Rhode Island Concealed Carry
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Rhode Island operates under a shall-issue framework for concealed carry licenses, though the attorney general also has discretionary authority (“may-issue”). Licenses are issued either by local police chiefs or the attorney general.
Under state law:
- Local law enforcement must issue licenses to eligible applicants if they are deemed suitable and have a valid reason for carrying a handgun.
- The attorney general may issue licenses to individuals aged 21 or older who demonstrate a specific need and prove their ability to handle a handgun. This license may be issued to undocumented individuals as well.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
To purchase a handgun in Rhode Island:
- A Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapons (LCCW) or a “blue card” from the RI Department of Environmental Management is required.
- A background check through the state police or local chief of police is mandatory for private handgun purchases.
- Firearms registration is not mandatory in Rhode Island.
- Open carry is legal only with an LCCW issued by the attorney general. Local authorities issue licenses strictly for concealed carry.
- Applicants must justify their need for a firearm and provide three notarized references. A firearms training course with a live-firing test is mandatory.
- Non-residents with a valid permit from their home state can apply for an LCCW through local law enforcement. The attorney general may issue LCCWs to non-residents without home state permits.
- Certain locations are off-limits for carrying firearms, such as state parks and federal buildings.
Rhode Island follows the Castle Doctrine:
- There is no duty to retreat for the owner, tenant, or occupier of a place when facing a threat and may use reasonable means of self-defense.
- It is legally presumed in any civil or criminal proceeding that the use of force in self-defense was justified against someone committing specific criminal offenses, such as burglary or intent to commit murder.
These laws afford individuals legal protections when using force in self-defense within their homes or places of lawful occupancy.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?
Does Rhode Island have magazine capacity restrictions 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 gives current owners of high-capacity magazines six months to modify, surrender, or transfer them to states where they are legal. Afterward, possession of such magazines could lead to up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000.
Gun Permit Licensure?
If Rhode Island requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued? Rhode Island is a shall-issue/may-issue hybrid state.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Rhode Island? Stun devices/electric weapons are illegal. [R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 11–47–42]
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in Rhode Island to get a concealed carry license? The minimum age to concealed carry in Rhode Island is 21 years old.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Rhode Island? Yes, any person 18 years of age or over may carry and use, unless otherwise prohibited by law, any non-lethal noxious substance or liquid for protection. However, misuse is punishable by a fine of not more than $25. [R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 11–47–57]
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Rhode Island with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)? A concealed carry license in Rhode Island does not allow you to carry weapons other than handguns.
Constitutional Carry?
Does Rhode Island allow constitutional carry? No. Rhode Island does not allow constitutional carry.
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in Rhode Island? Yes, with a RI LCCW issued by the attorney general. Residents may also open carry without a license in their residence, place of business, and on land they own.
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?
Does Rhode Island have ammunition restrictions? Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited. [R.I. Gen. Laws § 11–47–20.1]
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Rhode Island?
- Yes, with a RI LCCW only.
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 Rhode Island?
- No. Concealed carry is not allowed in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas in Rhode Island.
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Rhode Island?
- Yes, with a RI LCCW only, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Rhode Island?
- 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 its concealed carry policy.
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?
Does Rhode Island have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
- Not addressed in Rhode Island state law.
CARRY IN VEHICLE?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Rhode Island?
- 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.
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?
- Does Rhode Island issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
- 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.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?
- Does Rhode Island allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
- No. Rhode Island does not allow the public to access concealed carry registry information.
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 Rhode Island?
- There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Rhode Island.
DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry License?
- Is my Rhode Island driver’s license linked to my Rhode Island 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.
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?
- Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Rhode Island?
- No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
Preemption?
- Does Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, except local governments are allowed to pass ordinances to protect public safety.
Red Flag Law?
- Does Rhode Island have a 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.
Brandishing?
- Does Rhode Island state law define 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.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?
- Does Rhode Island have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm 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 judgment, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Rhode Island? 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.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? EXCEPTIONS?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Rhode Island? Are there 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:
- Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapons holders
- Full-time members of the state police, state marshal’s office, city and town police departments and correctional officers
RHODE ISLAND LICENSE EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my current Rhode Island concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? No.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Rhode Island? Yes. There is a 7-day waiting period.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in Rhode Island? No. Handguns in Rhode Island do not need to be registered.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Rhode Island? The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Rhode Island is 18 years.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A LICENSE?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home 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.
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 [email protected]. 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.
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)
Minnesota
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
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)
Virginia
Wisconsin
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.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (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)
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)
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)
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.
Initial License and Renewals $40
4 years
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.
Link to application
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.
90 days
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.
Contact your local issuing authority or the attorney general’s office.
Contact your local issuing authority or the attorney general’s office.
Obtain your firearms qualification within 1 year of submitting your application.
Download the application. Complete the form and have it notarized. You will need 3 typed, signed and dated notarized reference letters.
Have passport-style photographs taken. You will need 2 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.
In addition to the notarized application and reference letters, you will need to submit the following documents:
- 2 FBI fingerprint cards;
- 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. Pay the fees.
You will be notified by mail of approval or denial of license. If approved, you must appear in person to pick up license.
Rhode Island mandates that applicants for a concealed handgun license demonstrate proficiency with firearms. Specifically, applicants must achieve a score of 195 or higher out of a possible 300 on a shooting test. This test consists of firing 30 consecutive rounds at a distance of 25 yards on an army “L” target using “slow” fire.
Certification of this qualification can be conducted by several authorized entities:
- Range officers of the Rhode Island State Police or any city/town police department with an ongoing firearms training program.
- Pistol instructors certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and/or the United States Revolver Association (USRA).
- Any other qualified individuals designated by the Attorney General.
This certification ensures that applicants are capable of handling a handgun of equal or greater caliber than what they intend to carry concealed.
Step 1: Allow 90 days for processing your application as it relies on information from other agencies.
Step 2: Obtain your firearms qualification within 1 year of submitting your application.
Step 3: Download the application. Complete and notarize the form.
Step 4: Have passport-style photographs taken. You will need 2 photos.
Step 5: If applying through the attorney general, the application must be signed or stamped by the local police chief or a city hall official in your city or town of residence.
Step 6: Submit the following documents along with the notarized application:
- 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 and a copy of the instructor’s NRA/FBI firearms instructor certification;
- Non-residents must include a copy of their home state permit if applying through local authorities;
- If the license is for employment, include a typed and signed letter of explanation on company letterhead and a copy of the business license;
- If not for employment, submit a typed and dated letter explaining why a license is needed full-time.
Pay the required fees.
Step 7: You will receive notification by mail regarding approval or denial of your license. If approved, appear in person to pick up your license.
- Yes.
- No.
- Yes.
- No.
- There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
- The property of a public or private elementary or secondary school or in those portions of any building, stadium, or other structure on school grounds which are being used for an activity sponsored by or through a school in this state or while riding school provided transportation (except unloaded firearms in locked containers or a locked rack in a motor vehicle) [11 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 11–47–60];
- State/national parks, WMAs and state/national forests [250-RICR-100–00–1.17];
- Any place if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs [11 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 11–47–52];
- Secured areas in airports; and
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
- 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.
- There is no known statute in Rhode Island making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
- No. No person shall use, or have in his or her possession, while hunting for deer, pistols, guns, or other firearms.
- No. Only one firearm or bow may be possessed in the field per individual hunter while hunting deer.
- 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.
