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’ve provided a summary of basic concealed carry laws in Nebraska. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Cornhusker State.
Can You Carry a Gun 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. Nebraska is a constitutional carry state.
Nebraska Concealed Carry Permit
The minimum age to obtain a Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is 21 years old. Applicants must also complete a firearms training course. Nebraska does not issue permits to non-residents. On April 25, 2023, Gov. Jim Pillen (R) signed LB 77 into law, making Nebraska the 27th constitutional carry state in the U.S. The new law is now in effect. A person, other than a minor or a prohibited person, (1)(a) may carry a concealed handgun anywhere in Nebraska, with or without a permit under the Concealed Handgun Permit Act Section 69-2441.
Open Carry Gun Laws in Nebraska
Open carry is legal in Nebraska without a permit for anyone at least 18 years of age that is not prohibited from carrying a firearm. However, state preemption allows local governments to regulate the open carrying of firearms. In the city of Omaha, for example, a concealed carry permit is required.
Castle Doctrine
Nebraska is a Castle Doctrine state. The use of deadly force is only justifiable if a person believes that such force is necessary to protect oneself against death, serious bodily harm, kidnapping or sexual intercourse compelled by force or threat. This is provided that the person didn’t provoke the attack. If the person can avoid the necessity of using such force with complete safety by retreating or surrendering possession of a thing, he or she must do so. There is no duty to retreat while in a person’s dwelling or workplace. Present law requires citizens, if outside their homes, vehicles or outbuildings, to retreat before protecting themselves or family against violent intruders.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
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.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Pepper spray, stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Where Can One Concealed Carry in Nebraska?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Nebraska’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
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
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Nebraska?
Yes, you can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle without a permit if it is in plain sight. However, some cities have ordinances on carrying firearms in a vehicle without a permit.
Ready to Learn More About Nebraska Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Nebraska’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the 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.
