Mastering Concealed Carry Laws New Hampshire: A Positive Guide to Safe Gun Ownership

Permitless Carry in New Hampshire

When it comes to understanding concealed carry laws New Hampshire, many people find it reassuring to learn that the Granite State is one of the friendliest environments for lawful firearm owners. Thanks to constitutional carry legislation, adults who can legally possess firearms may carry concealed without a license. In this article, we’ll walk through how these laws work, why you might still want a permit, and the best ways to stay safe and informed.

The Foundation of New Hampshire’s Firearm Laws

New Hampshire operates on a shall-issue and permitless carry basis. This means two important things:

Shall-Issue: If you do apply for a concealed carry license—officially known as a Pistol/Revolver License—the issuing authority (local law enforcement for residents or state police for non-residents) must grant it unless they find a legal reason not to.
Constitutional (Permitless) Carry: Any law-abiding adult who is at least 18 years old may carry concealed without a license. This law gives people greater freedom but also greater responsibility. If you’re carrying without a license, you must ensure you’re legally allowed to possess a firearm.

Even though New Hampshire law does not require a permit for most situations, you might consider obtaining one for reciprocity when traveling out of state. This is where CCW requirements by state become especially relevant because each state decides which licenses it will honor.

Age and Eligibility

While New Hampshire does not specify a minimum age to carry, federal regulations typically set the minimum age at 18. If you can legally possess a firearm under federal law, you can carry it openly or concealed in New Hampshire. For those seeking the state’s Pistol/Revolver License, you must be at least 18. There is no additional training mandate to secure a license, although concealed carry training is highly recommended for responsible handling and safety.

Reasons You Might Want a Permit

Travel to Other States: Some states require a valid license to recognize your right to carry concealed. Having a New Hampshire license can facilitate reciprocity elsewhere such as Virgina or North Carolina.
Demonstrating Responsibility: While not mandated, obtaining a Pistol/Revolver License and seeking concealed carry training can show law enforcement and your community that you take firearm safety seriously.

Where You Can and Cannot Carry

Allowed Locations

Vehicles: You may carry loaded or unloaded, openly or concealed, if you can legally possess a firearm.
Roadside Rest Areas: Lawful to carry concealed.
State/National Parks and Wildlife Management Areas: Concealed carry is permitted unless otherwise posted.
Bars and Restaurants: You can carry unless the owner prohibits firearms, and you shouldn’t consume alcohol while carrying.

Prohibited Locations

Courts: Court buildings are off-limits to firearms.
Day Care Centers: Carry may be restricted by regulation.
Federal Law Restrictions: Even in a permissive state like New Hampshire, federal facilities (post offices, federal courthouses, etc.) remain no-carry zones.

You can also encounter private “No Guns” or “No Weapons” signs. These signs are not enforced by criminal statutes in New Hampshire, but if a property owner requests that you leave or remove your firearm, failing to comply could lead to trespassing violations.

Self-Defense and Castle Doctrine

New Hampshire embraces Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground principles:

No Duty to Retreat in Your Dwelling: If you are legally in your home or on your property, you don’t have to retreat before defending yourself against an unlawful threat.
Outside the Home: You’re not required to flee if you face an imminent threat, as long as you didn’t provoke the situation.
Use of Deadly Force: Justifiable if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to stop a threat of death, serious bodily harm, kidnapping, or another forcible felony.

These laws offer civil immunity if you act lawfully in self-defense, minimizing the risk of being sued by an aggressor.

If you would like more legal educational materials on self-defense and firearms law, you can visit our online resources guide here.

Transporting Firearms and Other Key Points

Even though concealed carry laws New Hampshire allow carry without a permit, you should still be aware of how to safely transport firearms:

Unlicensed Carry in a Vehicle: Allowed for any person who isn’t prohibited from owning a firearm.
Employer Parking Lots: As of 2025, employers cannot forbid employees from locking legal firearms in their personal vehicles.
Concealed Carry Training: It’s not required by law, but it’s strongly recommended. Knowing how to handle your firearm responsibly is vital for your safety and the public’s.

