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New Hampshire is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Residents apply to the local law enforcement office and non-residents to the State Department of Justice if they wish to have a Pistol/Revolver License..
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required to buy a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry and concealed carry are legal in New Hampshire without a license for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm. There is no minimum age to carry a firearm, however the federal minimum age is 18 years old. Pistol/Revolver Licenses (PRLs) are issued to residents and non-residents for reciprocity purposes. No fingerprinting or photograph is required for a PRL. New Hampshire law does not require applicants for a license to carry a firearm to undergo firearms safety training or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety. In terms of reciprocity, since New Hampshire has permitless carry, any person 18 years of age and older that can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit.
New Hampshire is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person who is lawfully in a place or location and who is threatened with bodily injury or loss of life has no duty to retreat from a threat prior to using force.
Use of Force in Defense of Premises
A person in possession or control of premises or a person who is licensed or privileged to be there is justified in using non-deadly force when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes it necessary to prevent or terminate the commission of a criminal trespass by such other in or upon such premises. But he or she may use deadly force under such circumstances only in defense of a person or when one reasonably believes it necessary to prevent an attempt by the trespasser to commit arson.
Civil Immunity
A person who justifiably uses force in self-protection or in the protection of other persons, in the protection of premises and property, in law enforcement or in the care or welfare of a minor pursuant, shall be immune from civil liability for personal injuries sustained by a perpetrator.
[N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 627:4, 62:5, 627:6, 627:7 and 627:1a]
Physical Force in Defense of a Person
A person is justified in using non-deadly force upon another person in order to defend himself or herself or a third person from what one reasonably believes to be the imminent use of unlawful, non-deadly force, and a person may use a degree of such force which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary.
A person is justified in using deadly force if he or she reasonably believes that another person is:Deadly force is not justified if the actor knows that he or she and the third person can, with complete safety:
“Curtilage” means those outbuildings which are proximately, directly and intimately connected with a dwelling, together with all the land or grounds surrounding the dwelling such as are necessary, convenient and habitually used for domestic purposes.“Dwelling” means any building, structure, vehicle, boat or other place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons or sections of any place similarly adapted. It is immaterial whether a person is actually present.
Carry Basics | |
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Tasers or Stun Guns? Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in New Hampshire? | Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license for anyone at least 18 years old with no felony convictions. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray? Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in New Hampshire? | Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in New Hampshire. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? Does New Hampshire have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? | No. New Hampshire does not have magazine capacity restrictions. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? Does New Hampshire have ammunition restrictions? | Yes. New Hampshire law prohibits any person from attempting to use or using, in the course of committing any misdemeanor or felony, any teflon-coated or armor-piercing bullet or cartridge or any bullet or cartridge that contains an explosive substance in the projectile and is designed to explode upon impact. |
Permitless Carry? Does New Hampshire allow permitless carry? | Yes. New Hampshire allows permitless carry. |
Open Carry Permitted? Is open carry permitted in New Hampshire? | Yes, without a license. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry. |
Gun Permit Licensure? If New Hampshire requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued? | New Hampshire is a shall-issue/permitless carry state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry? What is the minimum age in New Hampshire to get a concealed carry license? | 18. There is no minimum age to carry a firearm, however the federal minimum age is 18 years old. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed? Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in New Hampshire with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)? | No. A concealed carry license does not allow you to carry weapons other than handguns. |
Carry Locations | |
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CARRY IN VEHICLE? Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in New Hampshire? | Yes, without a license for anyone not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm. |
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in New Hampshire? | Yes. You can carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in New Hampshire. |
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 New Hampshire? | Yes. Concealed carry is allowed in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in New Hampshire. |
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in New Hampshire? | Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry in bars or restaurants, unless posted. |
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? Does New Hampshire have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? | Not addressed in New Hampshire state law, although employers may have a policy. |
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in New Hampshire? | New Hampshire statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. |
Key State Laws | |
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DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry License? Is my New Hampshire driver’s license linked to my New Hampshire carry license? | No. Your New Hampshire driver’s license is not linked to your New Hampshire pistol/revolver license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced? Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in New Hampshire? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. | No. "No Weapons Allowed" signs are not enforced in New Hampshire. |
Preemption? Does New Hampshire 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 of firearms laws in New Hampshire. |
Red Flag Law? Does New Hampshire have a red flag law? | No. New Hampshire does not have a red flag law. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs? Does New Hampshire have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs? | Not addressed in state statutes. 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. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? Does New Hampshire issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents? | Yes. The process is the same as for residents. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? Does New Hampshire 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 inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in New Hampshire? | No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in New Hampshire. |
Brandishing? Does New Hampshire state law define brandishing? | No definition of brandishing was found in New Hampshire law. However, a person is guilty of reckless conduct if he recklessly engages in conduct which places or may place another in danger of serious bodily injury. [N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 631:3] A person is guilty of criminal threatening when by physical conduct, the person places or attempts to place another in fear of imminent bodily injury or physical contact. [N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 631:4] As of September 21, 2021, per the passage of HB 195, the act of displaying a firearm will not count as reckless conduct “in and of itself and without additional circumstances.” |
Handgun Purchase & Possession | |
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WAITING PERIOD? Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in New Hampshire? | No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in New Hampshire. |
HANDGUN REGISTRATION? Do handguns need to be registered in New Hampshire? | No. Handguns do not need to be registered in New Hampshire. |
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in New Hampshire? | 18 years old. |
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A LICENSE? Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license? | Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in New Hampshire for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm.
