www.handgunlaw.us
1
New Hampshire Shall Issue Must Inform Officer Immediately: NO
Permitless Carry State (See Must Inform Section)
Note: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio,
Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,
Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming have "Permitless Carry"
Anyone who can legally possess a firearm under state and federal law
may carry in these states without a Permit. Check each states page
for age or other restrictions that may apply.
Permits/Licenses This State Honors Listed Below
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas Colorado
Florida Georgia Idaho Indiana Iowa
Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Michigan
Missouri Mississippi North Carolina North Dakota Ohio
Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Dakota Tennessee Utah
Virginia West Virginia Wyoming
Note: New Hampshire Does Not Honor Non-Resident Permits/Licenses. You must be a resident of
the state that issued your Permit/License for that Permit/License to be valid in New Hampshire.
Anyone who can legally possess a firearm can carry it concealed in New Hampshire under their Permitless
Carry Law. Their Reciprocity laws and how they honored other states permits didn’t change when they went
permitless carry.
Reciprocity/How This State Honors Other States Permit/Licenses
Title XII 159:6-d Full Faith and Credit for Licenses From Other States; Reciprocity. –
New Hampshire
CCW Links√
State CCW Site
Resident CCW App
Non-Resident CCW
Application
State FAQs
State Statutes
State Admin Rules
State Reciprocity Info
State Carry License
Admin Rules
State Attorney General
State CCW Laws
Secretary of State
Age to Carry a Firearm
In Other States
Last Updated: 7/30/2024
www.handgunlaw.us
2
The director of the division of state police shall negotiate and enter into reciprocal agreements with other
jurisdictions to recognize in those jurisdictions the validity of the license issued under RSA 159:6. The
director shall apply to every jurisdiction with which New Hampshire does not have a reciprocity agreement,
at least once every 5 years to obtain recognition in those jurisdictions of the license issued under RSA 159:6.
Any such agreement executed shall not expire unless an expiration date is required under the statutes of the
reciprocal jurisdiction. Source. SB 322 2024
Permitless Carry
Title XII 159:6 License to Carry.
III. 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. Source SB 322 2024
Title XVIII 215-A:20 Loaded Firearms – No person shall carry on an OHRV, or a trailer towed by same,
any firearms unless said firearm is unloaded. This section shall not apply to law enforcement officers
carrying firearms in the course of duty or to pistols or revolvers carried by any person who is not
prohibited from possessing a firearm by a New Hampshire statute. 2022, 210:1, eff. June 17, 2022.
How to Apply for a Permit
Note: Even though New Hampshire is a Permitless Carry state they will still issue permits to residents and
non-residents to carry and that process has not changed.
Local Police/Sheriff issue resident permits. Contact them for forms or print one from online. Take it to your
Police/Sheriff along with your State Photo Drivers License/ID. The process is simple and straight forward.
Cost is $10 and the License/Permit is valid for 5 years.
Link to Most City Police Firearms Information Websites
Non-Resident Permits
The New Hampshire State Police issue Non-Resident permits. Contact them at:
Department of Safety
Division of State Police
Permits and Licensing Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
They will send you the proper paperwork or you can download and print off an application and fill it out and
mail it in. Cost is $100 and the Permit/License is valid for 5 years
Note: Being told from Renewal Applicant that NH does not send out a notice for renewal. Their
Application states: “submitting a renewal application WITHIN 30 DAYS OF EXPIRATION.” Also the New
Hampshire Supreme Court ruled June 2, 2016 that a Non-Resident did not have to have a permit from their
home state before they could apply.
Non-Resident Permit Application
www.handgunlaw.us
3
Places Off-Limits Even With a Permit/License
Title XII § 159:19 Courtroom Security.
I. No person shall knowingly carry a loaded or unloaded pistol, revolver, or firearm or any other deadly
weapon as defined in RSA 625:11, V, whether open or concealed or whether licensed or unlicensed, upon
the person or within any of the person's possessions owned or within the person's control in a courtroom or
area used by a court. Whoever violates the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a class B felony.