Reciprocity and Traveling Across Borders

Navigating CCW requirements by state is crucial if you frequently travel. While New Hampshire is extremely accommodating about concealed carry, other states might not be. If you plan to travel with a firearm:

Check the reciprocity laws of your destination.
If you want to use your New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License, verify it is recognized by that state.
If no reciprocity exists, you may need to follow specific transport rules (e.g., keep firearms locked and unloaded in the trunk).

Conclusion - Policing the Brass

Concealed carry laws New Hampshire provide a welcoming environment for responsible gun owners. With constitutional carry now a firm part of the state’s identity, New Hampshire stands out among states where armed self-defense is recognized and protected. Yet, even in a place as firearm-friendly as the Granite State, knowledge and respect for the law remain essential. Taking advantage of concealed carry training ensures you handle your firearm safely and lawfully, whether at home or traveling across states with varied CCW requirements by state.

In sum, the decision to carry a concealed firearm brings freedom and responsibility in equal measure. By staying informed, practicing safe gun handling, and respecting local regulations, you can exercise your right to bear arms in a manner that keeps you and those around you protected.

If you would like a downloadable guide to New Hampshire’s firearms laws, you can visit HandgunLaw.us for their PDF guide.

Concealed Carry Laws New Hampshire: FAQ Section

Carry Basics Questions

CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY?	Yes. It is legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in New Hampshire. There is no statute prohibiting its purchase or use.
GUN PERMIT LICENSURE?	New Hampshire is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Permits are issued if needed (for reciprocity purposes) by local law enforcement for residents, and by the State Department of Justice for non-residents.
OPEN CARRY PERMITTED?	Yes. Open carry is permitted without a license for anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm.
TASERS OR STUN GUNS?	Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license, provided the individual is at least 18 years old and has no felony convictions.
WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED?	No. A concealed carry license in New Hampshire does not allow carrying weapons other than handguns.
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?	Yes. New Hampshire law prohibits the use of teflon-coated or armor-piercing bullets, or any bullet/cartridge containing an explosive substance designed to explode on impact, while committing a misdemeanor or felony.
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?	No. There are no magazine capacity restrictions for handguns in New Hampshire.
MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY?	18. There is no explicit minimum age in New Hampshire law, but federal law requires a person to be at least 18 to possess a handgun.
CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY?	Yes. New Hampshire is a permitless (constitutional) carry state, meaning anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit.

Carry Location Questions

CARRY IN RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?	Yes. You can carry a concealed firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in New Hampshire unless the establishment prohibits it.
CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)?	Yes. Concealed carry is allowed in state and national parks, forests, and WMAs in New Hampshire.
CARRY IN VEHICLE?	Yes. Anyone not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a permit.
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?	New Hampshire statutes do not specifically address firearms in hotels. Each hotel sets its own policy, so check with the hotel regarding any restrictions.
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?	Yes. You can carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in New Hampshire.
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?	Yes. Effective January 1, 2025, employers in New Hampshire cannot forbid employees from storing firearms in locked private vehicles on the employer’s property.

Key State Laws

PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?	No. The public does not have access to concealed carry registry information. It is available only to law enforcement.
DUTY TO INFORM OFFICER YOU’RE CARRYING?	No. There is no duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in New Hampshire.
RED FLAG LAW?	No. New Hampshire does not have a red flag law.
“NO WEAPONS ALLOWED” SIGNS ENFORCED?	No. These signs are not enforced under New Hampshire law. Violating such a sign is not considered a criminal offense unless otherwise specified.
TRIBAL LAND	New Hampshire law does not specifically address carrying on tribal land. Always check with the specific tribal authority for regulations on tribal property.
CARRY WHILE USING ALCOHOL OR A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE?	Not directly addressed in New Hampshire statutes. However, it is generally unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that can impair judgment.
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?	Yes. Non-residents can apply for a New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License. The process is the same as for residents, except applications are sent to the New Hampshire State Police.
BRANDISHING?	No. There is no specific definition of “brandishing” under New Hampshire law. However, reckless conduct or criminal threatening statutes could apply if a person’s actions place someone in fear of imminent bodily injury.
DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO CARRY PERMIT?	No. A New Hampshire driver’s license is not linked to a state pistol/revolver license.
PREEMPTION?	Yes. New Hampshire has statewide preemption of firearms laws, meaning local jurisdictions cannot enact stricter laws than the state.

