Rhode Island Gun Laws

Rhode Island

With its gun laws, the state of Rhode Island is one of the few very restrictive states. In most parts, the state is a shall-issue state by definition, and the local law enforcement issues permits, but the Attorney General can also issue a license on a may-issue basis. Under the Rhode Island law, local law enforcement “shall-issue” licenses to eligible applicants “if it appears” that the applicant is “a suitable person to be licensed” and either “has good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property” or has any other “proper reason” for carrying a handgun. On top of that, the attorney general also has the authority to issue a license to carry a gun once the applicant was able to prove the “need” for a permit and has produced a valid certification of his/her ability to use the handgun safely. The difference between the two licenses is that the one issued by the Attorney General can also be granted to undocumented immigrants so long as there is the reason for the permit to be released. 

When it comes to purchasing a firearm, the state of Rhode Island requires all buyers to obtain a License to Carry Concealed Weapons (LCCW) or get a “blue card” from the RI Department of Environmental Management. On top of that, they also must undergo a stringent background check even if they purchase the handgun from a private individual. The background check is obtained through the state police or local chief of police. Firearms registration is not required in Rhode Island.

Open carry and concealed carry is only legal in the state of Rhode Island for those who possess a Rhode Island LCCW. To obtain a gun permit, the resident and non-resident who wish to have a license must apply at the local law enforcement office or the office of the Rhode Island Attorney General. All applicants must be at least 21 years old and are required to explain why they need a firearm and how it will remedy their problem and must provide three notarized references. A firearms training course that includes a live-firing test is required. Non-residents that have a permit from their home state may apply for an LCCW through local law enforcement. 

For more information, this quick guide will help you understand everything you need to know about the gun laws in the state of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island CCW License

All applicants for a Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapons (LCCW) must: 

  • Be at least 21 years old;
  • Have a residence or place of business within the town in which the application is submitted. Or have a residence within the United States and a CCW permit/license issued by the authorities of any other state or subdivision of the United States;
  • The Attorney General can also issue permits to non-residents without concealed carry permits from their home state;
  • Have a good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property or have any other proper reason to be licensed;
  • Be a suitable person to be so licensed;
  • Not be prohibited from having a firearm by any state or federal law or court order; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.

Before you apply for a gun permit, you need to obtain your firearms qualification within one year of submitting your request. Once done, the following steps need to be followed in order to get a gun permit in the state of Rhode Island: 

STEP 1:

Download the application. Complete the form and have it notarized. You will need 3 typed, signed and dated notarized reference letters.
STEP 2:

Have passport-style photographs taken. You will need 2 photos.
STEP 3:

If applying through the attorney general, the application must be signed or stamped by the local police chief or a city hall official in the city or town of the applicant’s residence.
STEP 4:

In addition to the notarized application and reference letters, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • 2 FBI fingerprint cards;
  • 2 forms of identification, signed and dated by a Notary Public;
  • 2 passport-style photographs;
  • 2 copies of your birth certificate or passport; 
  • Firearms training certificate along with a copy of the instructor’s NRA/FBI firearms instructor certification;
  • All non-residents applying through local authorities must include a copy of their home state permit;
  • If the permit is to be used for employment, a typed and signed letter of explanation must be submitted on company letterhead along with a copy of the business license as proof that the business exists; and
  • If the permit is NOT for employment, a typed and dated letter must be submitted by the applicant stating the reasons why a permit is needed on a full-time basis.

Pay the fees.
STEP 5:

You will be notified by mail of approval or denial of permit. If approved, you must appear in person to pick up the permit.

Once your license expires, you can apply to renew your current license. But before doing that, always remember that it takes up to 90 days to process your application due to the fact that the process is highly dependent on other agencies for information necessary to complete the request. Similar to when applying for the initial permit, you should also obtain your firearms qualification within one year of submitting your application. Follow the steps below to apply for a renewal of a Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapons (LCCW): 

STEP 1:

Download the application. Complete the form and have it notarized.
STEP 2:

Have passport-style photographs taken. You will need 2 photos.
STEP 3:

If applying through the attorney general, the application must be signed or stamped by the local police chief or a city hall official in the city or town of the applicant’s residence.
STEP 4:

In addition to the notarized application, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • 2 forms of identification, signed and dated by a Notary Public;
  • 2 passport-style photographs;
  • 2 copies of your birth certificate or passport;
  • Firearms training certificate along with a copy of the instructor’s NRA/FBI firearms instructor certification;
  • All non-residents applying through local authorities must include a copy of their home state permit;
  • If the permit is to be used for employment, a typed and signed letter of explanation must be submitted on company letterhead along with a copy of the business license as proof that the business exists; and
  • If the permit is NOT for employment, a typed and dated letter must be submitted by the applicant stating the reasons why a permit is needed on a full-time basis.

