Rhode Island is a shall-issue state by state law but the attorney general “may-issue” licenses as well. Licenses to carry concealed weapons are issued at the local level by the police chief or by the attorney general.
Under Rhode Island law, local law enforcement “shall-issue” licenses to eligible applicants “if it appears” that the applicant is “a suitable person to be licensed” and either “has good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property” or has any other “proper reason” for carrying a handgun.
The Rhode Island attorney general also “may-issue” a license to carry a handgun, “concealed or not,” to a person age 21 or older who makes a “proper showing of need” for the license and has certification of his or her ability to use the handgun. The attorney-general-issued license, unlike that issued by local authorities, can also be granted to undocumented persons.
In order to purchase a handgun, a buyer must have a Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapons (LCCW) or obtain a “blue card” from the RI Department of Environmental Management. A background check is required to buy a handgun from a private individual. The background check is obtained through the state police or local chief of police. Firearms registration is not required in Rhode Island.
Open carry is only legal in Rhode Island with a Rhode Island LCCW issued by the attorney general. LCCWs issued by local authorities are for concealed carry only. Concealed carry is also legal only with a Rhode Island LCCW. However, applicants can obtain a concealed handgun license by applying either to local licensing authorities or to the attorney general. The processes for each are similar. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and are required to explain why they need a firearm and how it will remedy their problem and must provide three notarized references. A firearms training course that includes a live-firing test is required. Non-residents that have a permit from their home state may apply for a LCCW through local law enforcement. The attorney general may issue LCCWs to non-residents without permits from their home state. Some areas are off-limits even with a LCCW, including state parks and federal buildings. In terms of reciprocity, Rhode Island does not honor permits from any other states.
Where can I carry with my Rhode Island permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
carry while using alcohol or drugs?
Not while intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs.
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.
red flag law?
Rhode Island has a red flag law. A law enforcement agency may file a petition that shall enjoin the respondent from having in his or her possession, custody or control any firearms and shall further enjoin the respondent from purchasing, receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive, any firearms while the order is in effect.
preemption?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Rhode Island, except local governments are allowed to pass ordinances to protect the public safety.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Rhode Island.
non-resident permitting?
Yes, if you have a valid CCW license from your home state. The Attorney General may issue licenses to non-residents without CCW permits from their home state.
driver's license linked to carry license?
No. Your Rhode Island driver’s license is not linked to your Rhode Island carry 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. However, LEOs have access to this information by entering your name and date of birth.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Rhode Island law.However, a person commits disorderly conduct if he or she intentionally, knowingly or recklessly engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No. Rhode Island does not allow the public to access concealed carry registry information.
Carry Basics
minimum age for concealed carry?
The minimum age to concealed carry in Rhode Island is 21 years old.
ammunition restrictions?
Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.
constitutional carry?
No. Rhode Island does not allow constitutional carry.
open carry permitted?
Yes, however, only with a RI LCCW issued by the attorney general. A person may open carry without a license in their place of residence, place of business and on land they own.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
A concealed carry license in Rhode Island does not allow you to carry weapons other than handguns.
magazine limits for handguns?
Yes. Gov. Daniel McKee signed into law a magazine restriction of no more than 10 rounds. The law went into effect on July 1, 2022.
The new law limiting magazine size gives current owners of high-capacity magazines six months to modify them, surrender them to police or transfer them to people in states where they are legal. After that, anyone still in possession of an outlawed magazine could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000.
gun permit licensure?
Rhode Island is a shall-issue/may-issue hybrid state.
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS/electric weapons are "illegal". A federal judge ruled in March 2022 that Rhode Island's ban on stun guns was unconstitutional, the state has not yet updated its laws to reflect this ruling, and the Attorney General's office has indicated it would respect the ruling without appealing it. However, the law technically remains on the books, leading to some confusion regarding enforcement. Currently, the purchase and shipping of tasers to residents are being permitted in the state.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Rhode Island allows individuals 18 years or older to carry non-lethal noxious substances like pepper spray for protection. Prohibited in schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. Must be 18 years old or older to purchase or possess.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are not mentioned in statute.
Items such as billy clubs and nightsticks are generally legal unless used with criminal intent. However, specific laws may vary, so it's advisable to consult local authorities.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Illegal under Rhode Island law. Brass knuckles are classified as "prohibited weapons," and their possession, sale, or carry is prohibited.
byrna's?
Under § 11-47-2 of Rhode Island statute, a "firearm" includes any machine gun, pistol, rifle, air rifle, air pistol. "blank gun," "BB gun," or other instrument from which steel or metal projectiles are propelled, or that may readily be converted to expel a projectile. Therefore, a permit to carry a Byrna is needed.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
handgun purchase process
To purchase a handgun in Rhode Island, you must first possess a Rhode Island Hunter Education Course Card (also known as an Orange Card) or Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Pistol/Revolver Safety Certificate (also known as a Blue Card). A Blue Card certifies that you have completed the state’s required handgun safety exam. The 50 question exam, which contains both true/false and multiple choice questions, can be completed at any RIDEM-approved firearms dealer or sporting club in the state or at the RIDEM Headquarters in Providence. There is no fee to take the exam. A study booklet can be obtained by calling the RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife at (401) 789-0281 or emailing them at DEM.DFW@dem.ri.gov. To pass, you must score at least an 80 percent. After achieving a passing score, your Blue Card will arrive by mail.
Active military personnel may waive the handgun safety exam requirement and obtain a Blue Card by presenting their Military ID at either the RIDEM Division of Fish & Wildlife Great Swamp Field Headquarters or RIDEM Headquarters at 235 Promenade Street, Providence, Rhode Island.
