New Hampshire is a constitutional carry state, and even though this means that you can carry firearms freely, the state still issues a purchase permit.

However, to apply for the gun license, you must meet all New Hampshire gun permit laws requirements.

New Hampshire Gun Permit Summary

New Hampshire is a shall-issue state for the application of a pistol permit.

A local law enforcement agency processes applications from residents while the state police department is in charge of non-residents.

The state does not issue a purchase permit to buy firearms.

How To Get A Gun Permit In New Hampshire?

To apply for a New Hampshire gun permit, you must be at least eighteen years old without a federal or state prohibition against the possession of firearms.

The permit is only valid for concealed carry in the state since New Hampshire is a permissive open carry state.

New Hampshire Gun Permit Laws

To open carry in New Hampshire, you must be at least eighteen years old without any restriction or prohibition for the purchase of firearms. You do not need a pistol permit for this.

New Hampshire prohibits the use of Teflon-coated ammunition, armor-piercing ammunition, and those that explode upon discharge.

To possess assault weapons like machine guns and semi-automatic firearms in New Hampshire, you must comply with federal laws and regulations.

New Hampshire Pistol Permit Requirements

To apply for gun licenses in New Hampshire, you must meet the following requirements provided by gun laws of the state:

• You must be at least eighteen years old before the New Hampshire gun permit application.
• You must be a legal citizen of the United States of America.
• You must not be a fugitive or have an arrest warrant in your name.
• You must not be a convicted felon.
• You must not be mentally or physically impaired.
• You must not be a narcotic or user of illicit substances under the control of drug enforcement agencies in the state.
• You must not have a court protection order in your name.
• You must provide three references with their names and addresses.
• You must provide your driver’s license number.
• You must not have a court order restricting you from the possession of firearms.
• You must not be under parole or probation.
• You must not be a convict for any violent related crime.
• You must meet all federal laws of the state that have to do with issuing CCW permits.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In New Hampshire

A summary of firearms permits in New Hampshire includes the following:

• State permit to purchase long guns: New Hampshire does not issue a state permit to purchase long guns.
• State permits to purchase handguns: New Hampshire does not issue a state permit to purchase handguns.
• State permit to open carry: New Hampshire is a permissive state, so no license required to open carry.
• State permits to conceal carry long guns: New Hampshire does not issue a state permit to conceal handguns.
• State permits to conceal carry handguns: New Hampshire issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In New Hampshire?

Initial and renewal applications in New Hampshire cost ten dollars for residents of the state, while non-residents have to pay one hundred dollars for both applications.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In New Hampshire?

To apply for permit application in New Hampshire, the processes to follow are:

Complete Application Form

Download and complete the application form. You can also visit your local county to pick it up.

Submit Necessary Documents

Take the application form to a law enforcement office closest to your place of residence. This could be the mayor’s office, a local police chief office, or the county Sheriff’s office.

If you are applying for a non-resident permit, submit at the licenses and license unit of the state police department at thirty-three Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.

Other documents to provide are driver’s licenses and three reference forms.

Receive Approval Notification

You will get a mail notification stating if your application is denied or accepted.

Note that the New Hampshire application process does not include the use of a fingerprint or a photograph.

The permit renewal process includes the following:

Download The Renewal Application

Visit an online portal and download the renewal application. The application is available for both residents and non-residents.

Submit The Necessary Documents

Submit your completed application form alongside your driver’s license and the three

reference forms to a local law enforcement agency.

If you are a non-resident, submit to the same address you used to apply for the initial permit.

Receive Notification Mail

You will get a notification mail informing you of the renewal application status after the stipulated period.

Gun Permit Reciprocity In New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a permitless carry state and does require a gun license for either open or concealed carry.

Other aspects of its reciprocity with other states include the following:

States That New Hampshire Will Honor Their Pistol Permit

New Hampshire will accept pistol permits from every jurisdiction of the state. However, you can still possess firearms without a license in the state as long as you are eighteen years old with legal rights to carry guns.

States That Recognize New Hampshire Pistol Permit

If you have a gun license issued by New Hampshire, you can possess firearms in these states without a prohibition. But make sure that you comply with the gun laws of the states. They are:

• Alabama
• Indiana
• North Dakota

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With New Hampshire

Even though these states will accept your New Hampshire pistol permit, you must meet individual requirements before you possess firearms with the license. The states are:

• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Virginia
• Wyoming
• Puerto Rico

States That Have Do Not Require A Pistol Permit

Like in New Hampshire, these states have permitless carry policy, and you only have to meet the age requirement or firearm possession as provided by gun laws in the states. They include:

• Arizona
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In New Hampshire

Some of the most frequently asked questions about firearm permits in New Hampshire, its renewal, and application include the following:

Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In New Hampshire?

