is not required to possess any rifle, shotgun, or handgun. It is illegal however for any felon to possess, own, or control any firearm in the state of New Hampshire. Any individual under an order of protection may be forced to surrender all firearms and ammunition.
Carrying a Firearm
It is illegal to carry a loaded handgun concealed, on or about the person, or in a vehicle without obtaining a license. Exceptions to this restriction include persons carrying in their private residence or place of business, any law enforcement personnel or members of the armed services while in the course of their duties, or other agencies or organizations authorized to possess or purchase firearms.
A license to carry is not required to openly carry any handgun on or about the person, exposed and not loaded, or locked within a vehicle. A license to carry concealed may be obtained by making application to the selectmen, mayor, or chief of police for the town in which he/she resides. A license shall be issued to an applicant for the carry of a handgun if he/she is considered suitable and with “proper purpose”, or has reason to believe his/her life or property is in danger of harm. Self-defense, target shooting, and hunting are valid reasons for concealed carry. The license does not restrict any use for which it is valid, regardless of the original purpose for its issue.
The license shall be valid for a period of not more than four years at a cost of $10.00 for New Hampshire residents. The issuing officer shall retain one copy of the license, and the applicant the other.
If the application is denied, the applicant must be notified in writing of the reason for the denial, while an approved license shall be issued within 14 days.
An individual who is not a resident of New Hampshire can obtain a license if he/she meets the above outlined requirements, applies to the director of state police, and encloses a fee of $100.
A license to carry concealed that has been issued by another state shall be honored in New Hampshire (if the carrier is not a resident of New Hampshire) and if that state offers reciprocity for carrying purposes.
With the exception of persons authorized to carry (or have in their control), a firearm, including security guards, police officers, or other authorized personnel, it is illegal to bring a firearm into a courtroom, or any area used by a court.
Antiques & Replicas
Antiques refer to any handguns "utilizing an early type of ignition," such as flintlock or percussion and pin fire. These shall be exempt from regulations regarding regular firearms. Any handgun that uses rimfire or centerfire ammunition shall not be considered an antique.
Machine Guns
Federal law regulating automatic weapons shall control any registration or regulation of machine guns in New Hampshire, in light of the absence of any state legislation.
Range Protection
No person who owns, operates, or uses a shooting range in this state shall be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise or noise pollution...
159-B:1 Exemption.
Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 644:2, III(a) or any other law to the contrary, no person who owns, operates, or uses a shooting range in this state shall be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise or noise pollution, provided that the owners of the range are in compliance with any applicable noise control ordinances in existence at the time the range was established, was constructed, or began operations.
New Hampshire Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Depending on the permissiveness or restrictiveness of gun laws in each state, different states accept and honor resident licenses issued by other states that they think has equivalence to the licenses they issue. For the case of New Hampshire, the state honors permit that are issued by 26 states. Meanwhile, there are 29 states that honor the permits issued by New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Reciprocity States
States that honor a New hampshire ccw permit
RESIDENT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
NON-RESIDENT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
new hampshire honors these state ccw permits
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
You must be a resident of the state they honor for your permit to be valid in New Hampshire.
States that will not accept a New Hampshire ccw permit
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, Washington D.C. Wisconsin
Places where you CAN'T carry
- Courtroom or area used by a court
- Properties owned, leased, and operated by Federal agencies.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Places where you CAN carry
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Roadside rest areas
- Vehicles
Miscellaneous
It is illegal to carry any rifle or shotgun that is loaded in a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft. It is further illegal to alter, change, destroy, or remove any manufacturer’s serial number, or other identifying mark from a handgun. It is presumed that the possessor of such a firearm is guilty of the offense.
It is illegal to fire any weapon on the property of another, within 300 feet of a building that is occupied, without prior permission from the owner.
It is illegal to fire a gun across or from any highway, travelled by the public, including any right of way, while engaged in hunting wild animals or birds.It is a separate felony for any person to use or attempt to use Teflon coated armor piercing or exploding ammunition while in the course of committing a misdemeanor.
The state of New Hampshire shall reserve the right to regulate the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, taxation, permitting that involves firearms, firearm components, ammunition, or firearms supplies. No political subdivision of government, unless provided by statute may regulate any of the above.
No person shall bring suit against any manufacturer, dealer, or importer arising from the criminal or unlawful use of their firearms or ammunition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues a PRL in New Hampshire?
Concealed carry permits/licenses are issued by The Department of Public Safety through the local Police/Sheriff for residents and New Hampshire State Police for non-residents.
How long would it take to process a PRL in New Hampshire?
The application for and renewal of a concealed carry permit or license in the state of New Hampshire can take up to 14 days after the application has been formally received.
Is there a Must Notify Officer on Contact By Law in New Hampshire?
No. There is no existing provision that requires gun owners to notify any law enforcement officials that they are carrying a firearm in their person or vehicle when approached for official business.
Can I carry my gun inside a vehicle?
Yes. You can carry a gun inside a vehicle even without a license.
New Hampshire Off Limit Statues
Title XII § 159:19 - Courtroom Security.
I. No person shall knowingly carry a loaded or unloaded pistol, revolver, or firearm or any other deadly weapon as defined in RSA 625:11, V, whether open or concealed or whether licensed or unlicensed, upon the person or within any of the person's possessions owned or within the person's control in a courtroom or area used by a court. Whoever violates the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a class B felony.
II. Firearms may be secured at the entrance to a courthouse by courthouse security personnel.
III. For purposes of paragraph I, "area used by a court" means:
(a) In a building dedicated exclusively to court use, the entire building exclusive of the area between the entrance and the courthouse security.
(b) In any other building which includes a court facility, courtrooms, jury assembly rooms, deliberation rooms, conference and interview rooms, the judge's chambers, other court staff facilities, holding facilities, and corridors, stairways, waiting areas, and elevators directly connecting these rooms and facilities.
IV. The provisions of this section shall not apply to marshals, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, police or other duly appointed or elected law enforcement officers, bailiffs and court security officers, or persons with prior authorization of the court for the purpose of introducing weapons into evidence and as otherwise provided for in RSA 159:5.
V. It shall be an affirmative defense to any prosecution under paragraph I that there was no notice of the provisions of paragraph I posted in a conspicuous place at each public entrance to the court building.
Source. 2000, 175:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2001.