II. Firearms may be secured at the entrance to a courthouse by courthouse security personnel.
III. For purposes of paragraph I, "area used by a court" means:
(a) In a building dedicated exclusively to court use, the entire building exclusive of the area between the
entrance and the courthouse security.
(b) In any other building which includes a court facility, courtrooms, jury assembly rooms, deliberation
rooms, conference and interview rooms, the judge's chambers, other court staff facilities, holding facilities,
and corridors, stairways, waiting areas, and elevators directly connecting these rooms and facilities.
IV. The provisions of this section shall not apply to marshals, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, police or other duly
appointed or elected law enforcement officers, bailiffs and court security officers, or persons with prior
authorization of the court for the purpose of introducing weapons into evidence and as otherwise provided
for in RSA 159:5.
V. It shall be an affirmative defense to any prosecution under paragraph I that there was no notice of the
provisions of paragraph I posted in a conspicuous place at each public entrance to the court building.
Source. 2000, 175:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2001.
He-C 4001.17 Health and Safety in the Residential Child Care Environment.
(a) Program staff shall maintain the residential child care environment free of conditions hazardous to
residents, including but not limited to, the following:
(2) Guns, or live or spent ammunition; #13151, eff 12-30-20
He-C 4002.14 Health and Safety in the Child Care Environment. (Child Day Care)
(b) Programs shall maintain the child care environment free of conditions hazardous to children, including,
but not limited to, the following:
(8) Guns, weapons, or live or spent ammunition, which are not in locked storage; #12415, eff 11-6-17
Cor 306.01 Control of Contraband on Departmental Property (Corrections Facilities)
(c) Neither visitors from the general public nor department employees shall be permitted to have in their
possession items not allowed anywhere on departmental property.
(1) Any firearm, simulated firearm, or device designed to propel or guide a projectile against a person,
animal, or target; #12763, eff 5-1-19
631:3 - Reckless Conduct.
I. A person is guilty of reckless conduct if he recklessly engages in conduct which places or may place
another in danger of serious bodily injury.
II. Reckless conduct is a class B felony if the person uses a deadly weapon as defined in RSA 625:11, V. All
other reckless conduct is a misdemeanor.
III. A person convicted of a class B felony offense under this section shall not be subject to the provisions of
RSA 651:2, II-g.
IV. (a) Upon proof that the victim and defendant were intimate partners or family or household members, as
www.handgunlaw.us
4
those terms are defined in RSA 631:2-b, III, a conviction under this section shall be recorded as "reckless
conduct-domestic violence."
(b) In addition to any other penalty authorized by law, the court shall levy a fine of $50 for each
conviction recorded as "reckless conduct-domestic violence" under this paragraph. The court shall not
reduce or suspend any sentence or the payment of any fine imposed under this paragraph and no fine
imposed under this paragraph shall be subject to an additional penalty assessment. If the court determines
that the defendant is unable to pay the fine on the date imposed, the court may defer payment or order
periodic payments thereof. The clerk shall forward all fines collected under this paragraph to the
department of health and human services for the purposes of RSA 173-B:15. The provisions of RSA
618:8 and RSA 618:9 shall not apply to a fine imposed under this paragraph.
V. The act of displaying a firearm shall not, in and of itself and without additional circumstances,
constitute reckless conduct under this section. 2021, 130:1, eff. Sept. 21, 2021
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Federal Restrictions on Firearms see the USA Page.
Parking Lot Storage Law
159:27 Stored Firearms in Vehicles. (New Section Not Effective Until 1/1/2025 See HB 1336 )
I. Any public or private employer that receives public funds from the federal or state government or any
subdivision thereof, whether such funds are in the form of payment for contractual services, grants, or in any
other form however denominated, and irrespective of the amount or level of such funding, or any agent of
such an employer, shall not:
(a) Prohibit an employee who may legally possess a firearm from storing a firearm or ammunition in the
employee's vehicle while entering or exiting the employer’s property or while the vehicle is parked
on the employer’s property as long as the vehicle is locked, and the firearm or ammunition is not
visible.
