Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Silver State below.

Getting a Nevada Concealed Carry Permit

Open carry is legal in Nevada without a permit. Anyone 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may openly carry nearly anywhere in the state.

Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Nevada Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) and for non-residents with a license/permit from a state Nevada honors. The minimum age for a Nevada CFP is 21 (or 18 for members of the military). Applicants must complete an approved course in firearms safety and demonstrate competence with a handgun. Both residents and non-residents can obtain permits. Nevada recognizes permits from states that meet specific criteria and maintains the list on its website.

A permit is not required when buying a handgun. Firearms do not need to be registered in Nevada. As of Jan. 2, 2020, with few exceptions, sales are required to be conducted through a licensed federal firearms dealer with a background check. The minimum age to possess and transport a firearm is 18 years old. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases. There are no magazine-capacity restrictions for handguns. The manufacture or sale of metal-penetrating bullets is prohibited.

Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. Only adults may purchase pepper spray. Sellers must record and maintain purchase records for two years.

Where Can One Carry Concealed?

Anyone with a Nevada CFP or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors can carry in a vehicle. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm unless asked. Without a permit, a handgun may not be concealed on your person. Carry is also allowed at roadside rest areas with a Nevada CFP or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors.

Other areas where permit holders can carry concealed are:

  • Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted and provided you are not under the influence)
  • State/national parks
  • State/national forests
  • Wildlife Management Areas
  • Places of worship (unless posted)

Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:

  • 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 the individual has a permit and is employed there)
  • Secured areas of airports
  • Law enforcement agency facilities
  • Prisons, jails and detention facilities
  • Courthouses and courtrooms
  • State legislative buildings or any other places where the Legislature conducts its business
  • Hoover Dam
  • Red Rock National Conservation area
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law

Visit the USCCA Nevada gun laws page now…