Gun Laws on the Island
Puerto Rico’s unique legal framework makes understanding concealed carry laws Puerto Rico essential for anyone looking to protect themselves responsibly. While not a U.S. State, merely a territory, Puerto Rico does not have the same legal protections as the rest of the United States.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, navigating these laws with clarity can help you exercise your rights safely. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every detail—from permits and training to travel requirements—so you know exactly what to expect under the Puerto Rican regime.
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.
Table of Contents
A Closer Look at Puerto Rico’s Legal Landscape
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory that operates under a shall-issue system. Concealed carry permits here are issued by the Office of Weapons Licenses under the Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 (PRAA) and its predecessor, Law 404-2000. In this territory, a valid weapons or gunsmith license is required not only to carry a concealed firearm but also to acquire, transport, sell, donate, or transfer firearms, ammunition, and regulated accessories. It’s a strict system—open carry is not legal, and only one handgun may be carried concealed at a time.
For those curious about concealed carry laws Puerto Rico, know that the process emphasizes both responsibility and safety. Applicants must complete a firearms use and management course before obtaining their license. This requirement underscores the importance of concealed carry training in ensuring that every permit holder understands the safe and proper handling of their weapon.
Permit Issuance and Training Requirements
In Puerto Rico, anyone—resident or non-resident—who is at least 21 years old may apply for a concealed carry permit. The process starts with obtaining a Certificate of Use and Handling of Firearms from an instructor certified by the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. This certificate is a key component of concealed carry training and validates that you understand the critical aspects of firearm safety, management, and practical use.
The application process is thorough:
- Step 1: Obtain your Certificate of Use and Handling from a certified instructor.
- Step 2: Download and complete the application form.
- Step 3: Gather required documents such as a notarized application form, a recent negative criminal record certificate, proof of identification (birth certificate, passport, or Social Security Card), two passport-style photographs, and a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID.
- Step 4: Submit your documents along with your fingerprints at your local Area Command or via the online portal.
- Step 5: Pay the fee—new permits are $200 and renewals are $100.
The entire process takes about 30 days, and the permit is valid for five years. This detailed process ensures that every applicant meets the strict CCW requirements by state and Puerto Rico’s own rigorous standards.
Self-Defense, Liability, and Practical Considerations
Self-defense is a central tenet of concealed carry laws Puerto Rico. The law permits the use of reasonable and proportionate force when a person believes they face imminent danger to their life, property, or rights. However, the use of deadly force is only justified if there is reasonable ground to believe that there is an imminent threat of death or serious injury—and only the minimum necessary force should be used.
Additionally, liability is limited if you act to protect yourself or another from unavoidable harm. Essentially, if you prevent greater damage by taking action, you won’t be held liable provided the force used was reasonable under the circumstances. However, there are many complexities to self-defense law, and we have collected additional resources to help you learn more here.
Ammunition, Purchase Regulations, and Magazine Limits
Under Puerto Rico’s regulations, ammunition is strictly controlled:
- License holders may only purchase ammunition that matches the calibers of their registered firearms.
- A person buying more than 20,000 rounds of ammunition in a year may trigger an investigation by the police chief to ensure the purchases are lawful.
- Only licensed gun dealers are permitted to import ammunition.
It’s important to note that while concealed carry laws Puerto Rico impose tight restrictions on ammunition, there are no magazine capacity limits set by law. Every aspect—from purchase to possession—requires adherence to the specific guidelines laid out by the Weapons Licensing Office.
Traveling, Transport, and Reciprocity Challenges
Traveling with a firearm into Puerto Rico is a complex matter. Although the PRAA suggests that permits from all U.S. states should be recognized, reciprocity is contingent upon the NPPR Commissioner establishing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with each state. As of now, no MOUs have been finalized.
If you do plan to travel with a handgun:
- You must notify the Division of Weapons Registry and License Issuance by completing Form PPR-1062 at least five business days prior to arrival.
- Commercial airlines operating to Puerto Rico require passengers to fill out Form PPR-1053 for the safe transfer of firearms and ammunition.
- In vehicles, firearms must be secured in closed cases that do not reveal their contents unless they are carried openly under your valid permit.
These regulations underline the importance of knowing not only concealed carry laws Puerto Rico but also the broader CCW requirements by state when moving between jurisdictions.
Renewal and Special Considerations
Renewing your permit in Puerto Rico involves a practical shooting test where you must fire a minimum of 50 shots and achieve at least a 70 percent passing score. The renewal window opens six months before your permit expires, and you have up to 30 days after expiration to renew—beyond which administrative fines apply, and if extended past six months, your license could be canceled.
