How To Get Your Rhode Island Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Rhode Island's concealed carry laws. Applying for a LCCW varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapons below.

Steps To Get A Rhode Island Concealed Carry Permit

Step 1:

OBTAIN your firearms qualification within one year of submitting your application

Step 2:

GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS

Download the application. Complete the form and have it notarized. You will need three typed, signed and dated notarized reference letters.

Have passport-style photographs taken. You will need two photos.

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 3:

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION

Two FBI fingerprint cards
Two forms of identification, signed and dated by a Notary Public
Two passport-style photographs
Two copies of your birth certificate or passport
Firearms training certificate along with a copy of the instructor’s NRA/FBI firearms instructor certification
All non-residents applying through local authorities must include a copy of their home state permit
If the license is to be used for employment, a typed and signed letter of explanation must be submitted on company letterhead along with a copy of the business license as proof that the business exists
If the license is NOT for employment, a typed and dated letter must be submitted by the applicant stating the reasons why a license is needed on a full-time basis

Step 4:

SUBMIT your documentation and pay application fees

Step 5:

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

You will be notified by mail of approval or denial of the license. If approved, you must appear in person to pick up your license.

Find a CCW Training Class

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island requires concealed handgun license applicants to certify that they are qualified to use a handgun of a caliber equal to or greater than the caliber of handgun they intend to carry.

APPLICANTS MUST SCORE 195 OR BETTER OUT OF 300 WITH 30 CONSECUTIVE ROUNDS ON ANY U.S. ARMY "L" TARGET

25 Yards - 30 rounds, slow fire

The applicant is required to obtain a score of 195 or better out of a possible score of 300, with 30 consecutive rounds at a distance of 25 yards on any U.S. Army “L” target, firing slow fire.

The range officers of the Rhode Island state police or any city or town police department maintaining a regular and continuing firearms training program, a pistol instructor certified by the National Rifle Association and/or the United States Revolver Association, or any other qualified persons that the attorney general may designate are authorized to certify the qualification.

What Are the Rhode Island License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?

An applicant must:

Be at least 21 years old;
Have a residence or place of business within the town in which the application is submitted. Or have a residence within the United States and a CCW permit/license issued by the authorities of any other state or subdivision of the United States;
The Attorney General can also issue licenses to non-residents without concealed carry permits from their home state;
Provide proof of qualification before a certified weapons instructor within one year of application;
Have a good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property or have any other proper reason to be licensed;
Be a suitable person to be so licensed;
Not be prohibited from having a firearm by any state or federal law or court order; and
Meet federal law requirements.

*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.

What are the Fees and Terms?

$40 for Permit Renewals

Valid for Four Years from Date of Issue

90 Day Processing

$40 for Initial Permit

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

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.

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.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Rhode Island?

Allow 90 days for processing of your application due to the fact that this department is dependent on other agencies for information necessary to complete the application.

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.

Step 3

GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS

Notarized application
Two passport-style photos
2 forms of identification, signed and dated by a Notary Public;
2 passport-style photographs;
2 copies of your birth certificate or passport;
Firearms training certificate along with a copy of the instructor’s NRA/FBI firearms instructor certification;
All non-residents applying through local authorities must include a copy of their home state permit;
If the license is to be used for employment, a typed and signed letter of explanation must be submitted on company letterhead along with a copy of the business license as proof that the business exists; and
If the license is NOT for employment, a typed and dated letter must be submitted by the applicant stating the reasons why a license is needed on a full-time basis.

Step 4

SUBMIT your documentation. 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.

Pay the fees.

Step 5

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

You will be notified by mail of approval or denial of license. If approved, you must appear in person to pick up license.

The USCCA has the CCW Permit Resources You Need

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Learn the Skills You Need to Protect You & Your Family

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Do Your Homework!

Make sure you understand Rhode Island Gun Laws and Rhode Island concealed carry reciprocity with other states.

Read Rhode Island Gun Laws