New Hampshire operates on a “Shall Issue” policy because of reciprocity laws, but it’s fairly unrestricted.
There are no laws restricting the age at which a person can carry firearms. A license is not technically required to open or conceal carry. Non-residents and residents have different application to file. Residents apply to the county sheriff’s office and non-residents to the State Department of Justice.
New Hampshire Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - New Hampshire is considered a constitutional carry state. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - New Hampshire allows for open carry for any individual 18 years or older and who's legally allowed to own a firearm. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - New Hampshire allows for individuals to carry in their vehicle without a permit if they're over the age of 18 and legally allowed to own a firearm. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - We found that concealed carry is permitted within state and national parks in New Hampshire. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - We were unable to find specific laws preventing concealed carrying within restaurants or bars. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ❌ No - We could not find specific laws giving no weapons signs the force of law. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - New Hampshire is not a duty to inform state. |
New Hampshire CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with New Hampshire
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In New Hampshire
Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in New Hampshire. During their time in New Hampshire, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.
Reciprocity Agreements In New Hampshire
New Hampshire: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state except those in the Off-Limits section
Places Not Allowed
- Courtroom or area used by a court
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Title 12 § 159:19 Courtroom Security
New Hampshire: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open or concealed carry without a permit/license in New Hampshire is legal.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, there are no restrictions on vehicle carry without a license/permit. A lot of info on the web regarding vehicle carry pre-dates the new 2017 laws. Below is the latest law that clearly says you can carry in a vehicle.
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.
Carry In State Parks
Yes, you are permitted to carry in state parks, state forests, WMA’s and roadside rest areas
Carry In Restaurants
Yes
In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol “Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
Constitutional Carry
Yes, New Hampshire is considered a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, “No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in New Hampshire gun laws. There are no legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off limits.
Must Notify Officer
No, there is nothing in New Hampshire gun laws that states you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. We always recommend that you carry photo ID, at all times during which you are in actual possession of a concealed handgun. Although that is not a legal requirement in New Hampshire.
Additional Resources
New Hampshire Concealed Carry Laws
New Hampshire Open Carry Laws
New Hampshire Gun Permit Laws