Rhode Island issues pistol permits for both open and concealed carry of firearms.

To apply, make sure that you satisfy all the requirements provided by the gun laws of the state.

Rhode Island Gun Permit Summary

Rhode Island has both a shall-issue or may-issue policy for the possession of firearms in the state.

A local licensing unit shall-issue license to residents if the state, while the attorney general may-issue license for open carry and also to non-residents without a permit from their state.

You also need a Rhode Island gun permit to buy firearms.

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How To Get A Gun Permit In Rhode Island

Rhode Island issues a gun permit to applicants who are at least twenty-one years old and without any prohibition for firearms possession.

It is a licensed open carry state, and you must have a permit before you can openly carry firearms.

Rhode Island Gun Permit Laws

Before you can open carry in Rhode Island, you must have a permit issued by the state Attorney General. Local counties do not issue pistol permits for open carry, only concealed carry.

The age requirement for an open carry permit is still twenty-one years old.

Also, the use of assault weapons like machine guns and semi-automatic firearms in Rhode Island is only with the state Attorney General’s permission.

It is prohibited to possess, manufacture, transfer, or sell assault weapons if you do not have a license to do so from the Attorney General.

Also, it is illegal to make use of armor-piercing ammunition in the state.

Rhode Island Pistol Permit Requirements

Requirements provided by Rhode Island pistol permit laws for the possession of firearms within their territory include the following:

  • You must meet the minimum age requirements of twenty-one.
  • You must reside or have a business place in the county from where you are making the application. If you are a non-resident, you must have a permit from your state of residence.
  • You must have a good cause for concealed carry. This could be a fear of attack for injury to yourself or the loss of your property.
  • You must be suitable for the permit application according to the laws and standards of Rhode Island.
  • You must not have a prohibition to possess a firearm from any state or a federal court.
  • You must meet all federal law requirements for the pistol permit application in Rhode Island.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Rhode Island

A summary of firearms permits issued in Rhode Island includes the following:

  • State permit to purchase long guns: Rhode Island does not issue a state permit to purchase long guns.
  • State permits to purchase handguns: Rhode Island issues a state permit to purchase handguns.
  • State permit to open carry: Rhode Island is a licensed open carry state that issues a permit to open carry.
  • State permits to conceal carry long guns: Rhode Island does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
  • State permits to conceal carry handguns: Rhode Island issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, renewal and initial permit application cost forty dollars.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In Rhode Island?

The processes to apply for a gun permit in Rhode Island include the following:

Complete A Firearm Training Course

You just complete a Rhode Island course for firearm training, obtained one year before the application.

Obtain Application

You can either download the application form or pick it up from a local law enforcement agency.

Fill the form and have it notarized along with your letter from three references.

Application Through An Attorney General

If you are applying through the state attorney general, sign and stamp the form at your local police office in your town or county of residence.

Submit The Necessary Documents

Some of the documents you are to provide with your application and reference letters are:

  • Two FBI fingerprinted cards.
  • Two identification documents.
  • Two passport pictures.
  • Two copies of your birth certificate or your passport.
  • Your firearm training course with a recognized certification from the instructor.
  • Non-residents must provide a gun license from their state of residence.

If the permit is for work reasons, submit a letter explaining this along with a letterhead from the company and a business license.

For other reasons, submit a letter explaining why you need the permit.

Receive Mail

You will receive either an approval or a denial mail after the waiting period. You must pick up the permit in person if you get an approval mail.

Rhode Island permit renewal process will take at least ninety days.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not recognize permits issued in any jurisdiction of the country.

You must be a Rhode Island permit holder before you can possess firearms in the state.

Other aspects of its reciprocity include the following:

States That Will Accept Rhode Island Pistol Permit

In these states, you can possess firearms with a Rhode Island pistol permit. However, you must comply with the gun laws of the states while making use of the firearms. They include the following:

  • Alabama
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Minnesota
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Puerto Rico

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With Rhode Island

These states will allow you to possess firearms within their territory with a Rhode Island pistol permit, but you must meet some individual requirements before carrying a firearm. The states are:

  • Michigan
  • Texas

States That Have Permitless Carry Policy

In these states, you do not need a pistol permit to open or conceal carry firearms. They are permitless carry states, and most of them have constitutional carry laws. However, you may have to meet other requirements like age limits and places prohibited for permitless carry in the state.

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

FAQs About Gun Permits In Rhode Island

Some of the most frequently asked questions about Rhode Island pistol permit application and other information you should know include the following:

Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In Rhode Island?

