Puerto Rico is about three times the size of Rhode Island with a population of roughly 3.2 million. It became a U.S. territory in 1898 after Spain ceded it following the Spanish-American War.
It is one of the five inhabited U.S. territories, alongside American Samoa, Guam, the North Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.
Since it is a territory of the U.S., citizens from the mainland U.S. do not need a passport to visit. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens (granted in 1917) and pay most federal taxes (except for federal income tax).
Puerto Rico’s gun laws have unique rules every traveler and resident must understand.
Understanding Puerto Rico gun laws is just the first step. Proper training transforms you from a gun owner into a confident protector.
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New Weapons Acts of 2020
With the passage of the Puerto Rico Weapons Acts of 2020, Puerto Rico will honor all state concealed carry permits once the NPPR Commissioner establishes memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with states and/or territories of the United States. These changes significantly modified several older laws, though no MOUs have yet been finalized.
Whether you live there, have family on the island or are planning a trip, here’s what you need to know about Puerto Rico gun laws and how they affect residents and visitors alike.
How to Obtain a Firearms Permit
Applications for Puerto Rico weapons licenses can be obtained from the Weapons Licensing Office or a local law enforcement office. It takes 30 days to process. The firearms permit in Puerto Rico is valid for five years.
The applicant must receive training on the use and handling of firearms before obtaining the permit. Once a student completes a course on the use and management of firearms, a certified instructor will issue a Use and Management Certificate to that student.
Concealed Carry in Puerto Rico: Rules and Restrictions
Open carry is not permitted in Puerto Rico. (The territory has no state constitutional right to keep and bear arms.) Only legal residents with a Puerto Rico Weapons License issued under Law 404-2000 (or non-residents with any state permit with established MOUs) can carry concealed. The minimum age to obtain this license and carry is 21.
Only one concealed firearm is permitted to be carried at a time (only handguns are permitted). However, residents with the Puerto Rico Weapons License can transport more than one firearm at a time in a vehicle. (You must possess a permit to transport in a vehicle.) These weapons must be unloaded, in a closed case and shielded from plain sight.
Out-of-State Permit Recognition
Puerto Rico will honor all out-of-state concealed carry permits, with established MOUs. Also, it will issue concealed carry permits to non-residents. However, this is not yet in practice as no MOUs have been established at this time.
There is some contradiction in the new gun law as to whether any person with a valid permit issued in any state, enclave, possession or territory of the U.S. who brings a firearm into Puerto Rico must give notice to the Ports Authority Security Office and an officer of the Police Bureau of Puerto Rico five business days prior to arriving in Puerto Rico, or if the airline can provide the proper form immediately prior to the flight.
Ammunition Limitations
Anyone with a weapons license may only purchase ammunition of the calibers that can be used by their registered weapons (unless they rent a firearm of a different caliber at the shooting range). If an individual purchases more than 20,000 rounds of ammunition or more than 10 firearms in a year, a police chief may investigate to ensure that the ammo was purchased for lawful reasons. Only licensed gun dealers are allowed to import ammunition.
Firearm Registration and Transfer Requirements
You must have a permit to purchase a handgun in Puerto Rico. All firearms must be registered. Firearms may only be donated, sold, transferred, left in the custody of, or transferred between people who have a gun dealer’s license.
Where You Can and Cannot Carry
Permitted Locations
The new gun law doesn’t include prohibitions on carry in a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol, roadside rest area, state/national parks or state/national forests, although other statutes may apply. While there are no laws prohibiting carrying in houses of worship, these areas are private property and determine if they restrict concealed carry.
Prohibited Locations
However, you are restricted from carrying on school property, in public buildings, mental institutions, any place on election day and any place prohibited by federal law.
Additional Resources and Information
This is just a brief overview of some things you should know about Puerto Rico’s gun laws. For more detailed information, make sure to visit the USCCA Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map.
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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.
