RHODE ISLAND GUN LAWS

1. Download the application under the FORMS tab.
2. Complete the application form. It must be printed or typed or it will be returned.
3. Application must be notarized.
4. If applying through the AG, the application must be signed or stamped by the local Police Chief or a city hall official in the city or town of the applicant’s residence.
5. Enclose two (2) 1” X 1” pictures of the applicant taken without headgear or glasses. This photo must be a clear, colored picture of the head and face. Please PRINT applicant’s name on the back of each picture. NO laminated photos will be accepted.
6. Three (3) References AND reference letters are required for new AND renewal applications and are to be submitted along with the application. All three references are to TYPE (not handwritten) a letter for the applicant pertaining to the gun permit that is SIGNED, DATED AND MUST BE NOTARIZED. Reference letters must be written by the reference, not the applicant, and cannot be identical.
7. Proof of qualification before a certified weapons instructor; i.e., N.R.A. Instructor or Police range instructor must be supplied along with a copy of the instructor’s NRA/FBI firearms instructor’s certification. Qualifications will only be accepted up to one year old and you cannot qualify yourself.
8. Two types of positive identification must be submitted, photocopied, signed and dated by a Notary Public, attesting to be true copies.
9. All NON-RESIDENT APPLICANTS must include a copy of the their home state permit.
10. All new pistol permits issued must have a full set of applicant’s fingerprints submitted on a FBI FINGERPRINT APPLICANT CARD included with the application. Fingerprint card must be signed by applicant. This is not necessary for a renewal application.
11. If the permit is to be used for employment, a TYPED AND SIGNED letter of explanation must be submitted on your employer’s letterhead and included with the application. Also, please include a copy of the business license as proof that the business exists.
12. 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.
13. All letters must be dated. They will not accept a photocopy of any signature.
14. Retired Police Officers 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 standing.
15. A Forty dollar ($40.00) CHECK OR MONEY ORDER must be presented when picking up permit. DO NOT SEND A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
16. Applicant will be notified by mail of approval or denial of permit. If approved, applicant must appear in person to pick up permit.

New Permits: $40
Renewal: $40

Accepted forms of payment
Check, Money order