Yes, it is prohibited to conceal carry firearms if you are not a Rhode Island pistol permit holder.

For How Long Is Rhode Island Concealed Weapon Permit Valid?

Rhode Island pistol permit is valid for four years, after which you can apply for a renewal permit.

Can Non-Residents Apply For Rhode Island Firearm Permits?

Non-residents can apply for a pistol license in Rhode Island. Either the state attorney general or the sheriff of a local county can issue permits to non-residents.

Non-residents with a permit from their states will apply with local authorities, while those without a permit will apply with the attorney general.

The process is similar to that of residents of Rhode Island.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My Rhode Island Gun License?

To change the name or address on your Rhode Island pistol permit, you have to contact the local issuing department of your county or the office of the Attorney General.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Rhode Island Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For missing or stolen permits in Rhode Island, you contact the local licensing unit or the state Attorney General’s office.

How Soon Can I Apply For A Rhode Island Pistol Permit After Moving To The State?

As a new resident of the state, you must own either a gun license or a state identification card before the possession of firearms in Rhode Island.

Can I Make Use Of Rhode Island Gun Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

Upon establishing residency in another state in the country, your pistol license will expire and become invalid immediately.

Do I Need An Rhode Island Gun Permit To Open Carry In The State?

Yes, you need to have a pistol permit issued by the attorney general of the state, before you can openly carry firearms.

Note that a local authority cannot issue the permit for open carry.

Rhode Island is a licensed carry state, and anybody with an attorney general issued permit can open-carry firearms.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For Rhode Island Pistol Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old before you apply for a Rhode Island gun license.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In Rhode Island?

Yes, Rhode Island gun license serves as a permit for the purchase of firearms in the state. Every buyer must be a pistol permit holder.

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

No, regardless of if you are a permit holder in Rhode Island or not, you must complete a criminal record background check before you buy firearms in the state.

Do I Need A Rhode Island Gun Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, there are no requirements to be a permit holder before the possession of firearms in any dwelling places, personal business place, or on private property.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For Rhode Island Pistol Permit?

Yes, you must complete a firearm training course and get at least a score of one hundred and ninety-five out of a possible three hundred to pass the training course.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In Rhode Island?

Rhode Island will process a pistol permit in at least ninety days after applying.

Does Rhode Island Have Ammunition And Firearm Restrictions?

Yes, the state prohibits the manufacturing, sales, and possession of assault weapons such as machine guns and semiautomatic firearms except for those with a license from the state attorney general.

The state prohibits armor-piercing ammunition.

Is Rhode Island A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, the state preempts gun laws and has the authority to regulate the use of firearms. However, local municipalities can enact gun laws for public safety within their boundaries.

Can I Conceal Carry While Hunting In Rhode Island?

No, it is prohibited to conceal carry firearms while hunting, or for the taking of wildlife, with or without a pistol permit in the state.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement For The Possession Of Firearms In Rhode Island?

You must be at least twenty-one years old before you possess firearms in Rhode Island.

Relevant Gun Laws Permits And Legislature In Rhode Island

Some of Rhode Island gun permit laws that have to do with the possession of firearms in the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

You can possess firearms in private vehicles with or without a Rhode Island pistol permit, but in different ways.

Without a permit, make sure that the firearm is not loaded, and the gun or the ammunition cannot be accessed from the passenger side of the vehicle.

You can keep the firearm in the trunk of the vehicle, but if the vehicle does not have a trunk, lock it away in a compartment or its case.

[R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 11-47-8]

Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas Of The State

You can carry firearms in roadside areas of Rhode Island as long as you have a pistol permit with you.

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

No, according to the statute, [250-RICR-100-00-1.17], it is a prohibition to possess firearms in state forests and wildlife management areas of Rhode Island with or without a gun license.

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurant And Bar Areas

Rhode Island gun law, [R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 11-47-52], indicates that there are no prohibitions to conceal carry firearms in restaurant and bar areas as long as the venture does not have a post prohibiting or restricting this, and you are not under the influence of alcohol.

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

Anyone in charge of a hotel can refuse to provide accommodation to any visitor in possession of a firearm or any weapon considered dangerous, regardless of whether a person is a permit holder or not.

Therefore, before visiting a hotel or similar establishments, make sure that you check their website for more information about the possession of firearms within the premises.

[R.I. Gen Laws Ann. § 5-14-4(a)(4)]

Additional Resources

Rhode Island Gun Laws
Rhode Island Concealed Carry Laws
Rhode Island Open Carry Laws

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