1.9M
35
21
33
8
66
5
82k
4.3%
Nebraska is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. 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. Some areas are off-limits, including schools. The city of Omaha requires individuals to possess a concealed carry permit to openly carry within the city.
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. 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
The minimum age to obtain a CHP is 21 years old. Applicants must also complete a firearms training course. Permits are restricted to residents and military personnel and their spouses stationed in Nebraska. The city of Lincoln prohibits the possession of a firearm by anyone who has been convicted of certain misdemeanors within the last 10 years, including stalking, violation of an order of protection, sexual assault and public indecency. In terms of reciprocity, Nebraska will recognize permits issued by those states which have standards equal to or greater than Nebraska.
The use of force is justifiable when the actor believes that such force is immediately necessary:
Self-Defense
Nebraska is a Castle Doctrine state. 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.
Use of Force for Protection of Other Persons
The use of force is justifiable to protect a third person when:
A person is not required to retreat before using force in the protection of another person against the use of unlawful force unless one knows that he can thereby secure the complete safety of such other person. However, there is no duty to retreat when in the other’s dwelling or place of work.
In addition § NRS 28-1413 refers to the use of force by persons with special responsibility for care, discipline or safety of others.
Use of Force in Self-Protection
The use of force upon or toward another person is justifiable:
The use of deadly force is not justifiable if:
Carry Basics | |
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Open Carry Permitted? Is open carry permitted in Nebraska? | Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 18 years of age that is not prohibited from possessing a firearm. |
Gun Permit Licensure? If Nebraska requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? | Nebraska is a shall issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry? What is the minimum age in Nebraska to get a concealed carry permit? | You must be at least 21 years old concealed carry in Nebraska. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed? Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Nebraska with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? | No. A concealed carry permit does not allow the carry of weapons other than handguns. |
Tasers or Stun Guns? Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Nebraska? | Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray? Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Nebraska? | Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Nebraska. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? Does Nebraska have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? | No. Nebraska does not have magazine capacity restrictions. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? Does Nebraska have ammunition restrictions? | No. Nebraska does not have ammunition restrictions. |
Constitutional Carry? Does Nebraska allow constitutional carry? | Yes. On April 25, 2023, Gov. Jim Pillen (R) signed LB 77 into law, making Nebraska the 27th constitutional carry state in the U.S. |
Carry Locations | |
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CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)? Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Nebraska? | Yes, with a Nebraska Concealed handgun permit or a license/permit from a state Nebraska honors, unless posted. The new permitless carry law does not address state/national parks. |
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Nebraska? | You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol with a Nebraska concealed carry permit or a permit/license from a state that Nebraska honors, unless posted and provided you consume no alcohol. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants. |
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? Does Nebraska have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? | Nebraska law allows a concealed handgun permit holder to carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle even in the parking area of a location where concealed handgun possession is generally prohibited. The only requirement is that, prior to exiting the vehicle, the permit holder must lock the handgun inside the glove box, trunk or other compartment of the vehicle, or a storage box securely attached to the vehicle. |
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Nebraska? | Yes, with a Nebraska Concealed handgun permit or a license/permit from a state Nebraska honors. |
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Nebraska? | Any private business may prohibit a permitholder from carrying a concealed handgun into or onto the place or premises. The property must be posted with conspicuous notice that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited or a request made that the permitholder remove the concealed handgun from the place or premises. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. |
CARRY IN VEHICLE? Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Nebraska? | Yes, you can carry a loaded handgun 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. Based on the Governor's signing of LB 236, as of August 26, 2021, a person without a permit who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm will be able to transport a firearm to, or from, any location where it can be lawfully possessed, carried, and used, provided it is unloaded, kept separate from ammunition and stored in a case. |
Key State Laws | |
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Red Flag Law? Does Nebraska have a red flag law? | No. Nebraska does not have a red flag law. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? Does Nebraska issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? | Yes, but only to military personnel and their spouses, who are treated as residents. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? Does Nebraska allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? | No, however the information is available for law enforcement. |