(b) Take any adverse action against any employee who stores a firearm or ammunition in accordance
with this section.
II. Any employer or agent of any employer is prohibited from requiring an employee to disclose whether or
not the employee is storing a firearm or ammunition in the employee's vehicle, and no searches of the
employee's vehicle for a firearm or ammunition may be undertaken except by a law enforcement officer
pursuant to a warrant or pursuant to a recognized exception to the warrant requirement.
III. An employer or an agent of an employer may not be held liable in any civil action for any damages for
any economic loss, injury, or death resulting from or arising out of another person's actions involving a
firearm or ammunition stored pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, the theft of a firearm
from an employee's vehicle, unless the employer or an agent of the employer intentionally solicited or
procured the other person's injurious actions.
IV. This section applies to the state or any municipality as an employer when the state or municipal
employee's vehicle is on property owned or leased by the state or municipality.
V. This section shall not be construed to authorize an employee to carry a firearm in any place where
carrying a firearm is prohibited by law. HB 1336 2024
Do “No Gun Signs” Have the Force of Law?
“NO”
“No Firearm” signs in New Hampshire have no force of law unless they are posted on property that is
www.handgunlaw.us
5
specifically mentioned in State Law as being off limits to those with a Permit/License to Carry. If you are in
a place not specifically mentioned in the law that is posted and they ask you to leave, you must leave. If you
refuse to leave then you are breaking the law and can be charged. Even if the property is not posted and you
are asked to leave you must leave. Always be aware of the possibility that responding Police Officers who
may have been called without your knowledge and may not know the laws on trespass etc. could arrest you
even if you are within the law.
“Handgunlaw.us highly recommends that you not enter a place that is posted "No Firearms" no matter what
the state laws read/mean on signage. We recommend you print out the No Guns = No Money Cards and
give one to the owner of the establishment that has the signage." As responsible gun owners and upholders of
the 2nd Amendment we should also honor the rights of property owners to control their own property even if
we disagree with them.”
Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?
“NO” Handgunlaw.us recommends you carry your state issued ID when carrying under
Permitless Carry. Some states require you carry it.
Title XII 159:6 License to Carry.
III. 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. Source SB 322 2024
Carry In State Parks//WMA/Road Side Rest Areas & St. /Nat. Forests
Carry Allowed in these Areas:
*State Parks: YES Admin Rule 7301.10
State/National Forests: YES Admin Rule 7301.10
State Fish & Game Refuges YES Title XVIII 212:17
Road Side Rest Areas: YES
*Notice: If State Park Carry is Legal in this state and if that state park is located on a lake created by the
US Army Corp of Engineers (COE) who owns the land and leases it to the state for that park the park is Off
Limits to the legal carrying of firearms per federal law. 36 CFR 327.13 District Commanders received this
Memorandum detailing how they could authorize someone to carry on (COE) property. The (COE) has also
put out a Pamphlet on carrying firearms on (COE) Property. They do not post their property you must know
the boundaries. Hunting is usually allowed doing hunting season.
RV/Car Carry Without a Permit/License
Title XII 159:6 License to Carry.
III. 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. Source…SB 322 2024
www.handgunlaw.us
6
Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)
Open Carry is legal. New Hampshire also has Permitless Carry. Anyone who can legally possess a firearm
can carry open or concealed without any type of permit/license.
Title XII 159:6 License to Carry.
III. 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. Source…SB 322 2024
The state preempts all firearm laws in the state and local authorities can’t have Laws/Ordinances against
open carry. Remember that if you enter any property and the owner/responsible person ask you to leave you
must leave. Failure to leave can result in Trespass Charges. The Minimum age for Open Carry is 18. From
what I hear Open Carry is not rare in New Hampshire.
State Preemption
State Jurisdiction Title XII 159:26 Firearms and Ammunition; Authority of the State.