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PURCHASE PERMITS? Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in New Hampshire? | No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in New Hampshire. |
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? Are background checks required for private gun sales in New Hampshire? | No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun. |
NEW HAMPSHIRE LICENSE EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? Does my current New Hampshire concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? | No. |
New Hampshire Gun Laws: What You Need to KnowUSCCA - NOVEMBER 10, 2019
All persons have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves, their families, their property and the state." ARTICLE 1, § 2-A
Which states' permits does New Hampshire honor?
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 18 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 18 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Since New Hampshire has permitless carry, any person 18 years of age and older that can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on their person without a license or permit. However, even though it is a permitless carry state they will still issue licenses to residents and non-residents for reciprocity purposes.
Which states honor permits from New Hampshire?
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)
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)
New Hampshire residents can carry a concealed defensive firearm in the state of Oklahoma without any type of permit. You must carry your driver's license or state issued ID when carrying your firearm in Oklahoma.
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.
New Hampshire offers resident and non-resident licenses. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors New Hampshire resident licenses (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)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
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)
Virginia (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)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 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.
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 New Hampshire. |
Fees: | Initial License & Renewals$10 for residents$100 for non-residents |
Valid For: | 5 years |
Processing Time: | 14 days |
Application: | |
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses: | Link to non-resident application A non-resident can complete the non-resident application and mail it to the NH State Police: NH State PolicePermits and License Unit33 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03305 |
Name/Address Changes: | For a resident license, notify the local police department of your new address. For a non-resident license, forward a letter to NH State Police notifying them of the change of address, including the old and new address. If you would like to receive a license that reflects the new address, enclose a fee of $3.00. Send to: NH State Police Permits and Licensing Unit 33 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03305 |
Lost/Stolen Licenses: | Write a letter explaining the reason for your request and include a duplicate license fee of $3.00. Send to the above listed address. |
Residency Changes: | Moving to New Hampshire and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?New Hampshire issues resident and non-resident licenses, so you can apply for your license at any time. In order to apply for a resident license, you may need to provide a New Hampshire driver's license or state ID, or an out-of-state Driver's License, along with a current utility bill at your NH residence or a signed rent/lease agreement. Moving from New Hampshire and have a New Hampshire resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your New Hampshire license remains valid?If a person with a New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License establishes residency in another state, the license is valid until it expires provided you submit the above referenced Name/Address change form. |
How to Apply for a New Hampshire Concealed Carry License
New Hampshire is a shall-issue state, meaning that local law enforcement must issue a license to carry a loaded handgun if “it appears that the applicant has good reason to fear injury to the applicant’s person or property or has any proper purpose.” Hunting, target shooting or self-defense is considered a proper purpose. No photographs or fingerprints required are used as a basis to grant, deny or renew a license to carry for a resident or non-resident, unless requested by the applicant. |
New Hampshire law does not require applicants for a license to carry a firearm to undergo firearms safety training or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety. However, the USCCA recommends that anyone who makes the choice to carry a concealed firearm obtain as much training as possible in order to be a responsibly armed American.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew a New Hampshire Concealed Carry License
New Hampshire Rev, Stat. Ann. § 106.L:5, XXII authorizes the Police Standards and Training Council (PSTC) to adopt rules to implement the provisions of LEOSA. The PSTC adopted Administrative Rule 404.03(m) – (o) for that purpose. Once the qualified RLEO presents appropriate identification to an officer holding a current council firearms instructor certification and successfully completes the use of force training and handgun qualification two consecutive times, the instructor will issue documentation to the qualified RLEO.
WHERE CAN'T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE? Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE? |
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WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY? I can legally carry a concealed firearm in New Hampshire, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? | There is no known statute in New Hampshire making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING? Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in New Hampshire? | Yes, however the handgun cannot be used to take or attempt to take deer. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in New Hampshire? | Yes. A hunter is entitled to carry firearms while bow hunting, unless prohibited by state or federal law from carrying a firearm. No person taking deer under the provisions of this section shall take or attempt to take deer with any type of firearm. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in New Hampshire? | Yes. No person shall purposely obstruct or impede the participation of any individual in the lawful activity of hunting, fishing or trapping. |
WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE? | The law allows for the concealed and open carry of any type of knife by anyone who is not a convicted felon, although they cannot be carried in any courthouse. |
Date | Details |
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2021-07-27 | Added info on brandishing per HB 195 in At A Glance table |
2021-05-18 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
2021-03-02 | Added child care centers to locations off limits for concealed carry |
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.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.