Special considerations include:
- Non-Resident Permits: Non-residents can apply, but must include a notarized affidavit with their application.
- Military and Law Enforcement: Active duty military, members of the Puerto Rico National Guard, and qualified law enforcement officers have unique exemptions or provisions, such as using government-assigned weapons without a license or obtaining permit renewals free of charge for active duty veterans who meet the qualifications.
Where You Can and Cannot Carry
The rules regarding locations are as important as the permit process itself. Under concealed carry laws Puerto Rico:
- Firearms cannot be openly carried—open carry is entirely prohibited.
- Concealed carry is generally not allowed in vehicles unless you are transporting them under specific conditions (all firearms must be in a closed case if not in plain sight).
- Airports enforce strict rules: if you bring a firearm, you must immediately notify the Ports Authority Security Office upon arrival.
- Certain public places are off-limits, such as schools, public buildings, mental institutions, and areas near election venues.
Private property rules also apply; for instance, while there is no state statute barring concealed carry in places of worship, property owners can post signs prohibiting firearms.
Policing the Brass - Final Thoughts
Puerto Rico’s concealed carry laws Puerto Rico are designed to balance the right to self-defense with the need for public safety. The rigorous permit process, mandatory concealed carry training, and strict controls on ammunition and transport all serve to ensure that only qualified individuals carry firearms. Whether you’re a resident or a non-resident, understanding these regulations—along with the detailed steps for application and renewal—empowers you to exercise your rights responsibly and confidently.
By familiarizing yourself with every aspect of these laws and meeting the high standards set forth, you’re not only complying with the law but also taking a crucial step in safeguarding yourself and those around you. For a downloadable guide, visit HandgunLaw.us for their free PDF. Stay informed, get properly trained, and always follow the guidelines to remain a responsible, well-prepared firearm owner under the concealed carry laws Puerto Rico.
Concealed Carry Laws Puerto Rico: Q&A Section
Carry Basics Questions
| CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY? | Not addressed in the provided Puerto Rico gun laws. |
| GUN PERMIT LICENSURE? | Puerto Rico is a shall-issue territory. Concealed carry permits are issued by the Office of Weapons Licenses under the Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020. |
| OPEN CARRY PERMITTED? | No. Open carry is not legal in Puerto Rico. |
| TASERS OR STUN GUNS? | Not specifically addressed; consult the Weapons Licensing Office for clarification. |
| WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED? | No. Only handguns are allowed for concealed carry—and only one handgun may be carried at a time. |
| AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? | Yes. License holders may only purchase ammunition for the calibers of their registered weapons, and purchases over 20,000 rounds per year may trigger an investigation. Only licensed dealers can import ammunition. |
| MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? | No. There are no magazine capacity restrictions for handguns in Puerto Rico. |
| MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY? | The minimum age is 21. |
| CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY? | No. Puerto Rico does not allow permitless (constitutional) carry. |
Carry Location Questions
| CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? | Unknown. |
| CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WMAS? | Unknown. |
| CARRY IN VEHICLE? | Yes. Residents with a valid Weapons License or non-residents with a valid state permit may transport firearms—provided additional firearms are unloaded and kept in a closed case not displaying their contents. |
| CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? | Unknown. |
| CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? | Not addressed in the current regulations. |
| STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? | Not addressed in the provided Puerto Rico gun laws. |
Key State Laws
| PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? | No. The registry information is available only to law enforcement. |
| DUTY TO INFORM OFFICER YOU’RE CARRYING? | The Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 does not address any duty to inform a police officer that you are carrying. |
| RED FLAG LAW? | Unknown. |
| “NO WEAPONS ALLOWED” SIGNS ENFORCED? | Not specifically addressed in the provided information. |
| TRIBAL LAND? | Not applicable in Puerto Rico. |
| CARRY WHILE USING ALCOHOL OR A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE? | Not addressed in the current regulations. |
| NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? | Yes. Licenses are available to any U.S. citizen or legal resident aged 21 or older. |
| BRANDISHING? | No definition of brandishing was found, though open carry is prohibited. |
| DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO CARRY PERMIT? | Not addressed in the provided laws. |
| PREEMPTION? | Not addressed in the current Puerto Rico gun laws. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession Questions
| WAITING PERIOD? | No waiting period is specified; however, a valid weapons or gunsmith license is required for all firearm transactions. |
| PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? | Yes. A current Puerto Rico concealed carry permit exempts you from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm. |
| PURCHASE PERMITS? | No. A separate permit to purchase a handgun is not required, but you must hold a valid concealed carry or gunsmith license. |
| BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? | No, but all firearm transfers must be processed using Form PPR 379 to verify proper licensing and registration. |
| MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? | The minimum age is 21 (except for a special license allowing minors aged 7 and up to practice shooting under supervision). |
| POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT? | No. A valid weapons license is required to possess or carry firearms—even on private property. |
| HANDGUN REGISTRATION? | Yes. All handgun transactions must be registered in the Electronic Registry of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. |
Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
| WHAT ARE ALL STATE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSES THAT PUERTO RICO HONORS? | Puerto Rico honors concealed carry permits from all U.S. states, enclaves, possessions, and territories—subject to the establishment of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by the NPPR Commissioner (none have been established as of now). |
| WHAT ARE ALL OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RECIPROCITY WITH PUERTO RICO? | The following states honor permits from Puerto Rico: 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), New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18), North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18), South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18), Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18), Virginia, and Wisconsin. |
| WHAT ARE ALL THE OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RESTRICTED RECIPROCITY WITH PUERTO RICO? | None. There are no states with restricted reciprocity with Puerto Rico according to the provided information. |
| WHAT ARE ALL THE PERMITLESS CARRY STATES? | Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old) Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old; 18 for military) Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old) West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old) |
Concealed Carry License Information Questions
| WHAT DO YOU DO IF A PERMIT IS LOST OR STOLEN? | Submit an affidavit explaining the loss or theft to the Weapons Licensing Office and pay a $50 fee for a duplicate license. |
| HOW LONG ARE PERMITS VALID FOR? | Permits are valid for 5 years. |
| ARE NON-RESIDENT CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS ISSUED? | Yes. Non-residents must include a notarized affidavit with their application notarized in Puerto Rico. |
| WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MOVE TO OR OUT OF PUERTO RICO? | If you establish residency in another state, your Puerto Rico pistol permit expires upon establishing residence in the new state. |
| WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | New permits cost $200; renewals cost $100 (with exemptions available for certain eligible groups). |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME? | The processing time is approximately 30 days. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES? | Licensees must notify the Weapons Licensing Office of any residential or postal address change within 30 days. |
| WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? | Applicants must be at least 21 years old, obtain a Certificate of Use and Handling of Firearms from a certified instructor, have no criminal record or pending serious charges, not be addicted to controlled substances or habitually drunk, not be mentally incapacitated, not be dishonorably discharged from the armed forces or police, not belong to violent organizations, not be under a relevant court order, be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and meet all federal law requirements. |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS? | 1. Obtain a Certificate of Use and Handling of Firearms from a certified instructor. 2. Download and complete the notarized application form along with required documents (negative criminal record certificate, proof of identification, photographs, and ID). 3. Have your fingerprints taken by a Police Bureau technician. 4. Pay the fee and submit your application online or at your local Area Command. 5. Await notification by mail regarding approval. |
| WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE? | Puerto Rico requires training on the use and handling of firearms. The course must include both theoretical and practical components, and the resulting certificate is valid for one year. |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL PROCESS? | 1. Begin the renewal process six months before expiration and complete it within 30 days after expiration (late renewals incur fines). 2. Pass a practical shooting test (minimum 50 shots with at least a 70% passing score). 3. Complete Form PPR-329 and submit via the online portal or at an Area Command. 4. Await mail notification of approval. |
| WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | You may carry a concealed firearm on your person with a valid Weapons License. However, restrictions apply in vehicles (firearms must be secured in closed cases unless in plain sight) and in certain restricted areas (e.g., schools, public buildings, election day venues). |
| WHERE CAN’T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | You cannot carry in: • Schools, universities, and technical institutes (including associated parking/green areas and within 100 meters of campus buildings) • Public buildings as defined by law • Mental institutions • Any location on election day • Any place where federal law prohibits firearm carrying |
| IS THERE A HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? | Not addressed in the provided Puerto Rico gun laws. |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE HUNTING? | Not addressed in the provided information. |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? | Not addressed in the provided information. |
| WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS? | Not addressed in the provided Puerto Rico gun laws. |
| CAN I WEAR A COVID MASK AND CARRY CONCEALED? | Not addressed in the provided information. |
| ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEOS OR RETIRED LEOS? | Yes. Law enforcement officers (active or retired) may carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). Qualified applicants must submit Form PPR-1064 along with the required documents and fee to receive a photo identification card authorizing carry. |
