Rhode Island Concealed Carry Laws & Information

We try to stay as up to date as possible, but always check with local law enforcement to be sure about which states honor your states permit.

The following states have permitless carry. This means that if you can legally possess a firearm in that state you can carry it concealed without a permit/license. You still have to abide by all conceaeled carry laws in that state. Please note that the last three states only allow residents to carry without a permit/license. Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho (Residents Only), North Dakota (Residents Only), Wyoming (Residents Only).

Information compiled from various state government and private sites from around the web.

Reciprocity: How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

Rhode Island does not honor any other states Permit/Licenses.

How to Apply for a Rhode Island Concealed Carry Permit

Local Police/Sheriff issue Permits/Licenses. Since Local Agencies issue Permit/Licenses there may be a slight difference in the application process. You need to check with the local Issuing authority to make sure you have all the documents needed to apply.

Instructions for License To Carry a Concealable Weapon

No Applications Will Be Considered Unless The Following Have Been Accomplished:

1. This official application form must be filled out completely by the applicant. Please print or type application or it will be returned.

2. The application must be notarized.

3. Enclose two (1”x 1”) pictures of the applicant taken without headgear or glasses. This photo must be a clear picture of the head and face. Please print applicant’s name on the back of each picture. No laminated photos will be accepted.

4. Proof of qualification before a certified weapons instructor, i.e. NRA instructor or police range instructor, must be supplied along with a copy of the NRA/FBI firearms instructor’s certification.

5. Two types of positive identification must be submitted, photocopied, signed, and dated by a notary public attesting to be true copies.

6. All new pistol permits issued from this department must have a full set of applicant’s fingerprints submitted on a FBI Fingerprint Applicant Card (FD-258 (Rev.12- 29-82)) included with the application. Fingerprint card must be signed by applicant. This is not necessary for a renewal application.

7. If the permit is to be used for employment, a typed letter of explanation must be submitted on your employer’s letterhead and included with the application.

8. If the permit is not for employment, a typed letter must be submitted by the applicant stating the reasons why a permit is needed on a full-time basis. All letters must be dated. We will not accept a photocopy of any signature.

9. Retired police officers applying under Section 11-47-18 must submit a letter of verification from the Chief of Police of the department which they retired from, stating that they have completed 20 years of good service.

10. A forty dollar ($40.00) Check Or Money Order must be submitted with your application.

11. Applicant will be notified by mail of approval or denial of permit. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. If approved, applicant must appear in person to pickup permit. This application, fingerprint card, and photos become part of the records of the Burrillville Police Department and will not be returned.

12. All permits will expire Four (4) Years from the date of issue. Also, the renewal of your permit is your obligation. No notification of expiration of the permit will be sent to you. Allow a maximum of 90 DAYS for processing of your application.

The City of Providence Application and Instructions States:

A $250.00 check or Money Order payable to the City of Providence must be presented when receiving your permit. Take note, do not send a check or money order with your application. The State law states $40.00 Costs.

The Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled on April 22, 2015 that local authorities must give an Application and must either Issue or Deny the Application. You can see the ruling here.

How to Obtain A Non-Resident Rhode Island Concealed Carry Permit

If you have a residence or business in Rhode Island you can apply for a Permit/License to Carry. Check with the local authorities. The Attorney General will also issues Permit/Licenses.

§ 11-47-11 License or Permit to Carry Concealed Pistol or Revolver

(a) The licensing authorities of any city or town shall, upon application of any person twenty-one (21) years of age or over having a bona fide residence or place of business within the city or town, or of any person twenty-one (21) years of age or over having a bona fide residence within the United States and a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver concealed upon his or her person issued by the authorities of any other state or subdivision of the United States, issue a license or permit to the person to carry concealed upon his or her person a pistol or revolver everywhere within this state for four (4) years from date of issue, if it appears that the applicant has good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property or has any other proper reason for carrying a pistol or revolver, and that he or she is a suitable person to be so licensed. The license or permit shall be in triplicate in form to be prescribed by the attorney general and shall bear the fingerprint, photograph, name, address, description, and signature of the licensee and the reason given for desiring a license or permit and in no case shall it contain the serial number of any firearm. The original shall be delivered to the licensee. Any member of the licensing authority, its agents, servants, and employees shall be immune from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based upon any official act or decision, performed or made in good faith in issuing a license or permit under this chapter.

