New Hampshire Gun Laws
Constitutional carry. No magazine limit. Castle doctrine and stand your ground.
Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.
New Hampshire allows constitutional carry for adults 18+. The state has both castle doctrine and stand your ground protections. No magazine limits, assault weapon bans, or waiting periods exist.
Key facts
- Concealed Carry: Constitutional carry — no permit required for adults 18+ (RSA 159:6)
- Open Carry: Permitted without a permit (RSA 159:6)
- Permit to Purchase: Not required
- Assault Weapon Ban: No ban
- Magazine Limit: No limit
- Waiting Period: None
- Universal Background Check: Not required for private sales
- Red Flag Law (ERPO): No state ERPO law
- Castle Doctrine: Yes (RSA 627:4)
- Stand Your Ground: Yes (RSA 627:4)
- Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Reciprocity agreements with some states; visitors 18+ can carry concealed here without one anyway (RSA 159:6-d)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to carry in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire is a constitutional carry state. Adults 18 and older may carry concealed or openly without a permit.
Does New Hampshire require background checks for private sales?
No. Private firearm sales in New Hampshire do not require a background check.
Does New Hampshire have a waiting period?
No. New Hampshire does not impose a waiting period for firearm purchases.
Does New Hampshire have a red flag law?
No. New Hampshire has not enacted an extreme risk protection order law.
Does New Hampshire honor concealed carry permits from other states?
Yes, through reciprocity agreements with some states, but it doesn't need to: the state's constitutional carry law lets any adult 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm carry concealed here without a permit at all, resident or visitor.
Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.