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying? Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Nebraska? | Yes. You have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Nebraska. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry Permit? Is my Nebraska driver’s license linked to my Nebraska carry permit? | Yes. Your Nebraska driver’s license is linked to your Nebraska concealed handgun permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license. |
Preemption? Does Nebraska have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? | Yes. The state has preemption over regulating firearms. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or a Controlled Substance? Does Nebraska have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or a controlled substance? | Not while consuming or while the permit holder has remaining in his or her blood, urine or breath any previously consumed alcohol or any controlled substance, as defined in NRS § 28-401. A permitholder does not violate this subsection if the controlled substance in his or her blood, urine, or breath was lawfully obtained and was taken in therapeutically prescribed amounts. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced? Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Nebraska? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. | Yes. Any place open to the public must post conspicuous notice that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited in or on the place, or make a request that the permit holder remove the concealed handgun from the place or premises. |
Brandishing? Does Nebraska state law define brandishing? | No definition of brandishing was found in Nebraska law. However, a person commits the offense of assault in the third degree if he intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person, or threatens another person in a menacing manner. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession | |
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BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? Are background checks required for private gun sales in Nebraska? | Yes. 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. Exceptions include transfers between a person and his or her spouse, sibling, parent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or grandparent or if the person acquiring the handgun is a holder of a Nebraska CHP. |
NEBRASKA PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? Does my current Nebraska concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? | Yes. |
WAITING PERIOD? Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Nebraska? | No. Nebraska does not have a waiting period after purchasing a handgun. |
HANDGUN REGISTRATION? Do handguns need to be registered in Nebraska? | 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. |
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Nebraska? | 18 years old. However, this does not apply to the temporary loan of handguns for instruction under the immediate supervision of a parent or guardian or adult instructor. |
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT? Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? | Yes. A permit is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a concealed weapon if the circumstances justify a prudent person in carrying the weapon for he defense of his or her person, property, or family. |
PURCHASE PERMITS? Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Nebraska? | Yes. A handgun certificate or a concealed carry permit is required for the purchase of a handgun. The Lancaster County Sheriff will not issue a Nebraska permit to purchase a handgun if the applicant is a Lincoln resident and is prohibited by Lincoln Municipal Code 9.36.100 from possessing firearms. |
Handgun Purchase Process
To purchase, rent, lease or receive a handgun in Nebraska, whether through a licensed firearms dealer or a private transaction, you must possess a Firearm Purchase Certificate. Transfers between members of the same family are excluded from this requirement. A certificate is not required if the person acquiring a handgun is a licensed firearms dealer, is doing so on behalf of a law enforcement agency, if the purchaser possesses a valid Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit, or the transfer is temporary and the transferee remains in the immediate vicinity of the transferor or within the premises of an established shooting facility. This certificate must be obtained through your local county sheriff’s office and is valid for 3 years from the date it is issued. It does not restrict the number of firearms a holder may purchase. A permit will be issued within 3 days. In order to apply you will need to present a valid Nebraska driver’s license or state-issued ID card and pay an application fee. The minimum age to apply for a Firearms Purchase Certificate is 21. |
Nebraska Gun Laws: What You Need to KnowUSCCA - OCTOBER 3, 2024
All persons ... have certain ... rights, among these are ... the right to keep and bear arms for security or defense of self, family, home and others, and for lawful common defense, hunting, recreational use and all other lawful purposes, and such rights shall not be denied or infringed by the state or any subdivision thereof." ARTICLE 1, § 1
Which states' permits does Nebraska honor?
Alabama (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alaska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
California (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Connecticut (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Delaware (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (handguns only, Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Hawaii (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Illinois (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Indiana (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maryland (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Minnesota (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Montana (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nevada (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Jersey (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York City (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Carolina (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Dakota (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oregon (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Puerto Rico (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Rhode Island (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Dakota (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Texas (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Washington (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
The minimum age is 21 years old.
Which states honor permits from Nebraska?
