Nebraska issues gun permits for the possession of firearms in the state.

To apply, you must meet all requirements of the gun permit law. It is also essential that you are familiar with the gun laws of the state.

Nebraska Gun Permit Summary

Nebraska is a shall-issue state for the application of pistol permits. The patrol department is in charge of issuing the license.

To buy a firearm arm in Nebraska, you must either have a handgun permit certificate or a Nebraska gun license.

How To Get A Gun Permit In Nebraska?

Nebraska will only issue a pistol permit to residents of the state that are twenty-one years old or more without any prohibition to possess firearms.

The pistol permit is for only concealed carry.

Nebraska Gun Permit Laws

In Nebraska, you do not need a gun permit to open carry firearms as long as you meet the minimum age requirement of eighteen years old, and your legal rights to possess firearms are intact.

Due to state partial preemption permit policy, some cities may require a Nebraska gun license before you can open carry within their boundaries. An example is Omaha.

In Nebraska, you cannot possess or manufacture assault weapons such as machine guns and semi-automatic weapons.

Exemptions to this are military members, law enforcement officers, peace officers, and federally licensed individuals.

Nebraska Gun Permit Requirements

The requirements to apply for the Nebraska gun permits include the following:

  • You must be at least twenty-one years old.
  • You just live in Nebraska for at least six months, or if you are a new resident, you must have a CCW permit from a state that has reciprocity with Nebraska. Military members posted to the state can also get permits.
  • You must pass a Nebraska firearm training course.
  • You must not have sight issues. You must complete an eyes test before Nebraska concealed carry permit application.
  • You must not be on a work release, under probation, parole, or house arrest.
  • You must not be a convict to any felony crime.
  • You must not be guilty of any charge in which you were convicted for misdemeanor or violence, ten years before applying for a permit.
  • You must not be a mentally impaired person or have a diagnosis that adjuncts you as mentally ill, ten years before permit application.
  • You must not be a convict to the violation of any form of firearm law or use of an illicit substance, ten years before you apply for a permit.
  • You must meet all federal requirements for issuing a CCW permit.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Nebraska

A summary of firearms permits Nebraska includes the following:

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

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In Nebraska?

The process to apply for a Nebraska pistol permit includes the following:

Provide Driver’s License Or Vision Test

If you have a driver’s license, that means that at some point, you passed a vision test, so you will not need to retake one.

If you do not have a driver’s license, download the form that contains a vision statement on the Nebraska patrol website.

Then keep an appointment with your optometrist to take the test.

This test is an essential requirement for Nebraska gun permits.

Complete A Firearm Training Course

Enroll for a Nebraska firearm training organized by a state-certified instructor.

Complete Application Form

You can either download the application form from the state patrol website or visit the office to pick it up.

Make sure you have it notarized before submission.

Submit All Necessary Documents

Take your completed, notarized application with you to the state patrol headquarter.

Other documents you will provide include the following:

  • Certificate from a training course
  • A driver’s license or proof of vision with a completed vision statement.
  • Proof that you are a citizen of America. This could be a birth certificate or passport.
  • State identity proof. It could be a driver’s license or Nebraska issued ID card.

After this, provide your fingerprint, photograph, and append signature.

Receive Your Notification Mail

You will get a mail to notify you of your application approval.

You can begin your permit renewal process at least four months before the expiration date of your current permit, and you can do that at the state patrol troop headquarters.

If the processing period elapses and you do not complete your renewal application, you will have to apply for an initial permit all over again.

You have to submit the renewal application with a copy of Nebraska driver’s license, current pistol permit, and the required fee.

The processing period for a renewal permit is at least five working days.

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

In Nebraska, the application cost for an initial permit is one hundred dollars, while renewal permits cost fifty dollars with an extra four dollars and five cents if you process the application online.

Gun Reciprocity With Nebraska

Nebraska will only accept pistol permits from states with a similar or better standard with its gun law.

Other aspects of its reciprocity include the following:

States That Nebraska Will Accept Their Gun License

If you are a pistol permit holder from any of these states, you can possess firearms in Nebraska. The states are:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

States That Recognize Nebraska Pistol Permit

With a pistol permit from Nebraska, you can possess firearms in these states, but you must comply with the states’ rules and regulations. These states are:

  • Alabama
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
  • Puerto Rico

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity For The Possession Of Firearms

In these states, you can conceal carry with a Nebraska pistol permit, but you must meet other individual requirements. They include the following:

  • Colorado
  • Michigan
  • South Carolina
  • Florida

States That Have Permitless Carry Policy

These states do not require a pistol permit for the possession of firearms within their territory. They are permitless carry states, and they include the following:

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

FAQs About Gun Permits In Nebraska

Some of the most frequently asked questions about Nebraska pistol permit application, renewal, and other information include the following:

Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In Nebraska?