(b) Notwithstanding any other chapter or section of the general laws of the state of Rhode Island, the licensing authority of any city or town shall not provide or release to any individual, firm, association or corporation the name, address, or date of birth of any person who has held or currently holds a license or permit to carry a concealed pistol or revolver. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the release of any statistical data of a general nature relative to age, gender and racial or ethnic background nor shall it be construed to prevent the release of information to parties involved in any prosecution of § 11-47-8 or in response to a lawful subpoena in any criminal or civil action which the person is a party to that action.

Places You Can Not Carry Even With a Rhode Island Concealed Carry Permit

§ 11-47-52 Carrying of Weapon While Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs

It is unlawful to carry or transport any firearm in this state when intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs.

Do “No Gun Signs” Have the Force of Law?

As of the moment, there are no "No Gun Signs" that have the force of law in Rhode Island.

Must Inform the Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

In Rhode Island, the answer is "No".

§ 11-47-27 Standard of Proof Under §§ 11-47-1 – 11-47-34.

No negative allegation of any kind need be averred or proved in any complaint under §§ 11-47-1 – 11-47-34, and the carrying or use of any firearm contrary to the provisions of those sections shall be evidence that the possession, carrying or use of any firearm is unlawful, but the respondent in any case brought under those sections may show any fact that would render the possession, or use, or carrying of the firearm lawful.

The above law states that, if you have a firearm on you and don’t have a valid Permit/License to carry then you will be arrested and you will then have the chance to prove your carrying was not illegal. A Valid Permit/License on your person at the time would make the carrying lawful.

Carry In State Parks//WMA/Road Side Rest Areas & St. /Nat. Forests

Carry Allowed in these following Areas:

State Parks: NO; Admin Rule 250-RICR-100-00-1.17 & RI St. Park Camping Policies Section “M”
State/National Forests: NO; 250-RICR-100-00-1.17
State WMA’s: NO; RI Hunting & Trapping Regulations
Road Side Rest Areas: YES

RV/Car Carry Without a Rhode Island Concealed Carry Permit

You must have a Rhode Island Permit to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Title 11 Criminal Offenses
Chapter 11-47 Weapons
Section 11-47-8

§ 11-47-8 License or permit required for carrying pistol - Possession of machine gun.

(a) No person shall, without a license or permit issued as provided in §§ 11-47-11, 11-47-12 and 11-47-18, carry a pistol or revolver in any vehicle or conveyance or on or about his or her person whether visible or concealed, except in his or her dwelling house or place of business or on land possessed by him or her or as provided in §§ 11-47-9 and 11-47-10. The provisions of these sections shall not apply to any person who is the holder of a valid license or permit issued by the licensing authority of another state, or territory of the United States, or political subdivision of the state or territory, allowing him or her to carry a pistol or revolver in any vehicle or conveyance or on or about his or her person whether visible or concealed, provided the person is merely transporting the firearm through the state in a vehicle or other conveyance without any intent on the part of the person to detain him or herself or remain within the state of Rhode Island. No person shall manufacture, sell, purchase, or possess a machine gun except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Every person violating the provision of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten (10) years, or by a fine up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both, and except for a first conviction under this section shall not be afforded the provisions of suspension or deferment of sentence, nor a probation.

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit or License)

Open Carry is legal but only for those with a valid permit/license to carry a concealed firearm. Only those permit/licenses issued by the Attorney General of Rhode Island allow the holder to open carry. Those issued by local authorities do not allow the permit/license holder to open carry. It is said that open carry is rare in Rhode Island. Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” above apply to those who open carry. See the “RV/Car Carry Without a Permit” section for carrying in a vehicle.

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.

Open Carry could be forbidden in places where those with a valid permit/license can carry, please continue reading for more.

