Concealed Carry in Rhode Island
Whether you need a permit to carry concealed in Rhode Island, how to get one, which states' permits Rhode Island honors, and where carrying is banned.
Short answer: No. Without a license or permit, no one may carry a pistol or revolver in a vehicle or on or about their person, whether visible or concealed. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-8(a)
| Permitless (constitutional) carry | No. Without a license or permit, no one may carry a pistol or revolver in a vehicle or on or about their person, whether visible or concealed. The exceptions are in one's home, place of business or on land one possesses, plus listed exemptions (such as going to a target range). The penalty is 1 to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-8(a) |
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| Concealed carry permit | Rhode Island has two permits. (1) City and town licensing authorities 'shall' issue a license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver to an applicant who is 21 or older and has a residence or place of business in that city or town. Nonresidents 21 or older who hold a carry permit from another state may also apply. The applicant must appear to have 'good reason to fear an injury' to person or property or 'any other proper reason', and must be a 'suitable person'. (2) The Attorney General 'may' issue a permit to anyone 21 or older to carry a pistol or revolver, concealed or not, 'upon a proper showing of need'. For either permit, the applicant must qualify with a pistol or revolver by scoring 195 out of 300 with 30 rounds at 25 yards. The fee is $40, and permits are valid for four (4) years. |
| Other states' permits (reciprocity) | Rhode Island does not honor other states' carry permits for carrying in the state. A holder of another state's permit may only transport the firearm through Rhode Island in a vehicle without intending to stay. Nonresidents 21 or older who have another state's carry permit may apply to a Rhode Island city or town for a Rhode Island license. No official reciprocity list was found; stated from the statutes. |
| Where guns are banned | No one may possess a firearm or other weapon on the grounds of a public or private elementary or secondary school, in school buildings or stadiums used for school activities, or on school transportation. The penalty is 1 to 5 years in prison or a fine of $500 to $5,000. Police, contracted school security and approved school programs are exempt. Unloaded guns locked in a vehicle are allowed. The rule does not apply to colleges or universities. Carrying a weapon while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also unlawful. |
| Guns in your car | A license or permit is required to carry a pistol or revolver in any vehicle, visible or concealed. Visitors with another state's permit may transport a handgun only while passing through Rhode Island without intending to stop or stay. A loaded rifle or shotgun may not be carried on public roads (hunters excepted). On school grounds, an unloaded firearm in a locked container or locked rack in a vehicle is allowed. |
More Rhode Island gun laws
- Open Carry in Rhode Island
- Buying a Gun in Rhode Island
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island gun laws rules
FAQ
Is Rhode Island a constitutional carry state?
No. Without a license or permit, no one may carry a pistol or revolver in a vehicle or on or about their person, whether visible or concealed. The exceptions are in one's home, place of business or on land one possesses, plus listed exemptions (such as going to a target range). The penalty is 1 to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
How do you get a concealed carry permit in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has two permits. (1) City and town licensing authorities 'shall' issue a license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver to an applicant who is 21 or older and has a residence or place of business in that city or town. Nonresidents 21 or older who hold a carry permit from another state may also apply. The applicant must appear to have 'good reason to fear an injury' to person or property or 'any other proper reason', and must be a 'suitable person'. (2) The Attorney General 'may' issue a permit to anyone 21 or older to carry a pistol or revolver, concealed or not, 'upon a proper showing of need'. For either permit, the applicant must qualify with a pistol or revolver by scoring 195 out of 300 with 30 rounds at 25 yards. The fee is $40, and permits are valid for four (4) years.
Which states' carry permits does Rhode Island honor?
Rhode Island does not honor other states' carry permits for carrying in the state. A holder of another state's permit may only transport the firearm through Rhode Island in a vehicle without intending to stay. Nonresidents 21 or older who have another state's carry permit may apply to a Rhode Island city or town for a Rhode Island license.
Where can't you carry a gun in Rhode Island?
No one may possess a firearm or other weapon on the grounds of a public or private elementary or secondary school, in school buildings or stadiums used for school activities, or on school transportation. The penalty is 1 to 5 years in prison or a fine of $500 to $5,000. Police, contracted school security and approved school programs are exempt. Unloaded guns locked in a vehicle are allowed. The rule does not apply to colleges or universities. Carrying a weapon while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also unlawful.
Can you keep a gun in your car in Rhode Island without a permit?
A license or permit is required to carry a pistol or revolver in any vehicle, visible or concealed. Visitors with another state's permit may transport a handgun only while passing through Rhode Island without intending to stop or stay. A loaded rifle or shotgun may not be carried on public roads (hunters excepted). On school grounds, an unloaded firearm in a locked container or locked rack in a vehicle is allowed.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.