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Nebraska offers resident and non-resident permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Nebraska resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Residency Changes: | Moving to Nebraska and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Nebraska issues permits to residents and members of the military stationed in Nebraska and their spouses only. You can apply for your permit once you have been a resident of Nebraska for 180 days or if you are a new resident to Nebraska with a permit from a state that is recognized by Nebraska. Moving from Nebraska and have a Nebraska resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Nebraska permit remains valid?If a person with a Nebraska pistol permit establishes residency in another state, the pistol permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state. |
Processing Time: | 5 days |
Application: | |
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: | Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Nebraska and their spouses. The process is the same as for residents. |
Name/Address Changes: | Permit holders who change name or address are required to notify the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Concealed Handgun Permit Program within 30 days of the change in name or address using the application form prescribed by the Nebraska State Patrol. The application form should be accompanied with a copy of the applicant’s updated Nebraska driver’s license and current concealed handgun permit. A change of name or address request can also be completed online. A permit holder moving to another state shall return the permit to the NSP Concealed Handgun Permit Program for cancellation. The permit is not valid if the permit holder is no longer a resident of Nebraska. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: | You must notify NSP within 10 days and request a replacement permit. The request can be made online. You must not carry a concealed handgun until the permit is replaced, as the law requires you to have the permit in your possession at any time you carry a concealed handgun. |
Requirements: | An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Nebraska. |
Fees: | Initial Permit $100 Renewals $50 (plus $4.50 for online renewals) |
Valid For: | 5 years |
How to Apply for a Nebraska Concealed Carry Permit
A concealed handgun permit applicant must complete a handgun training and safety course within the 3 years preceding the issuance of a permit. The Nebraska State Patrol certifies instructors and the curriculum must include:
Be sure to verify that any firearm training you receive in order to obtain your permit is approved by the state of Nebraska.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew a Nebraska Concealed Carry Permit
Neb. Admin. Code Title 79, Ch. 11 sets firearms certification standards. The Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center (NLETC) qualifies retired officers. Retired officers can make an appointment with the lead firearms instructor to shoot the course at NLETC. They can also shoot the qualification course under the supervision of any Nebraska Firearms Instructor at another agency range with the permission of the firearms instructor’s agency.
WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN NEBRASKA? |
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WHERE CAN'T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN NEBRASKA? Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
[Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2441(1)(a)]
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WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN NEBRASKA? | It is legal to open carry any type of knife in Nebraska, except for convicted felons, fugitives or person's knowingly violating a domestic violence protective order. Concealed carry of any knife having a blade longer than 3½ inches or capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing or tearing wounds is illegal. [NRS §§ 28-1201, 28-1202 & 28-1206] |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY? I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Nebraska, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? | There is no known statute in Nebraska making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING? Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Nebraska? | Yes. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Nebraska? | No. It is unlawful to hunt antelope or deer, under authority of an archery permit while in possession of, or having under control, any firearm, or to hunt antelope or deer under authority of a muzzleloader permit while in possession of, or having under control, any breech-loading firearm, except that this shall not prohibit carrying a firearm within the enclosed portion of a vehicle. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Nebraska? | Yes. No person shall knowingly and intentionally interfere or attempt to interfere with another person who is not trespassing and who is lawfully hunting or trapping any game bird, game animal, fur-bearing animal, or other wild mammal or bird or engaged in activity associated with hunting, trapping or fishing. Activity associated with hunting, trapping, or fishing shall mean travel, camping, or other acts that are preparatory to or in conjunction with hunting, trapping, or fishing on lands or waters upon which hunting, trapping, or fishing may lawfully occur and that are done by a hunter, a trapper, or an angler or by a member of a hunting, trapping, or fishing party. |
Date | Details |
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2023-09-10 | Updated to reflect Constitutionl Carry law |
2021-05-27 | Per LB 236, updated info on vehicle carry in At A Glance table
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2021-05-27 | Per LB 236, updated info on permit renewals in Permit Renewal section |
2021-05-18 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
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Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email support@uscca.com and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
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.
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