State Preemption

§ 11-47-58 Firearms – State Preemption

The control of firearms, ammunition, or their component parts regarding their ownership, possession, transportation, carrying, transfer, sale, purchase, purchase delay, licensing, registration, and taxation rests solely with the state, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

§ 11-8-8 Injury or Death – Defense

Laws Regarding Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns, and Higher Capacity Magazines

For Stun Devices/Electric Weapons

§ 11-47-42 - Stun Devices/Electric Weapons Are Illegal in Rhode Island

§ 11-47-57 "Mace" or Similar Substances – Any person eighteen (18) years of age or over may carry on his or her person and use, unless otherwise prohibited by law, any non-lethal noxious substance or liquid for his or her protection or the protection of others; however, the use of any non-lethal noxious substance or liquid for any other purpose shall be punishable by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: No laws found

Training Valid for: 1 Year

Time Period to Establish Residency: Upon obtaining a Rhode Island Drivers License/ID

Minimum Age for Permit/License: 21 Years Old

Permit/License Info Public Information: NO

State Fire arm Laws: 11-47-1 thru 11-47-62

State Deadly Force Laws: § 11-8-8

State Knife Laws: 11-47-42

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: 11-47-57 & 11-47-42

Body Armor Laws: No laws found

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO § 11-47-11

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? YES; Except While Bow Deer & Turkey Hunting. St. of Rhode Island Dept of Environmental Management Div of Fish & Wildlife RI Hunting & Trapping Regulations There are many areas mentioned in their Rules that are off limits to all firearms. Plus in certain instances like assisting others in a hunt.

What Does Rhode Island Consider A Loaded Firearm?

§ 11-47-51 Loaded Weapons in Vehicles

It is unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun or a rifle or shotgun from the magazine of which all shells and cartridges have not been removed in or on any vehicle or conveyance or its attachments while upon or along any public highway, road, lane, or trail within this state;

Rhode Island May Issue

In Rhode Island, Local Officials issue Permit/Licenses to Carry. The AG also issues the same Permit/Licenses. Below is Rhode Island law for both the Local Issuing Authority and the AG. You will see that for the Local Issuing Officer it states “Shall” and for the AG it states “May.” Shall and May have defined meanings in law. If the Legislature meant for the Local Issuing Agent to be May issue their law would state it the same or very similar to the way they made the law for the AG. They worded them both different. Until the courts decide it will remain a gray area. Handgunlaw.us reposts what the law states. RI law states it is Shall Issue for the Local Issuing Official and May Issue for the AG.

§ 11-47-11 License or Permit to Carry Concealed Pistol or Revolver

(a) The licensing authorities of any city or town Shall, upon application of any person twenty-one (21) years of age or over having a bona fide residence or place of business within the city or town, or of any person twenty-one (21) years of age or over having a bona fide residence within the United States and a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver concealed upon his or her person issued by the authorities of any other state or subdivision of the United States, issue a license or permit to the person to carry concealed upon his or her person a pistol or revolver everywhere within this state for four (4) years from date of issue, if it appears that the applicant has good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property or has any other proper reason for carrying a pistol or revolver, and that he or she is a suitable person to be so licensed. The license or permit shall be in triplicate in form to be prescribed by the attorney general and shall bear the fingerprint, photograph, name, address, description, and signature of the licensee and the reason given for desiring a license or permit and in no case shall it contain the serial number of any firearm. The original shall be delivered to the licensee. Any member of the licensing authority, its agents, servants, and employees shall be immune from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based upon any official act or decision, performed or made in good faith in issuing a license or permit under this chapter.

§ 11-47-18 License or Permit Issued by Attorney General on Showing of Need – Issuance to Retired Police Officers

(a) The attorney general may issue a license or permit to any person twenty-one (21) years of age or over to carry a pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not, upon his or her person upon a proper showing of need, subject to the provisions of §§ 11-47-12 and 11-47-15; that license or permit may be issued notwithstanding the provisions of § 11-47-7.

(b) All state police officers and permanent members of city and town police forces of this state who have retired in good standing after at least twenty (20) years of service, or retired in good standing due to a physical disability other than a psychological impairment, may be issued a license or permit by the attorney general subject to the provisions of §§ 11-47-12 and 11-47-15. The term "in good standing" means that at the time of retirement, the police officer was not facing disciplinary action that could have resulted in his or her termination for misconduct or unfitness for office. Any member of the licensing authority, and its agents, servants, and employees shall be immune from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based upon any official act or decision, performed or made in good faith in issuing a license or permit under this chapter.