No, New Hampshire has a permitless carry policy for the possession of firearms in the state, and this includes both open and concealed carry.

However, you can still apply for the gun license for other reasons.

For How Long Is New Hampshire Pistol Permit Valid?

The gun license is valid for five years, after which you have to apply for a renewal permit.

Can Non-Residents Apply For A New Hampshire Pistol Permit?

Yes, New Hampshire issues pistol permits to residents and non-residents of the state. Non-residents can also complete the application by mail.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My New Hampshire Gun License?

For a change of name or address, send a mail that carries both the new and old names or addresses to the New Hampshire police department licensing unit.

If you need a new pistol permit with the updated details, you have to pay a fee of three dollars.

What Can I Do If I Lost My New Hampshire Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For stolen or missing permits, send a mail to the licensing department, notify them about the theft or lost license, and request a replacement permit.

The fee for a replacement permit is three dollars.

How Soon Can I Apply For A New Hampshire Pistol Permit After Moving To The State?

To apply for a New Hampshire pistol license after becoming a resident of the state, you first need to obtain a driver’s license or any state identification card, together with a recent utility bill and your lease or rent agreement for the new resident.

Can I Make Use Of New Hampshire Pistol Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

Upon establishing residency in New Hampshire, your pistol permit automatically becomes invalid. If you notify the appropriate authority about the change of address, then the license will only become invalid after its expiration date.

Do I Need A New Hampshire Gun License To Open Carry In The State?

No, New Hampshire does not issue a gun license for the open carry of firearms in the state.

It has a permissive policy for open carry and anyone, eighteen years old or more without federal prohibition to possess firearms can open carry in the state.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For A New Hampshire Gun Permit?

You must be eighteen years old or more before applying for a pistol permit in New Hampshire.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In New Hampshire?

No. New Hampshire does not issue a permit to purchase firearms.

Does My Firearm Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In New Hampshire?

No, anybody that wants to buy a firearm in the state must compulsorily complete a criminal record check regardless of being a permit holder or not

Do I Need A New Hampshire Gun Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, anyone of legal age can possess firearms on their property, dwelling place, personal workplace, or private vehicles in the state, without a gun license.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For New Hampshire Gun Permit?

No, New Hampshire is one of the US states that does not require a firearm training completion course as a requirement for the application of a pistol permit.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire licensing unit will process a gun permit in at least fourteen days.

Does New Hampshire Have Ammunition And Firearm Restrictions?

In New Hampshire, the use of assault weapons like machine guns and similar firearms must comply with federal laws and regulations.

New Hampshire prohibits the following types of ammunition in the state:

• Teflon-coated
• Armor-piercing
• Explosive bullets

Is New Hampshire A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, the state government reserves all authority to regulate, prohibit, and restrict the use of firearms in all political subdivisions of the state.

Can I Conceal Carry While Hunting In New Hampshire?

Yes, New Hampshire allows concealed carry of firearms while hunting and even during a primitive season. However, it is prohibited to use such guns for the taking of wildlife such as deer while hunting. But you can use it for self-defense.

What Is The Age For Firearm Possession In New Hampshire?

You must be at least eighteen years old before you possess firearms in New Hampshire.

Relevant Gun Permit Laws And Legislature In New Hampshire

New Hampshire gun laws concerning the possession of firearms relating to the use of pistol permit include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

According to the statute, [N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159-6], anyone can possess firearms in a private car without a pistol permit as long as the person does not have a prohibition for the possession of weapons.

Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas Of The State

You can possess firearms in roadside areas of New Hampshire with or without a pistol permit.

Possession Of Firearms In State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Areas

New Hampshire statutes, [NH Admin. Rule 7301.10(a)] and [NH Rev. Stat. Ann. § 212-17] allows the possession of firearms in state and national parks, forests, and wildlife management areas.

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurants And Bars Areas

You can possess firearms in restaurant and bar areas of New Hampshire with your pistol permit as long as there is no post prohibiting such.

Possession OF Firearms In Hotel Areas Of The states

New Hampshire allows private property owners in the state to regulate the possession of firearms within their premises.

This applies to hotels, campgrounds, and similar lodging establishments. Every hotel in the state can come up with its privacy policy concerning the possession of firearms on its premises.

Therefore, before you visit a hotel, make sure you enquire about the concealed carry policy.

Additional Resources

New Hampshire Gun Laws
New Hampshire Concealed Carry Laws
New Hampshire Open Carry Laws