Handgun Purchase & Possession Questions

WAITING PERIOD?	No. There is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun in New Hampshire.
PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?	No. A New Hampshire concealed carry license does not exempt the holder from a background check when purchasing a firearm.
PURCHASE PERMITS?	No. There is no permit required to purchase a handgun in New Hampshire.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?	No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check. However, federal and state prohibitions still apply.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?	18. Federal law sets 18 as the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT?	Yes. Permitless carry extends to private property; anyone who can legally own a firearm may possess or carry it on their property without a permit.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?	No. There is no requirement to register handguns in New Hampshire.

Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States

WHAT ARE ALL STATE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSES DOES THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE HONOR?	New Hampshire is a permitless carry state. Any person 18 years or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry without a license. For reciprocity purposes, New Hampshire honors permits/licenses from all other states, including (but not limited to): Alabama (permitless carry, at least 18) Alaska (permitless carry, at least 18) Arizona (permitless carry, at least 18) Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18) California (permitless carry, at least 18) Colorado (permitless carry, at least 18) Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 18) Delaware (permitless carry, at least 18) District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 18) Florida (permitless carry, at least 18) Georgia (permitless carry, at least 18) Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 18) Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18) Illinois (permitless carry, at least 18) Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18) Iowa (permitless carry, at least 18) Kansas (permitless carry, at least 18) Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 18) Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 18) Maine (permitless carry, at least 18) Maryland (permitless carry, at least 18) Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 18) Michigan (permitless carry, at least 18) Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 18) Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 18) Missouri (permitless carry, at least 18) Montana (permitless carry, at least 18) Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 18) Nevada (permitless carry, at least 18) New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 18) New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 18) New York (permitless carry, at least 18) New York City (permitless carry, at least 18) North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18) North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18) Ohio (permitless carry, at least 18) Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 18) Oregon (permitless carry, at least 18) Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 18) Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 18) Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 18) South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18) South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18) Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18) Texas (permitless carry, at least 18) Utah (permitless carry, at least 18) Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18) Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18) Washington (permitless carry, at least 18) West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18) Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 18) Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 18)
WHAT ARE ALL OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE?	The following states honor New Hampshire permits (some also have permitless carry with various age requirements): • Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19) • Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18) • Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18) • Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18) • Montana (permitless carry, at least 18) • North Carolina • North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18) • South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18) • Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18)
WHAT ARE ALL THE OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RESTRICTED RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE?	Some states place age or permit-type restrictions on recognizing New Hampshire licenses. These include: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado (resident permits only, 21+), Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan (resident permits only), Mississippi, Missouri (19+ or 18 for military), Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (resident permits only), South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia (21+), West Virginia (21+), Wyoming (21+).
WHAT ARE ALL THE PERMITLESS CARRY STATES?	As of the information provided, the following are recognized permitless carry states (with listed minimum ages and possible restrictions): • Alabama (at least 19) • Alaska (at least 21) • Arizona (at least 21) • Arkansas (at least 18) • Florida (at least 21) • Georgia (at least 21) • Idaho (at least 18) • Indiana (at least 18) • Iowa (at least 21) • Kansas (at least 21) • Kentucky (at least 21) • Louisiana (at least 21) • Maine (at least 21) • Mississippi (at least 21) • Missouri (at least 19, 18 for military) • Montana (at least 18) • Nebraska (at least 21) • North Dakota (at least 18) • Ohio (at least 21) • Oklahoma (at least 21) • South Carolina (at least 18) • South Dakota (at least 18) • Tennessee (at least 18) • Texas (at least 21) • Utah (at least 21) • Vermont (at least 18) • West Virginia (at least 21) • Wyoming (at least 21)

