Rhode Island Gun Laws

Permit required for concealed carry. Sale/manufacture ban on assault weapons (since July 2026). 10-round magazine limit. 7-day waiting period. Red flag law.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Rhode Island has restrictive firearm laws. Concealed carry requires a permit (the AG's permit is may-issue), magazines are limited to 10 rounds, and a 7-day waiting period applies. As of July 1, 2026, the state bans the sale, manufacture, and transfer of assault weapons (existing owners are grandfathered). Handgun buyers need a state safety certificate (Blue Card), and the state has a red flag law. Duty to retreat applies outside the home.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Permit required — issued by local police without a showing of need, or at the AG's discretion (may-issue) (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-11, 11-47-18)
• Open Carry: Permit required
• Permit to Purchase: Blue Card safety certificate required for handguns (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-35)
• Assault Weapon Ban: Sale, manufacture, and transfer banned since July 2026 (existing owners grandfathered) (R.I. Gen. Laws Ch. 11-47.2)
• Magazine Limit: 10 rounds maximum (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47.1-3)
• Waiting Period: 7 days (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-35)
• Universal Background Check: Required for all sales and transfers
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Extreme Risk Protection Order
• Castle Doctrine: Yes
• Stand Your Ground: Duty to retreat outside the home
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: No reciprocity — does not honor any other state's carry permit

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island requires a permit, available two ways: from your local police chief, who must issue it to qualified applicants without a showing of need, or from the Attorney General, whose permit requires a proper showing of need.

Does Rhode Island require a permit to purchase handguns?

Yes. Rhode Island requires a Blue Card (safety certificate) or concealed carry permit to purchase a handgun.

What is the waiting period in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island has a 7-day waiting period for all firearm purchases.

Does Rhode Island have a red flag law?

Yes. Rhode Island has an Extreme Risk Protection Order law allowing law enforcement to petition for temporary firearm removal.

Does Rhode Island have stand your ground?

Rhode Island recognizes castle doctrine in the home but generally requires a duty to retreat in public if safe to do so.

Does Rhode Island ban assault weapons?

Yes, as of July 1, 2026. The State Assault Weapons Ban Act bans the sale, manufacture, and transfer of assault-style weapons, but existing owners may keep firearms they lawfully possessed before that date.

Does Rhode Island recognize concealed carry permits from other states?

No. Rhode Island has no reciprocity with any other state — a non-resident carrying concealed here needs a Rhode Island-issued permit.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.