Pay the fees.
STEP 5:

You will be notified by mail of approval or denial of permit. If approved, you must appear in person to pick up the permit.

The following are the fees associated to applying for and renewing a Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapons (LCCW): 

Initial Permit

$40.00

Renewals

$40.00

Validity

4 Years

Processing Time

90 Days

Rhode Island CCW Laws

Must Notify Officer

NO – Must Inform Officer on Contact By Law

There is nothing in Rhode Island gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law does require you to carry your permit at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun.

No Weapons Signs Enforced

YES/NO

The letters of the law are unclear whether or not a licensed person is allowed to carry a handgun inside a private property that has visible “No Weapons” signs. However, it is best to respect the wishes of the owners of the property; otherwise, other violations like trespassing could be filed against you.

Vehicle Carry

YES/NO – Without a Permit/License

Carrying a loaded handgun inside a vehicle requires a valid permit/license in the state of Rhode Island. If you are a resident of Rhode Island and do not have a permit there are certain conditions where you can transport handguns in a vehicle;

  • The handguns are merchandise
  • The guns are unloaded and are being transported from the place of purchase to your home or place of business
  • You are moving the pistols from one area of living or business to another
  • You are transporting a handgun to or from a target practice range (gun must be broken down, unloaded and secured in a separate container or openly carried.)

Open Carry

NO – Without a Permit/License

Open carry and concealed carry is only legal in the state of Rhode Island for those who possess a Rhode Island LCCW.

Rhode Island Gun Forms & Supporting Documentation

Purchase and Possession


PURCHASE

Any person wishing to buy a rifle or shotgun from a private entity or a licensed dealer must fill out a “Purchase of a Shotgun or Rifle Application Form.” All sellers are mandated to perform a background check of the potential buyer through the medium of local law enforcement or the superintendent of the State Police. Completed applications shall be copied with one remaining in the possession of the dealer or selling party for six years, one to be maintained by local law enforcement nearest to the place of sale and one to be reviewed by the office of the Attorney General. If all of these parties find no objections or unsatisfactory information in the application then the second and third copies must, within 7 days, be shredded and disposed of.

Dealers or sellers may not deliver any purchased shotgun or rifle within until the expiration of a period of no less than 7 days following the submission of an application, given that the agency conducting the background check has not discovered any information that disqualifies the buyer.

Rifles and shotguns may be purchased by any person 18 years of age or older who is not prohibited by state or federal law from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

Handguns may be purchased by any person 21 years of age or older who is a lawful citizen of the United States, resident of the state of Rhode Island, or a member of the United States Military who is stationed in Rhode Island and is not explicitly prohibited from possessing a firearm by state and federal law.

Any person seeking to purchase a handgun must hold a state-issued card for handgun safety prior to completing an application. These cards may be obtained by completing a handgun safety course and objective exam facilitated by the Department of Environmental Management or by completing a course for hunting safety.

Potential handgun buyers must submit a handgun safety card and completed “Purchase of a Pistol or Revolver Application Form.” All applications must be signed by the applicants. Firearms dealers may deliver to the buyers any lawfully purchased handgun if they do not receive a notice of disqualification from the agency conducting the background check.

No copied or original application shall contain the serial number of the rifle, shotgun, or handgun in transaction.

It is illegal for any private party or licensed dealer to sell any firearm, ammunition, or components thereof to any person under 18 years of age without explicit permission of a minor’s parent or guardian. It is illegal for licensed firearms dealers to sell a firearm without providing a trigger lock or safety device.

POSSESSION

The state of Rhode Island does not mandate any license or permit for the possession of a rifle, shotgun or handgun. Minors may not possess or use a firearm or ammunition unless he or she has a special state permit issued to minors by the state police or local police chief. This permit may obtained following the submission of a document evidencing the completion of a firearms safety course and the expressed written consent of the minor’s parents or guardians. Permit holders must be always in the presence of a responsible adult when operating a firearm and may only do so at an approved firing range.

The state of Rhode Island explicitly prohibits the possession of firearms by any and all of the following:

  • Non-citizens of the United States.
  • Persons adjudicated as mentally incompetent
  • Persons adjudicated or medically or psychologically declared incapable of operating a firearm unless a medical professional can produce an affidavit attesting to the mental health of the individual for at least five years.
  • Persons actively fleeing any branch of United States law enforcement.
  • Convicts of violent crime.
  • Persons habitually intoxicated by or addicted to alcohol or controlled substances.

Carrying a Firearm

t is illegal for any person to carry a handgun on one’s person or in a vehicle without a license to carry a handgun.