Concealed Carry License Information Questions

WHAT DO YOU DO IF A PERMIT IS LOST OR STOLEN?	If your New Hampshire permit is lost or stolen, write a letter explaining the reason for your request and include a $3.00 duplicate license fee. Send it to the NH State Police Permits and Licensing Unit at 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.
HOW LONG ARE PERMITS VALID FOR?	New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver Licenses are valid for 5 years.
LINK TO APPLICATION	New Hampshire State Police Pistol/Revolver License Application (Residents or Non-Residents)
ARE NON-RESIDENT CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS ISSUED?	Yes. The application process is essentially the same as for residents, but applications are sent to the State Police in Concord.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MOVE TO OR OUT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WANT OR HAVE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT?	If you move within New Hampshire, you should notify your local police department or the State Police (for non-residents) of your address change. If you move out of state, your permit remains valid until it expires, provided you have updated your address with the licensing authority.
WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT?	$10 for residents; $100 for non-residents.
WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME?	By law, applications must be processed within 14 days.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES?	Residents: Notify your local police department of your new address. Non-residents: Send a letter to the NH State Police (33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305). Include old and new addresses; if you want a new permit showing the updated info, include a $3.00 fee.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?	• Be at least 18 years old • Provide three references • Provide a valid driver’s license number • Meet all federal requirements to possess a firearm
WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS?	1. Complete the appropriate application (resident or non-resident). 2. Submit the application with required info and references to local law enforcement (residents) or to the NH State Police (non-residents). 3. You will receive approval or denial within 14 days.
WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE?	New Hampshire law does not require formal firearms training for a Pistol/Revolver License. However, seeking firearms training is strongly recommended.
WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL PROCESS?	1. Renewals should be submitted 30 days prior to expiration. 2. Complete the renewal application (same as the standard application). 3. Submit to local law enforcement or the NH State Police (non-resident). 4. You will be notified within 14 days if your renewal is approved or denied.
WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM?	Generally, anywhere not prohibited by law, including state/national parks, roadside rest areas, and restaurants serving alcohol (unless posted).
WHERE CAN’T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM?	• Any place prohibited by federal law • Courtrooms or areas used by a court • Residential child care or child daycare centers • Any place that specifically prohibits firearms by law or regulation
IS THERE A HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?	Yes. No person shall purposely obstruct or impede the participation of any individual engaged in lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping.
CAN I CARRY WHILE HUNTING?	Yes, you may carry a firearm while hunting. However, for deer hunting specifically, you cannot take or attempt to take deer with a firearm if you are bow hunting, or vice versa. You must abide by hunting regulations.
CAN I CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?	Yes. A hunter may carry a firearm for self-defense while bow hunting, but cannot use the firearm to take or attempt to take deer during the archery season.
WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS?	New Hampshire allows the open or concealed carry of any type of knife by anyone who is not a convicted felon. Knives cannot be carried in courthouses.
CAN I WEAR A COVID MASK AND CARRY CONCEALED?	There is no known statute in New Hampshire prohibiting wearing a COVID-19 mask while carrying a firearm.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEO’S (LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS) OR RETIRED LEO’S?	Yes. Under LEOSA provisions, qualified retired LEOs must meet firearm qualification requirements set by the Police Standards and Training Council. Contact the PSTC or a certified firearms instructor for details.

Legal Note

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances can vary. It is solely the reader’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and applicability of any information presented here. The author, publisher, and any affiliated entities assume no liability for actions taken by readers based on the content of this article. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney.

Published: February 7, 2025
Tags: CCW, New Hampshire, New Shooter Tips