Cranston Concealed Carry Permit

Apply to the Cranston Police Department. Checked against the agency's own site on 2026-10-08.

• New license: $45 for fingerprinting at police headquarters, by check or money order, plus the $40 permit fee when the permit is issued.
• Local rules: A typed, notarized letter giving your reason for wanting the permit, or a letter from your employer on letterhead if it's for work. Three letters of reference, each signed and notarized. All five medical and mental health records releases, signed. Proof of a carry course, a basic pistol course or a DEM blue card, plus a notarized qualification sheet from your instructor and a copy of their NRA or FBI certification. Fingerprints taken only at Cranston police headquarters, by appointment: call (401) 477-5024. Two forms of ID, copies notarized, and proof of where you live. Rhode Islanders who don't live or own a business here can't apply on the strength of an out-of-state permit, unless their own town's police chief writes that it can't process them. Hand everything in, in person, at 5 Garfield Avenue.

Apply to the Cranston Police Department · Every Rhode Island city or town

Common questions

How much does a concealed carry permit cost in Cranston?

A new concealed carry permit in Cranston costs $85. That's the 2nd most expensive of the 9 cities and towns that post a full price; the typical one charges about $40. Training is paid separately, to the instructor.

Where do I apply for a concealed carry permit in Cranston?

Apply to the Cranston Police Department.

What does Cranston require beyond state law?

A typed, notarized letter giving your reason for wanting the permit, or a letter from your employer on letterhead if it's for work. Three letters of reference, each signed and notarized. All five medical and mental health records releases, signed. Proof of a carry course, a basic pistol course or a DEM blue card, plus a notarized qualification sheet from your instructor and a copy of their NRA or FBI certification. Fingerprints taken only at Cranston police headquarters, by appointment: call (401) 477-5024. Two forms of ID, copies notarized, and proof of where you live. Rhode Islanders who don't live or own a business here can't apply on the strength of an out-of-state permit, unless their own town's police chief writes that it can't process them. Hand everything in, in person, at 5 Garfield Avenue.

Rules every Rhode Island license follows

• Who decides: Your city or town's police chief, or its board of police commissioners where it has one. In a town with no police chief, the town clerk issues permits on the town sergeant's recommendation. You can also apply to the Attorney General instead, but the AG requires a showing of need. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-2(10))
• Who can apply where: A town has to issue to anyone 21 or older who lives or has a business there, or who lives anywhere in the U.S. and holds another state's carry permit, if the town finds them suitable. The law still mentions a good reason to fear injury, but the Attorney General's guidance, citing a 2015 state Supreme Court decision, says a town can't require a showing of need. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-11(a))
• Why towns differ: Deciding who's suitable is up to each department, so each writes its own checklist: notarized references, medical records releases, a letter about your reasons or about handling the gun safely, sometimes an interview. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-11(a))
• The fee: The law sets $40 for four years. Some towns charge more anyway: Lincoln asks $75 of residents and $200 of everyone else, East Providence's 2019 packet lists $100, and Cranston and Woonsocket add $45 for fingerprints. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-12)
• Shooting qualification: You qualify with a gun at least the caliber you'll carry, certified by an NRA or police range instructor. Most towns want it done within the past year and a copy of the instructor's certification. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-15)

Not legal advice. Confirm fees with the agency before you pay.