Exempt from this regulation are persons carrying a firearm in their lawful residence, place of business or land, persons holding a license to carry a firearm in another state while transporting a firearm through the state of Rhode Island, active duty United States Military or law enforcement personnel, persons transporting a properly wrapped, sealed and unloaded firearm from the place of purchase or dealer’s facilities to their private homes or residences, persons transporting a firearm from one residence to another in the event of changing residences, members of organizations federally authorized to purchase and use firearms for target shooting or collection and persons transporting a firearm to and from a lawful firing range given that the firearm is disassembled, carried openly or properly secured and unloaded.

Any person may obtain a license to carry a firearm given that the applicant is:

  • A resident of the town where the person applies;
  • 21 years of age or older;
  • A resident of another state who holds a permit to carry a concealed handgun issued by that state and shows valid cause to carry a firearm for self-defense.
  • Not disqualified from possessing or purchasing a firearm.
  • Able to pass a target shooting exam administered by a local licensing authority evidencing proficiency with handguns.
  • Able to submit a fee of $40.00.

The Rhode Island Attorney General shall issue a license to all applicants who satisfy the state-mandated requirements and who show a valid necessity for carrying a firearm. Lawful licenses cost $40.00 and shall be recognized throughout the state of Rhode Island for a period of no more than four years. All licenses must reflect the holder’s name, description, photograph, signature, address, fingerprint and reason for carrying a license. No serial firearm number is necessary.

Antiques & Replicas

The state of Rhode Island exempts collectable and antique firearms as well as firearms collections used for scientific or educational purposes from the above regulations.

Machine Guns

Rhode Island defines a machine gun as any firearm that is designed to shoot, capable of shooting or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically, two or more shots by a single action of the trigger without the necessity of manual reloading. All components and parts of a machine gun are treated as machine guns.

It is illegal to sell, purchase, manufacture, transport, possess or otherwise use a machine gun. Exempt from this regulation are manufacturers and dealers of machine guns that are specially licensed by the Attorney General. Bank guards or other professional carriers of valuables may carry machine guns if properly licensed by the Attorney General.

Range Protection

Firing ranges and their subsequent owners are exempt from regulations against noise pollution or excessive noise.

R.I. GEN. LAWS. § 11-47-62 (2011)

§ 11-47-62. Rifle Ranges--Immunity from prosecution--Criminal or civil

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, it shall be lawful for an owner of a rifle, pistol, silhouette, archery, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range to operate the range in excess of the applicable noise or noise pollution, law, ordinance or by-law, provided the owner of the range continues to be in compliance with any applicable noise control law, ordinance or by-laws in existence at the time of the construction of the range. No owner shall be liable in any action for nuisance, and no court shall enjoin the use or operation of the range on the basis of noise or noise pollution, provided the owner continues to be in compliance with any noise control law, ordinance or by-laws in effect at the time of the construction of the range.

(b) No standards in rules adopted by any state, city or town agency for limiting levels of noise in terms of decibel level which may occur in the outdoor atmosphere shall apply to the ranges exempted from liability under the provisions of this section.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or permit an owner of a rifle, pistol, silhouette, archery, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range to change the use and/or type of said range, or to expand the use and/or type of the range.

Rhode Island Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Rhode Island's Reciprocity States

States that honor a Rhode Island permit

RESIDENT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia

 

NON-RESIDENT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia

Rhode Island honors permits from these states

Rhode Island does not honor permits/licenses from other states.

Places where you CAN’T carry in Rhode Island

  • You cannot carry a firearm if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Places where you CAN carry in Rhode Island

  • Roadside rest areas
  • Vehicle
  • All areas of the state – except those listed as off-limits

Miscellaneous


It is illegal in the state of Rhode Island to:

  • Possess or carry a loaded rifle or shotgun in or on a vehicle while on a public road, highway or street.
  • Carry, operate or transport any firearm while intoxicated with alcohol or any controlled substance.
  • Possess, carry, transport or use a “sawed-off” rifle or shotgun.
  • Possess, carry or use a firearm on the premises or within a building of any public or private school or at any school-sponsored event.
  • Alter, change or destroy the model, name of the manufacturer, manufacturer’s number or serial number of any firearm or possess a firearm with altered, changed or destroyed identifying marks. The state shall presume that the possessor is the offender.


Violent criminals in possession of or attempting to use a firearm in a violent crime shall incur a mandatory term of three to ten years in addition to their sentence for the crime itself.

No agency or political subdivision of Rhode Island may keep a list or register of private firearm owners.

In the theft or loss of any firearm a local law enforcement agency must be notified within a period of no more than 24 hours following the discovery of the theft or loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most parts, the state is a shall-issue state by definition, and permits are issued by the local law enforcement, but the Attorney General can also issue a license on a may-issue basis.

Applying for or renewing a gun permit in Rhode Island can take up to 90 days due to the fact that the process is highly dependent on other agencies for information necessary to complete the application.

Rhode Island Off Limit Statues

- It is unlawful to carry
or transport any firearm in this state when intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs.

 History of Section.(P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.)

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