State Laws · NH
New Hampshire Gun Laws
Effective as of February 22, 2017 (SB 12 (constitutional carry)). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
New Hampshire adopted constitutional carry under SB 12, effective February 22, 2017. Any person aged 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a license. Open carry is legal. New Hampshire issues a Pistol/Revolver License for reciprocity through the local selectmen or mayor.
Key statute: RSA 159:4 — carrying without a license (repealed as an offense for eligible persons by SB 12). RSA 159:6 — license to carry.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, fugitives from justice, persons convicted of certain violent misdemeanors, persons under 18, and persons prohibited under federal law. New Hampshire has relatively few state-level prohibitions beyond federal law.
Prohibited Locations
New Hampshire prohibits firearms in: courthouses (RSA 159:19) and school grounds (with exceptions for secured vehicles and CPL holders). New Hampshire has strong state preemption (RSA 159:26) preventing local firearms regulations.
Purchase Requirements
No permit is required to purchase any firearm. All FFL sales require a NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check. There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, no assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction.
Citations
RSA Chapter 159 (pistols and revolvers); SB 12 (2017).
Look up statutes at New Hampshire Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →New Hampshire statutes
New Hampshire Legislature →This link goes to New Hampshire's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.