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 Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) 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

Nebraska 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. Permits are issued at the state level by the State Patrol Department. A handgun certificate or a concealed carry permit is required for any purchase of a handgun, even private sales. The city of Omaha requires handgun registration, although concealed handgun permit holders are exempt.

Open carry is legal without a permit in Nebraska for anyone at least 18 years of age that is not prohibited from possessing a firearm, although it may be restricted by local governments. For open carry in a vehicle, the firearm must be clearly visible. 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.

Permits are restricted to residents and military personnel and their spouses stationed in Nebraska. In terms of reciprocity, Nebraska will recognize permits issued by those states which have standards equal to or greater than Nebraska.

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 Nebraska?

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have resided in Nebraska for the previous 180 days, be a new resident to Nebraska with a permit from a state that is recognized by Nebraska or be a member of the military permanently stationed in Nebraska or their spouse
  • Pass an approved firearms training course
  • Complete a vision test
  • Not be on parole, probation, house arrest or work release
  • Not have pled guilty or no contest to, or not have been convicted of a felony
  • Not have pled guilty or no contest to, or not have been convicted of, a misdemeanor crime of violence within the immediately preceding 10 years
  • Not have been found in the previous 10 years to be a mentally ill and dangerous person and not be currently adjudged mentally incompetent
  • Never have had a conviction for violation of any law relating to firearms, unlawful use of a weapon or controlled substances in the past 10 years
  • Meet federal law requirements

Do I Need Firearms Training in Nebraska?

Yes. A concealed handgun permit applicant must complete a handgun training and safety course within the three years preceding the issuance of a permit. The Nebraska State Patrol certifies instructors, and the curriculum must include:

  • Safe handling of a handgun
  • Safe handling of handgun ammunition
  • Safe handgun shooting fundamentals
  • A demonstration of competency with a handgun with respect to the minimum safety and training requirements
  • Federal, state and local laws pertaining to the purchase, ownership, transportation and possession of handguns
  • Federal, state and local laws pertaining to the use of a handgun, use of a handgun for self-defense, and laws relating to justifiable homicide and the various degrees of assault
  • Knowledge of ways to avoid a criminal attack and to defuse or control a violent confrontation
  • Proper storage practices for handguns and ammunition, including storage practices that would reduce the possibility of accidental injury to a child

Be sure to verify that any firearm training you receive in order to obtain your permit is approved by the state of Nebraska.

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

How Do I Get a Concealed Handgun Permit in Nebraska?

Step 1: If you don’t have a driver’s license, download the vision statement form from the State Patrol website, schedule a vision test and provide the form for completion by your optometrist or ophthalmologist. A driver’s license proves your vision was tested and passed.

Step 2: Complete a firearms training course.

Step 3: Download the application or pick one up from State Patrol headquarters. Complete the form and have it notarized.

Step 4: Take the notarized application to your nearest State Patrol headquarters along with the following:

    • Proof of firearms training
    • Proof of vision – driver’s license or completed vision statement
    • Proof of citizenship – birth certificate or passport
    • Proof of address – driver’s license or Nebraska ID card

You will be fingerprinted, and your signature and photo will be taken.

You will be notified if your application is approved.

 

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