Whether you’re new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed carry permit may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing the laws. Applying for a CCW varies by state. Read about the process for getting a Nevada Concealed Carry Firearm Permit (CCW) below.

Similar to permit requirements, states vary greatly in their processes for how an applicant obtains a concealed handgun permit, what their permits/licenses are called, whether licenses include photographs, whether fingerprinting is required, license duration, license costs and turnaround times. Some states allow an applicant to complete an application online, while others require an in-person visit to the office of the respective issuing authority. There are even states that require the applicant to provide a list of non-related character references.

Concealed Carry Permit Basics

Nevada is a shall-issue state. Shall-issue means licensing authorities are compelled to issue a license as long as an applicant meets the basic requirements set out by state law. Licenses are issued at the county level by local sheriff departments.

Open carry is legal in Nevada without a permit. Anyone 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may openly carry virtually anywhere in the state. For open carry in a vehicle, the firearm may be anywhere except concealed upon the person without a concealed firearms permit. Open carry is actually legal in more places in Nevada than concealed carry is. Signs on public buildings only prohibit concealed carry. Areas that are off-limits include school premises, including parking lots, and wherever legislature is conducting business.

Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Nevada firearm permit and for non-residents with a license/permit from a state Nevada honors. Both residents and non-residents can obtain permits.

Federally Prohibited Persons

The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 make it illegal for a person who fits into any of the prohibited categories to ship, transport, receive or possess firearms or ammunition. These laws prevent a state from issuing a concealed handgun permit/license as it would be illegal for people who fit in these categories, by federal law, to own or possess a gun.

What Are the License Requirements in Nevada?

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 21 years old or at least 18 and active-duty military, reserve military or honorably discharged
  • Be a lawful resident of the United States
  • Not have been dishonorably discharged from military service
  • Provide the documentation to demonstrate competence with a firearm
  • Not be a fugitive from justice
  • Not have been judicially declared mentally incompetent or insane
  • Not have been admitted to a mental health facility within the last five years
  • Not have habitually used intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance to the extent that your normal faculties were impaired, including DUI convictions within previous five years
  • Not be a medical marijuana patient
  • Not have been convicted of a crime involving the use or threatened use of force or violence, including misdemeanor convictions, within the last three years
  • Not have been convicted of a felony
  • Not have been convicted of a crime involving domestic violence or stalking, or currently subject to a restraining order or other order of protection against violence
  • Not be currently subject to an ex parte or extended order for protection against high-risk behavior (effective on January 1, 2020)
  • Not be currently on parole or probation
  • Not have been, within the preceding five years, subject to any requirements imposed by a court as a condition to withholding the entry of judgment for your conviction of a felony; or suspension of your sentence for the conviction of a felony; or indictment by a Grand Jury
  • Not have made a false statement on any application
  • Not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under state and federal law, city and/or county ordinances
  • Meet federal law requirements

Do I Need Firearms Training in Nevada?

Yes. Permit applicants must demonstrate competence with handguns by presenting a certificate or other documentation to the sheriff that shows the applicant successfully completed a course in firearm safety either:

  • Approved by a sheriff in this state or
  • Offered by a federal, state or local law enforcement agency, community college, university or national organization that certifies instructors in firearms safety.

Firearms training must include instruction in the use of handguns (typically an eight-hour class with live-fire qualification), as well as instruction on Nevada’s laws relating to the use of a firearm. Online or out-of-state courses will not be accepted. There are some counties that require any training to take place in the county where you file the application.

Training is also required for permit renewals.

A Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Class from the USCCA meets permitting requirements in many Nevada counties. Find a class near you!

How Do I Get a Concealed Handgun Permit in Nevada?

Step 1: Take a concealed firearms qualification course from a certified firearms instructor. Training must include a live-fire component.

Step 2: Download an application or pick one up from your county sheriff’s office. Clark County residents or out-of-state residents who received firearms training in Clark County may apply for a permit using this online portal.

Step 3: Take the (unsigned) completed application to the law enforcement office with the following:

    • Training certificate
    • Proof of residency (valid driver’s license)
    • Proof of citizenship
    • Permit fee

You will be required to sign the application in front of a witness at the station.
You will be fingerprinted and photographed.

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

For more information, visit the USCCA Nevada gun laws page now…