Nebraska is a “Shall Issue” state where permits are issued at the state level by the State Patrol Department and are restricted to residents only. There are exemptions for military personnel posted in Nebraska, because they’re treated as residents. Applicants must complete a firearms training course and be 21. You must also notarize the application form.
Nebraska Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ❌ No - Nebraska is not considered a constitutional carry state even though they allow for permit-less open carry. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Nebraska does allow for permit-less open carry so long as you're 18 or older and legally allowed to own a firearm. However, local municipalities are allowed to prevent open carry so double check your local area. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - As of August 2021, LB 236 allows for any person (without a permit) to travel with a firearm in their vehicle so long as it's unloaded and stored in a locked case with ammunition separated from the case. You must also have the firearm out of reach from all passengers. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - Nebraska allows for concealed carry within state parks so long as you have the Nebraska CCW permit, or a permit from a reciprocal state. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - Nebraska allows for concealed carry within a restaurant (even if that restaurant sells alcohol) so long as you have the Nebraska CCW permit or a permit from a reciprocal state and are not under the influence of alcohol whatsoever. Nebraska prohibits concealed carry in bars. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ✅ Yes - Any establishment may post restrictions on carrying a firearm and individuals must follow these restrictions or can they can be convicted of criminal trespassing. |
Must Notify Officer? | ✅ Yes - Nebraska does have a duty to inform law which requires individuals to openly admit they're carrying a firearm on their person upon any interaction with a LEO. |
Nebraska CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted reciprocity with Nebraska
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In Nebraska
Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Nebraska. During their time in Nebraska, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.
Reciprocity Agreements In Nebraska
Nebraska: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state – except those listed below
Places Not Allowed
- Police, Sheriff, or Nebraska State Patrol station or office
- Detention facility, prison, or jail
- Courtroom or building which contains a courtroom
- Polling place during a bona fide election
- Meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or other political subdivision
- Meeting of the Legislature or a Committee of the Legislature
- Financial Institution
- Professional or semiprofessional athletic event
- Building, grounds, vehicle, or sponsored activity or athletic event of any public, private, denominational, or parochial elementary, vocational, or secondary school, a private post secondary career school, a community college, or a public or private college, junior college, or university
- Place of worship
- Hospital, emergency room, or trauma center
- Political rally or fundraiser
- Establishment having a license issued under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act that derives over one half of its total income from the sale of alcoholic liquor
- Place where the possession or carrying of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law
- A place or premises where the person, persons, entity, or entities in control of the property or employer in control of the property has prohibited permit holders from carrying concealed handguns into or onto the place or premises
- Into or onto any other place or premises where handguns are prohibited by state law
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Nebraska: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal in Nebraska without a permit/license. However, local governments can set their own regulations so you would need to check the local laws in the area. Minimum age for open carry is 18.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, you can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle without a permit if it is visible. A permit is required to carry a concealed firearm in or outside a vehicle.
As of August 26, 2021, as per the Governor's signing of LB 236, a person without a permit who is not prohibited from owning a firearm will be able to transport a firearm to or from any location where it is legal to possess, carry, and use it as long as it is unloaded, kept apart from ammunition, and stored in a case.
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
No, Nebraska is not a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
Yes, Nebraska gun laws give “No Weapons” signs the force of law . There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs.
Must Notify Officer
Yes, Nebraska gun laws say:
“Whenever a permit holder who is carrying a concealed handgun is contacted by a peace officer or by emergency services personnel, the permit holder shall immediately inform the peace officer or emergency services personnel that the permit holder is carrying a concealed handgun.”
You are also required by law to carry your permit and drivers license any time you carry a firearm.
Additional Resources
Nebraska Concealed Carry Laws
Nebraska Open Carry Laws
Nebraska Gun Permit Laws