I. To the extent consistent with federal law, the state of New Hampshire shall have authority and jurisdiction
over the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, permitting, taxation, or other
matter pertaining to firearms, firearms components, ammunition, or firearms supplies in the state. Except as
otherwise specifically provided by statute, no ordinance or regulation of a political subdivision may regulate
the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, permitting, taxation, or other matter
pertaining to firearms, firearms components, ammunition, or firearms supplies in the state. Nothing in this
section shall be construed as affecting a political subdivision's right to adopt zoning ordinances for the
purpose of regulating firearms businesses in the same manner as other businesses or to take any action
allowed under RSA 207:59.
II. Upon the effective date of this section, all municipal ordinances and regulations not authorized under
paragraph I relative to the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, permitting,
taxation, or other matter pertaining to firearms, firearm components, ammunition, or firearms supplies shall
be null and void. Source 2011, 139:1, eff. Aug. 6, 2011.
Deadly Force Laws
Title LXII: Criminal Code
Chapter 627: Justification
§627:1 General Rule
§627:1-a Civil Immunity.
§627:2 Public Duty
§627:3 Competing Harms
§627:4 Physical Force in Defense of a Person
§627:5 Physical Force in Law Enforcement
www.handgunlaw.us
7
§627:6 Physical Force by Persons with Special Responsibilities
§627:7 Use of Force in Defense of Premises
§627:8 Use of Force in Property Offenses
§627:8-a Use of Force by Merchants
§627:8-b Detention Powers of County Fair Security Guards
§627:9 Definitions
Knife Laws State/Cities
To access State/Local Knife Laws Click “Here”
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol
YES
Note: A “YES” above means you can carry into places like described below. “NO” means you can’t.
Handgunlaw.us definition of “Restaurant Carry” is carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Places
like Friday’s or Red Lobster unless posted with “No Gun Signs.” This may or may not mean the bar
or the bar area of a restaurant. But you can carry your firearm into a restaurant that serves alcohol
and sit and eat without consuming. Handgunlaw.us recommends you not sit at the Bar or in the Bar
area of such restaurants. In some states it is illegal to be in the Bar area of such restaurants.
Handgunlaw.us believes you should never consume alcohol when carrying your firearm. In some
states it is illegal to take even one drink while carrying a firearm. If you want further info on carrying
in places that serve alcohol check your state laws.
Chemical Sprays/Stun Gun/Higher Capacity Magazine Laws
Handgunlaw.us could find no restrictions in New Hampshire Law concerning Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns
Or Higher Capacity Magazine Bans.
LEOSA State Information
No State LEOSA Information Available. See the LEOSA Section on the USA Page at Handgunlaw.us for
more LEOSA Information.
Attorney General Opinions/Court Cases
NH Supreme Court – Ammunition must be In the Firearm and not just near it.
NH Supreme Court – Non-Res Do Not Have to Have Permit From Their Home State (6/2016)
NH Supreme Court – No Duty to Retreat in Lethal Force Attack (1/2024)
Airport Carry/Misc. Information
Airport Carry: No Statute/Rule/Reg found that states it is illegal to carry in Parking Lot/Terminal.
Training Valid for: No Set Time Period.
Time Period to Establish Residency: Upon obtaining a New Hampshire Drivers License/ID
www.handgunlaw.us
8
Minimum Age for Permit/License: No min age listed in Laws
Permit/License Info Public Information: NO
State Reciprocity/How They Honor Other States Statute: Title XII 159:6-d
State Firearm Laws: 12-159 thru 12-159-D
State Deadly Force Laws: 62-627.1 thru 62-627.9
State Knife Laws: 62-625.11 & 12-159:16 & 12-159-24 NH Has Preempted all Knife Laws
Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: 12-159:20 thru 12-159:23
Body Armor Laws: 62-650-B1 & B2
Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO 159:6
State Safe Storage/Access by Minors Statute/s: NH Statute § 650-C:1
Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License
for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? YES Except During Muzzle Loading Season &
While Shining. NH Statutes Title XVIII
Sec 208.5 & NH Hunting & Trapping Digest
Notes
What Does NH Consider A Loaded Firearm?
