Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
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Summary of Puerto Rico Gun Laws
Puerto Rico is a shall-issue unincorporated U.S. territory with concealed weapons permits issued by the Office of Weapons licenses.
A valid weapons or gunsmith license is required to acquire, buy, transport, sell, donate, transfer, have, possess, guard, carry, use and drive with weapons, firearms, ammunition and any regulated firearm accessories.
Open carry is not legal in Puerto Rico.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Puerto Rico Weapons License (WL) issued under the Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 (PRAA) and any license issued previously under Law 404-2000. Puerto Rico requires the completion of a firearms use and management course prior to issuance of a WL. Licenses are available to any citizen or legal resident of the United States that is at least 21 years old. Only one concealed firearm may be carried at a time, although more than one firearm can be carried while on the premises of an authorized shooting club or places where hunting is practiced. Law enforcement officers may use government-assigned weapons without a license. In addition, members of the United States Armed Forces and the Puerto Rico National Guard may use those weapons assigned to them while they are on official duty without a WL. Active duty military veterans that meet the qualifications can obtain or renew their pistol permits free of charge.
Traveling with Handguns to Puerto Rico Not Quite Yet!
In terms of reciprocity, although the PRAA indicates that there is reciprocity with any valid U.S. state permit, there is a caveat that states that reciprocity will be allowed for each state, “once the NPPR Commissioner establishes a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the state.” As of November 2021, it appears that no MOUs have been established.
Per Article 2.18 of the Regulations to Administer the PRAA (Reg. Admin.), once the NPPR Commissioner establishes a MOU with the state, any person who meets the established requirements and intends to introduce one or more weapons and/or ammunition to Puerto Rico must inform the Division of Weapons Registry and License Issuance by completing Form PPR-1062 (Notification of Intention to Introduce Weapons and/or Ammunition) within five business days before the introduction of weapons and/or ammunition to Puerto Rico. When feasible, the notification will be made through the following link: http://www.policia.pr.gov. In these cases, firearms will be registered in the REAL Plus System.There is also confusion as to whether anyone intending to travel to Puerto Rico with their handgun must provide notice five business days prior [Reg. Admin. Art. 2.18] or whether the airline can simply submit the form prior to the flight [Reg. Admin. Art. 11.01].
Per Reg. Admin. Art. 11.01, any commercial airline that flies to Puerto Rico and that has received firearms and/or ammunition from a passenger to transport them to any airport within the limits territorial of Puerto Rico as part of the person’s luggage, must notify the Puerto Rico Police Bureau at the time that said firearm and/or ammunition is to be delivered to the passenger. The airline will require the passenger to complete Form PPR-1053. The form must be sent by email to www.registrodearmas@policia.pr.gov or sent through the following link: www.policia.pr.gov.
Self-Defense
In terms of self-defense, any person who defends his/her person, dwelling, property or rights is justified in using reasonable and proportionate force when he or she believes there is peril of imminent danger and to avoid or repel the danger. That is provided they have not provoked the attack and no more damage is inflicted than is necessary to avert or avoid the injury.
When alleging self-defense to justify deadly force, it is necessary to have reasonable grounds to believe that the person was in imminent or immediate danger of death or serious bodily harm. To justify the defense of dwelling, the circumstances shall indicate trespassing or for the purpose of committing a crime. To justify defense of property or rights, the circumstances shall indicate an attack that constitutes a crime or that poses serious danger of damage or imminent loss.
Liability
Any person who, in order to protect his or her own or another’s right from an imminent danger not provoked by him or her and otherwise inevitable, infringes a duty or causes damage to another’s legally protected interest, shall not be liable, provided that the damage caused is less than the damage being prevented and does not cause the death or the serious and permanent injury to a person.