(c) Notwithstanding any other chapter or section of the general laws of the state of Rhode Island, the attorney general shall not provide or release to any individual, firm, association or corporation the name, address, or date of birth of any person who has held or currently holds a license or permit to carry a concealed pistol or revolver. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the release of any statistical data of a general nature relative to age, gender and racial or ethnic background nor shall it be construed to prevent the release of information to parties involved in any prosecution of § 11-47-8 or in response to a lawful subpoena in any criminal or civil action which said person is a party to such action.

The applicant should state at least one if not several good reasons for the Application.

State Emergency Powers

30-13-131. Delegation of authority by Governor

The governor may delegate any 2 authority vested in him or her under this code, and may provide for the subdelegation of any of 3 that authority, except the power given him or her by §§ 30-13-21 and 30-13-24.

§ 30-15-9 Governor's Responsibilities Relating to Disaster Emergencies

(a) The governor shall be responsible for meeting the dangers to the state and people presented by disasters.

(b) A state of emergency shall be declared by executive order or proclamation of the governor if he or she finds a disaster has occurred or that this occurrence or the threat thereof is imminent. The state of disaster emergency shall continue until the governor finds that the threat or danger has passed or the disaster has been dealt with to the extent that emergency conditions no longer exist and terminates the state of disaster emergency by executive order or proclamation, but no state of disaster emergency may continue for longer than thirty (30) days unless renewed by the governor. The general assembly by concurrent resolution may terminate a state of disaster emergency at any time. Thereupon, the governor shall issue an executive order or proclamation ending the state of disaster emergency and what actions are being taken to control the emergency and what action the public should take to protect themselves. All executive orders or proclamations issued under this subsection shall indicate the nature of the disaster, the area or areas threatened, and the conditions that have brought it about or that make possible termination of the state of disaster emergency. An executive order or proclamation shall be disseminated promptly by means calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public and, unless the circumstances attendant upon the disaster prevent or impede, promptly filed with the agency, the secretary of state, and the city and town clerks in the area to which it applies.

(c) An executive order or proclamation of a state of disaster emergency shall activate the state and local disaster emergency plans applicable to the political subdivision or area in question and shall be authority for the deployment and use of any forces to which the plan or plans apply and for the use or distribution of any supplies, equipment, and materials and facilities assembled, stockpiled, or arranged to be made available pursuant to this chapter or any other provision of law relating to disaster emergencies.

(d) During the continuance of any state of disaster emergency the governor is commander-in-chief of the organized and unorganized militia and of all other forces available for emergency duty. To the greatest extent practicable, the governor shall delegate or assign command authority by prior arrangement embodied in appropriate executive orders or regulations, but nothing herein restricts the governor's authority to do so by orders issued at the time of the disaster emergency.

(e) In addition to any other powers conferred upon the governor by law, the governor may exercise the following powers, limited in scope and duration as is reasonably necessary for emergency response:

(1) Suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency, provided that the suspension of any statute, order, rule or regulation will be limited in duration and scope to the emergency action requiring said suspension;
(2) Utilize all available resources of the state government as reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster emergency and of each political subdivision of the state;
(3) Transfer the direction, personnel, or functions of state departments and agencies or units thereof for the purpose of performing or facilitating emergency services;
(4) Subject to any applicable requirements for compensation under § 30-15-11, commandeer or utilize any private property if the governor finds this necessary to cope with the disaster emergency;
(5) Direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the state if the governor deems this action necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response, or recovery;
(6) Prescribe routes, modes of transportation, and destinations in connection with evacuation;
(7) Control ingress and egress to and from a high risk area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises therein;
(8) Suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, and combustibles;

Full RI Emergency Management Law is contained in § 30-15

The 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

Rhode Island: 18 Years Old

§ 11-47-33 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.

Some states (and counties) require Firearms Identification Cards, and/or registration. 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. Study your state law further for more information. See “RV/Car Carry” Section Above for more information.