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 Nebraska below.
Permitting in Nebraska
Open carry is legal without a permit in Nebraska for anyone at least 18 years of age who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm, although it may be restricted by local governments. Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and for non-residents with a license/permit from a state Nebraska honors. The minimum age to obtain a CHP is 21 years old. Applicants must also complete a firearms training course. Nebraska does not issue permits to non-residents. In terms of reciprocity, Nebraska recognizes permits issued by those states which have standards equal to or greater than Nebraska. In addition, pepper spray, stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
A handgun certificate or a concealed carry permit is required for the purchase of a handgun in Nebraska. A person acquiring a handgun must have either a handgun certificate or a concealed handgun permit and has therefore been subject to a background check. There is no waiting period when purchasing a handgun. Although there is no statewide registration, the City of Omaha requires the registration of all handguns. The City of Lincoln requires reporting of firearms sales other than long guns commonly used for sporting purposes. There is a requirement to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm in Nebraska.
Locations where permit holders may carry a concealed handgun include:
- In a vehicle without a permit if it is in plain sight. (However, some cities, such as Omaha, have ordinances on carrying firearms in a vehicle without a permit)
- Roadside rest areas
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- In the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol, unless posted, and provided you consume no alcohol
Locations where carry is prohibited even for permit holders include:
- Building, grounds, vehicle or sponsored activity or athletic event of any elementary, vocational or secondary school, or postsecondary career school, college or university
- Police, sheriff or Nebraska State Patrol station or office
- Detention facility, prison or jail
- Courtroom or building that contains a courtroom
- Polling place during a bona fide election
- Meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality or other political subdivision
- Meeting of the Legislature or a committee of the Legislature
- Financial institution
- Professional, semi-professional or collegiate athletic event
- Place of worship
- Hospital, emergency room or trauma center
- Political rally or fundraiser
- Establishment having a license issued under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act that derives over one half of its total income from the sale of alcoholic liquor
- Offutt Air Force Base, except current and former military law enforcement personnel who have permits that allow qualifying military police to carry concealed weapons may carry
- Game refuges and game preserves
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law
Visit the USCCA Nebraska gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