Puerto Rico Quick Links
Puerto Rico Gun Laws at a Glance
| Carry Basics | |
|---|---|
Open Carry Permitted? Is open carry permitted in Puerto Rico? | |
Gun Permit Licensure? If Puerto Rico requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? | Shall issue. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry? What is the minimum age in Puerto Rico to get a concealed carry permit? | |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed? Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Puerto Rico with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? | No. Additionally, only one handgun can be carried at a time. |
Non-Resident Permitting? Does Puerto Rico issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? | |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? Does Puerto Rico have ammunition restrictions? | Yes. Anyone with a weapons license may only purchase ammunition of the calibers that can be used by their registered weapons, unless they rent weapons of a different caliber while at a shooting range. Also, if a person purchases more than 20,000 rounds of ammunition in a year, the police chief may investigate to ensure the ammunition and firearms were purchased for lawful reasons. In addition, only licensed gun dealers are allowed to import ammunition. |
PERMITLESS Carry? Does Puerto Rico allow permitless carry? | No. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? Does Puerto Rico allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? | No, however, the information is available for law enforcement. |
Magazine Limits For Handguns? Does Puerto Rico have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? | No. |
| Carry Locations | |
|---|---|
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 Puerto Rico? | Unknown. |
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? Can you carry a firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Puerto Rico? | Unknown. |
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Puerto Rico? | Unknown. |
CARRY IN VEHICLE? Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Puerto Rico? | Yes. Residents with a Puerto Rico Weapons License or non-residents with any valid state permit are allowed to transport more than one firearm at a time, if the other weapons are unloaded in a closed case that does not reflect its content, provided it is not in plain sight. Weapons and ammunition must be transported within closed cases that do not reflect the content or are hidden. |
CARRY IN AIRPORTS? Can you carry a firearm in an airport in Puerto Rico? | Per federal law, an individual may not have a weapon on or about the person or accessible property when entering or in a sterile area of an airport or when attempting to board or onboard an aircraft for which screening is conducted. Airports in Puerto Rico must have signs posted in Spanish and English indicating that anyone without a valid weapons permit issued in any state, enclave, possession or territory of the United States of America who brings a firearm to Puerto Rico, must give immediate notice to the Ports Authority Security Office and an officer of the Police Bureau of Puerto Rico upon arrival. The Ports Authority Security Office and/or an Authorized Agent will inform the individual on how to proceed with his or her weapon. |
| Key State Laws | |
|---|---|
Brandishing? Does Puerto Rico law define brandishing? | No definition of brandishing was found in Puerto Rico law, although open carry is prohibited. |
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 Puerto Rico? | The Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 does not address if there is a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Puerto Rico. |
Red Flag Law? Does Puerto Rico have a red flag law? | Unknown |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? Does Puerto Rico issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? | Yes. Licenses are available to any citizen or legal resident of the United States that is at least 21 years old. |
| Handgun Purchase & Possession | |
|---|---|
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? Are background checks required for private gun sales in Puerto Rico? | No, however, all purchases or transfers of firearms will be made through Form PPR 379 (Request for Purchase or Transfer of Firearms). In order to carry out the transfer it will be necessary to verify that the weapon license or gunsmith license is in force and that the firearm is legally registered. |
PUERTO RICO PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? Does my current Puerto Rico concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? | Yes. |
HANDGUN REGISTRATION? Do handguns need to be registered in Puerto Rico? | Yes. Any acquisition, purchase, sale, donation, assignment or form of transfer of ownership of a firearm and ammunition must be done by a person with a gunsmith license and will be registered in the Electronic Registry of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. In addition, any loss of control, possession or custody of a firearm and/or ammunition, must result in notification, as soon as possible, but always no more than 48 hours after which the person becomes aware of the loss by filing a complaint with the Police Bureau. |
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Puerto Rico? | 21, as a Weapons License is required. However, a Special License for Minors from the Weapons Licensing Office authorizes a minor — that is at least 7 years old — to practice shooting with firearms, provided they have authorization from a parent, guardian or custodian, who has a valid weapons license. [Reg. Admin. Art. 2.01(1) and 3.08] |
PURCHASE PERMITS? Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Puerto Rico? | No. However, a concealed carry permit or a gunsmith license is required in order to acquire, buy, transport, sell, donate, loan, transfer, have, possess, guard, carry, use and drive with weapons, firearms, ammunition, and any permitted firearm accessories. Temporary transfers of firearms and ammunition between licensees is allowed, although the Weapons Licensing Office must be notified within 48 hours of any transfer for periods of more than 72 hours. If the temporary assignment extends for more than 30 days, the firearms must be returned to the registered owner or the registration must be formally transferred to the new owner. |
Related Blog Posts
Puerto Rico Gun Laws: What You Need to KnowUSCCA - JULY 12, 2020
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STATE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION
The right to life, liberty and the enjoyment of property is recognized as a fundamental right of man. ARTICLE II, § 7 PUERTO RICO HAS NO STATE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS.
Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Puerto Rico honor?
The Puerto Rico gun law indicates that Puerto Rico honors permits from all states, enclaves, possessions or territories of the United States of America. However, reciprocity will only be allowed for each state, “once the NPPR Commissioner establishes a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the state.” So far, no MOUs have been established.
Other States' Reciprocity With Puerto Rico
Which states honor permits from Puerto Rico?
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.
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Puerto Rico
0Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
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)
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)
Permitless Carry States
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (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)
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.
Puerto Rico Concealed Carry License Information
Residency Changes: | Moving to Puerto Rico and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Puerto Rico issues licenses to residents and non-residents. You can apply for your permit to the police area command where you reside, the Arms Registry and Licensing Issue Division at Headquarters or online. Moving from Puerto Rico and have a Puerto Rico resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Puerto Rico permit remains valid?If a person with a Puerto Rico pistol permit establishes residency in another state, the pistol permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state. |
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 Puerto Rico. |
Fees: | New Permits $200 Renewals $100 There are fee exemptions for international high performance PR target shooting athletes, government employees that are required to carry firearms, auxiliary police, and active and former law enforcement officers, provided their retirement has been honorable and they have served in that capacity for at least 10 years. |
Valid For: | 5 years |
Processing Time: | 30 days |
Application: | |
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: | Yes. Non-residents must include a notarized affidavit with their application which is then notarized in Puerto Rico before a notary. |
Name/Address Changes: | A licensee must inform the Weapons Licensing Office of a change of residential or postal address within 30 days of the change. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: | Submit an affidavit with an explanation stating the reason why you need a duplicate license to the Weapons Licensing Office. There is a $50 fee. |
Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Permit
Firearms Training Requirements in Puerto Rico
PR requires training on the use and handling of firearms in order to obtain a WL. The Police Bureau will certify and qualify the instructors who will offer the courses on the use and handling of weapons. The Police Bureau will recognize instructor certifications issued by private institutions that meet the minimum requirements established by the Commissioner through regulation. Certified instructors will issue a Use and Management Certificate, which will certify the participation and compliance in the course of Use and Management of Firearms. The training must contain a theoretical part and a practical part. The certificate is valid for one year.
License renewals require a practical shooting test at the shooting range. The participant will perform a minimum of 50 shots with a minimum passing score of 70 percent.
Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Permit
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
The Commissioner is empowered to issue a photo identification, pursuant to LEOSA to all qualified law enforcement officers, active or retired, that are authorized to carry firearms. The applicant must complete Form PPR-1064 and provide the necessary documents: the firearms use and handling certification received within the last 12 months, two passport-style photographs and pay the fee. Complete application packages should be submitted online, taken to the local Area Command or the Division of Arms Registry and License Issue of the General Headquarters. If all requirements are met, an ID card will be issued within five business days.
Puerto Rico Location Restrictions
WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN PUERTO RICO? |
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WHERE CAN'T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN PUERTO RICO? Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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Related Information & Links for Puerto Rico Gun Laws
- Regulation To Administer The Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 (Spanish)
- Puerto Rico Police Weapons License Regulations and Application/Renewal Forms website
Puerto Rico Gun Laws Updates
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
2021-01-04 | Updated the permit processing time effective January 1, 2021 |
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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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