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 New Hampshire.
Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Granite State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is a constitutional carry state. Open carry is legal in New Hampshire without a permit for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm. Concealed carry is also legal without a permit.
New Hampshire Concealed Carry Permit
Pistol/Revolver Licenses (PRLs) are issued to residents and non-residents for reciprocity purposes. The minimum age is 18 years old, and PRLs are issued to residents and non-residents.
Stand Your Ground
New Hampshire is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person has no duty to retreat if he or she is within his or her dwelling, its curtilage (immediate property) or anywhere he or she has a right to be. That is as long as the person was not the initial aggressor.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required to buy a handgun from a private individual in New Hampshire. In addition, there is no mandatory waiting period when purchasing a handgun. However, background checks are required when purchasing a firearm from a dealer.
New Hampshire does not have magazine capacity restrictions. Teflon-coated, armor-piercing and any ammunition that is designed to explode upon impact is prohibited in the course of committing any misdemeanor or felony.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old with no felony convictions. Pepper spray can be carried without a permit.
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Where Can One Carry in New Hampshire?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with New Hampshire’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 Concealed Carry Is Allowed
Locations where a concealed handgun may be carried include:
- Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted)
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Places of worship (unless posted)
Locations Where Carry Is Prohibited
Locations where carry is prohibited, include:
- Courtroom or area used by a court
- On an off-highway recreational vehicle/snowmobile or trailer towed by an off-highway recreational vehicle/snowmobile, unless the firearm is unloaded
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation
Can You Have a Loaded Gun in Your Car in New Hampshire?
Anyone at least 18 years old and not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle and at roadside rest areas in New Hampshire without a permit.
However, the carrying of loaded rifles or shotguns in a moving motor vehicle is prohibited unless the individual is in the act of protecting his or her livestock or crops.
Can You Carry a Gun in a Bar in New Hampshire?
There is no statute prohibiting carrying firearms in restaurants or bars. However, private establishments may be posted with signs prohibiting firearms.
Ready to Learn More About New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the New Hampshire gun laws page now…
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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.