When purchasing your handgun, whether through a private transaction or through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), you will need to complete a Purchase of a Pistol or Revolver Application Form. There is a 7-day waiting period after filing this form with the State Police, during which a background check in completed. If you are approved, you may pick up your firearm after the waiting period has passed.
possess a handgun on my private property without a license?
Yes. A License to Carry Firearms is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm in the person’s dwelling house or place of business or on land possessed by him or her.
handgun registration?
No. Handguns in Rhode Island do not need to be registered.
purchase permits?
All purchasers of handguns must either have a RI LCCW or complete and pass a minimum two-hour basic handgun safety course administered by the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM), at which time they will receive a DEM-issued safety certificate. A person must be at least 21 years of age to purchase a handgun in Rhode Island.
rhode island license exempts from background check?
No.
background checks for private gun sales? exceptions?
Yes. Rhode Island requires both licensed dealers and private unlicensed sellers to conduct background checks through the state police or local chief of police. All prospective firearms purchasers in Rhode Island must complete and sign an application form which the seller is required to send to the state police or local chief of police for the background check. The police authority has seven days to verify that the applicant’s background meets state requirements.
Exemptions include the following:
minimum age to possess and transport?
The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Rhode Island is 18 years.
waiting period?
Yes. There is a 7-day waiting period. There is an indication in some legal discussions that certain locally issued concealed carry permits can exempt a purchaser from the waiting period, meaning someone with such a permit might be able to complete a purchase and take possession without waiting the full seven days.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Rhode Island Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
what are the knife laws in rhode island?
It is legal to own any type of knife in Rhode Island as long as you do not intend to use the knife against another person. It is illegal to wear or carry a concealed dirk, dagger, any stabbing knife, Bowie knife, stiletto, sword cane or any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches in length. Schools are weapon-free zones.
carry while bow hunting?
No. Only one firearm or bow may be possessed in the field per individual hunter while hunting deer.
carry while gun hunting?
No. No person shall use, or have in his or her possession, while hunting for deer, pistols, guns, or other firearms, etc.
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is no known statute in Rhode Island making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. No person shall obstruct or interfere with the lawful taking of wildlife by another person at the location where the activity is taking place with intent to prevent the lawful taking.
Valid For:
4 years
Name/Address Changes:
Contact your local issuing authority or the attorney general's office.
Lost/Stolen Licenses:
Contact your local issuing authority or the attorney general's office.
Processing Time:
90 days
Residency Changes:
Moving to Rhode Island and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?Rhode Island issues licenses to residents, individuals with businesses in the state and permit holders from other states. The Attorney General can also issue licenses to non-residents without concealed carry permits from their home state. In order to apply for a resident license, you may need to provide a Rhode Island driver's license or state ID.
Moving from Rhode Island and have a Rhode Island resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Rhode Island license remains valid?If a person with a Rhode Island resident license to carry concealed weapons establishes residency in another state, the license may be valid until it expires. Contact your issuing authority for details.
Application:
Fees:
Initial License and Renewals $40
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
Non-resident licenses processed by local authorities are granted with a valid CCW from another state. Licenses may be issued by the Attorney General to non-residents without CCW permits from their home state. Non-residents use the same process as residents.
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 Rhode Island.
Step 1:
Obtain your firearms qualification within 1 year of submitting your application.
Step 2:
Download the application. Complete the form and have it notarized. You will need 3 typed, signed and dated notarized reference letters.
Step 3:
Have passport-style photographs taken. You will need 2 photos.
Step 4:
If applying through the attorney general, the application must be signed or stamped by the local police chief or a city hall official in the city or town of the applicant’s residence.
Step 5:
In addition to the notarized application and reference letters, you will need to submit the following documents:
Pay the fees.
Step 6:
You will be notified by mail of approval or denial of license. If approved, you must appear in person to pick up license.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Rhode Island state law.
carry/possess at a hotel?
An innkeeper may remove or cause to be removed a guest or other person who the innkeeper has direct knowledge has brought property into the hotel that may be dangerous to other persons, such as firearms or explosives. 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 bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, with a RI LCCW only, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
No. Concealed carry is not allowed in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas in Rhode Island.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes, with a RI LCCW only.
carry in vehicle?
Yes, with any valid state or U.S. territory concealed carry permit, provided you are merely transporting the firearm through the state in a vehicle or other conveyance without any intent to remain within the state of Rhode Island. Without a valid permit, a firearm must be unloaded and neither the firearm nor any ammunition can be readily accessible from the passenger compartment. In vehicles without a trunk, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
Self-Defense
Rhode Island is a Castle Doctrine state. Rhode Island law states the owner, tenant or occupier of a place has no duty to retreat and can engage a threat with reasonable means of self-defense.
It is presumed as a matter of law in any civil or criminal proceeding that the owner, tenant or occupier of a place where a criminal offense was committed acted by reasonable means in self-defense and in the reasonable belief that the person engaged in the criminal offense was about to inflict great bodily harm or death upon that person or any other individual lawfully in the place where the criminal offense was committed. There shall be no duty on the part of an owner, tenant or occupier to retreat from any person engaged in the commission of any criminal offense enumerated in §§ 11-8-2 – 11-8-6, which includes:
[R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 11-8-8]
Rhode Island Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-08
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2021-07-12
Added info on school property ban in location restrictions per signing of SB 73
2021-05-19
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
2021-02-26
Updated the vehicle carry section in the At A Glance table
2021-02-26
Updated the permit application links in the Permit Info, Application and Renewal sections
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