General Hunting Regulations
Carry a loaded firearm or cocked crossbow; A firearm is considered loaded if a round or projectile in the
chamber is fully dischargeable by pulling the trigger, while the firearm or crossbow is in any type of
motorized vehicle, while moving; a muzzleloader is considered unloaded if the ignition source (i.e., primer
cap or flint or primer powder) is removed from the firearm.
State Emergency Powers
Title I 4:46 Taking of Private Property; Compensation and Use. –
I. Whenever a state of emergency is declared or invoked and the taking of real or personal property is
required, the governor with the advice and consent of the executive council may, by warrant specifying the
particular real property and the personal property by specification of the types, quantities, and general
location, together with the names of the owners, when known, authorize the commissioner of safety, by his
or her agents, to:
(a) Take possession of any private real estate and the improvements on it for a limited period.
(b) Take title in the name of the state to any such improvement when the exigencies of the situation
require its destruction.
(c) Take possession or title in the name of the state to:
(1) Any high explosives.
(2) Any horses, vehicles, motor vehicles, aircraft, ships, boats, or any other means of conveyance,
including the rolling stock of railroads or of motor bus transportation.
(3) Any cattle, poultry, provisions for man or beast, clothing, bedding, medicines and medical supplies
www.handgunlaw.us
9
in excess of the reasonable and immediate needs of the owner and the owner's household.
(4) Any fuel for heating or other necessary purposes.
(5) Any gasoline or other means of engine propulsion, or any communications equipment or systems.
I-a. Under no circumstances shall this section be construed to authorize the taking, confiscation, or seizure
of firearms, ammunition, or ammunition components.
II. Takings under this section shall be strictly limited to the necessities of the situation. The person
proposing to take possession of any such property in the name of the state shall present to the owner or
person in possession or control of the property a copy of the warrant under which the person purports to act
certified by the commissioner of safety. Upon taking possession or control of such property the person shall
present a receipt specifically listing the property so taken and specifically referring to the warrant authorizing
the taking. Source 229:1, 2, eff. Aug. 17, 2012.
Note: Federal Law can apply if the state is receiving monetary and/or other assistance from the Federal
Government. See US Code 42-5207 for Federal Law as it applies to States of Emergencies. The state quoted
code may also not be all of the law on Emergency Powers held by the state. You should read the entire code
on Emergency Powers etc for this state by following the link to the state code.
Minimum Age for Possessing and Transporting of Handguns.
New Hampshire 18 Y/O Title 12 159:12
This is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle
without any type of permit/license to carry firearms.
Note: In some states Possession and Transportation CAN be very restrictive in that you can ONLY
possess and transport a handgun to and from a Shooting Range, Gun Shop, property you own or other
places you can legally possess a handgun. Some states do not have this restriction.
This is not the last word on possession and transporting of handguns in this, or any other state. Study your
state law further for more information. See “RV/Car Carry” Section Above for more information.
Permit/License Image
Local Authorities issue Resident Licenses. Different Issuing Authorities could have different formats.
These images has been digitally assembled from 2 or more images. They may not be 100% accurate but gives a good representation of the actual Permit/License
www.handgunlaw.us
10
New Non-Resident Permit Format 2024.
Updates to this Page
73 Links*
Archive of Previous Updates 2
7/1/2023 - Florida Now A Permitless Carry State. All Links Checked.
8/1/2023 – North Dakota Added as Permitless Carry States Listing Under Map.
9/2/2023 – Nebraska Added as a Permitless Carry State Under Map
10/15/2023 – All Links Checked.
1/8/2024 – All Links Checked.
1/24/2024 – NH Supreme Court Ruling on No Duty to Retreat Added to AG Opinions/Court Case Section.
3/2/2024 – Renewal Info Note Updated with info from Renewal Applicant.
4/10/2024 – New Format of Non-Resident Permit Added in Permit/License Image Section.
7/4/2024 – Louisiana Added as Permitless Carry State in Listing Under Map.
7/17/2024 – Parking Lot Storage Law Section Added per HB 1336.
7/30/2024 – Notice on Corp of Engineer Properties on their Lakes Added to State Park Carry.
