New Hampshire Statewide Rule
New Hampshire Concealed Carry Permitless Law
Key Facts
- Permitless Concealed Carry
- Permitless concealed carry took effect in 2017
- Optional Licenses Still
- Optional licenses still issued by local police for reciprocity
- Prohibited Persons Under
- Prohibited persons under RSA 159:3 cannot carry
- Local Permit Requirements
- Local permit requirements are preempted by RSA 159:26
- Carry Bans Remain
- Carry bans remain in schools, courts, and federal sites
Summary
RSA 159:6 allows residents and nonresidents to carry concealed loaded firearms without a license, while still offering optional permits for reciprocity.
III. The availability of a license to carry a loaded pistol or revolver under this section or under any other provision of law shall not be construed to impose a prohibition on the unlicensed transport or carry of a firearm in a vehicle, or on or about one's person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, by a resident, nonresident, or alien if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire.
Full Breakdown
New Hampshire is a permitless or constitutional carry state. Any person not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law may carry a loaded handgun, openly or concealed, without a license. Optional pistol/revolver licenses remain available from local police chiefs under RSA 159:6 for those who wish to carry in reciprocal states. Local governments cannot impose additional permit requirements because of RSA 159:26 preemption. Carrying remains restricted in courts, schools, and certain federal facilities.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying while a prohibited person remains a felony under RSA 159:3; locations like courts and schools impose separate penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to carry concealed in New Hampshire?
Why would someone still get a New Hampshire pistol license?
Sources
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