RHODE ISLAND GUN LAWS
QUICK FACTS
Permit Information
Rhode Island gun laws are restrictive, making it difficult to obtain permits in this state. Permits can be issued by the local authorities or the Attorney General. The wording of the law makes the local authorities “Shall Issue” and the Attorney General “May Issue”. This will need to be cleared up by the courts. Applicants are required to explain why they need a firearm and how it will remedy their problem. They must be 21 years or older and have three typed and notarized references. Applications are filed with the local Police Chief.
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Permits/Licenses
Rhode Island is a “May Issue” & “Shall Issue” state.
Non-Resident permits available if you own a residence or business in Rhode Island.
The permit is valid for 4 years.
- Must be at least 21 years old
- The applicant must have a residence or place of business within the town the application is submitted in.
- Or have a residence within the United States and permit/license to carry a handgun concealed upon his or her person issued by the authorities of any other state or subdivision of the United States.
- The applicant has a good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property.
- The applicant has any other proper reason to be licensed.
- The applicant shall be a suitable person to be so licensed.
- A person prohibited from having a firearm by any state or Federal Law, or court order is not eligible to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
- Federal Law – Prohibits the following persons
Off Limit Areas
Where You Can Carry
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state – except those listed below
Where You Cannot Carry
- You cannot carry a firearm if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Details on Rhode Island Gun Laws
Get in Touch
Providence Police Department
Hours
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Contact
Address 325 Washington St.
City Providence, RI 02903
Phone (401) 272-3121
Comments
Wanted to how can I get a gun license
Apply through your local police department. Pick up a application at your PD station. Do not go through the AG nor print out an application that you find online with the Attorney General seal on it. You will only be denied if you go down that path.
I’m 25 clean record just wondering if u need a blue card to purchase a shotgun or ar or is that legal just to buy after a background check without a blue card ?
You cannot purchase a fire arm of any sort without a blue card.
Blue cards are only for handguns. You can buy long guns without a blue card. Also a carry permit or RI Hunter education card can be used instead of a blue card.
I have previous credit fraud and larceny charges that have both been expunged, am I good to go?
Both misdemeanor might I add
I have a domestic violence charge (no assault) from 20yrs ago. No charges at all the past 15yrs. All misdemeanors. Am I allowed to purchase a gun?
NO but consult a lawyer! Not until your Firearm and rights are FULLY restored by the convicting state or entity. You are treated similar to a convicted felon with firearms..
Can you buy a firearm in RI without a permit? I’m sure there is a background check… but can I just buy one for my home?
Yes you can buy one in RI. You must first pass the blue card test.
Do I need a copy of my NRA certificate if I have an active permit from another state (Connecticut)? I have an active permit, but do not have a copy of my NRA certificate any longer. I have had a permit in CT for over 30 years.
Hi,
I’m a newbie.
Opinions please, any advantage or disadvantage for going through the the states AG office verses going through the local PD?
The AG “May” issue a permit, Local “shall” issue a permit
My understanding is the AG is very restrictive in issuing carry permits. I suggest you go to your local Police Department.
I live in RI (own my home) but work in CT. I am originally from CT. So I have a CT issued license can I still get a gun permit in RI with a different state license.
does the blue card expire?
No. The Blue card from the DEM never expires
I bought a hand gun from D&B Antenna on N. Main St, Prov in 1996; I have the original receipt. I had to wait the safety check period before I pick up the item. Should I have received a Blue Card or any type of official state document that would serve to prove my being the rightful owner of this weapon, should that ever be raised ?
Some of that is a legal question and you’d need to consult a lawyer for a real answer. Best guess follows…
Except in uncommon cases, you’d only need to confirm you are the owner of the gun if it was stolen from you, which you need to report within 24 hours. You really only SHOULD need to keep a record of the serial, make and model, in case that happens. But hanging onto the receipt doesn’t hurt for legal or historical purposes (depending on the value of the gun).
You do not need a license to own a gun in Rhode Island, but you need a blue card to purchase a handgun. (plus 21+ age and 7 day waiting period). Long gun is 18+ and the 7 day waiting period, you don’t need the blue card. You also don’t need it for transport, as long as it isn’t loaded. (That’s carry permit territory).
In general, it is illegal for feds and state to track matching gun data to owners, as this is considered a big step to infringement (background check form 4473 loophole shannigans are commonplace however) . They get around IDs and car registrations by declaring the cards and plates government property, which your handgun is not. The jist of it is, the burden of proof is on the state to prove you aren’t the owner, not the other way around.
If you are worried about the gun’s history, there are a few public databases for stolen or ‘wanted’ guns online. If there is a return on that, you have hit the ‘uncommon cases’ area. Time to call a lawyer familiar with RI gun law.