Yes, you must have a gun license to conceal carry firearms in Nebraska.

For How Long Is Nebraska Pistol Permit Valid?

The validity period for Nebraska gun permit is five years, after which you have to apply for a renewal permit.

Can Non-Residents Apply For Nebraska Firearm Permits?

No, only residents and non-residents that are members of the United States of America Armed forces and their spouses can apply for a pistol permit in Nebraska.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My Nebraska Pistol License?

Nebraska licensees that want to apply for a change of name or address must first notify the state patrol headquarters by filling an application form.

Submit the application form along with a Nebraska gun license that has the new name or address. You can also process this online.

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

For stolen or missing permits, notify the state patrol at least ten days after the theft or when you realize the license is missing, and submit a request for a replacement permit.

Until you get a new permit, you cannot conceal carry your firearm as this is against the law of the state.

How Soon Can I Apply For Nebraska Concealed Weapon Permit After Moving To The State?

Nebraska only issues pistol permits to applicants that have lived in the state for at least one hundred and eighty days.

However, if you are moving from a state that Nebraska recognizes its pistol license, you can apply immediately to establish residency.

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

No, upon moving to another state, your Nebraska pistol permit expires automatically. Also, you are to return the license to the state patrol headquarter before leaving the state.

Do I Need A Nebraska Pistol Permit To Open Carry In The State?

No, Nebraska pistol permit is for only concealed carry in the state.

Nebraska has a permissive open carry policy for those that are at least eighteen years old without a prohibition to use firearms.

It is a permissive state, and you can open carry as long as you are eighteen years old or more, and you do not have a prohibition against making use of firearms.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For Nebraska Handgun Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply for the Nebraska pistol permit.

Do I Need A Purchase Permit To Buy Firearms In Nebraska?

Yes, Nebraska issues a handgun certificate to buy firearms in the state. Your pistol license can also serve as a purchase permit.

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

Yes, Nebraska gun license holders do not have to complete a criminal record check before buying firearms in the state.

Do I Need A Nebraska Concealed Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, there are no requirements for possessing firearms in dwelling places, personal workplaces, and private vehicles.

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

Yes, you must complete a state-approved firearm training with a certified instructor in charge.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In Nebraska?

Nebraska will issue a pistol license in not more than five working days.

Is Nebraska A Preemption Gun Law State?

Nebraska has partial preemption laws, with some cities allowed to regulate the use of firearms within their boundaries.

What Is The Age Requirement To Possess Firearms In Nebraska?

You must be at least eighteen years old to possess firearms in Nebraska.

Relevant Gun Permit Laws And Legislature In Nebraska

Some of Nebraska gun laws relating to pistol permit in the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

According to Nebraska gun law, you can possess firearms in a private vehicle without a pistol permit, but the firearm must be in plain view at all times.

[Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2441(3)]

However, in Omaha, there are gun laws against the possession of firearms in private vehicles without a gun permit.

[Omaha Ordinance Sec. 20-206

Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas Of The State

With a Nebraska pistol permit or anyone from a state that it honors, you can possess firearms in roadside areas.

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

Except there is a post prohibiting the possession of firearms in these places, you can conceal carry with a Nebraska pistol permit or anyone from a state that it reciprocates.

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurant And Bars Areas

You can only conceal carry in a restaurant area of any venture that sells alcohol, but you must have a Nebraska license or any state that it recognizes. The only exception to this is if there is a post prohibiting firearms.

However, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in bar areas with or without a Nebraska pistol permit.

[Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2441]

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

Nebraska state law allows any private businesses to prohibit the possession of firearms on their premises. Business owners can communicate this prohibition with a post.

This also applies to hotels and similar lodging establishments in the state. The management can regulate the possession of a firearm on their premises anyway they deem fit.

For more information about this, visit hotel websites for their concealed carry regulations.

[Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2441(1)(a)]

Possession Of Firearms In Parking Lots

Nebraska gun statute, [Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2441(3)], allows the concealed possession of firearms in a vehicle in a parking lot as long as the place is not an off-limit area.

However, the firearm must remain locked in a compartment or the trunk of the vehicle while exiting the car.

Additional Resources

Nebraska Gun Laws
Nebraska Concealed Carry Laws
Nebraska Open Carry Laws

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