How to Apply for a Concealed Carry Permit in Nebraska

Application Process

Important Note: Permitless Carry

Nebraska enacted permitless (constitutional) carry legislation effective September 10, 2023. While a concealed handgun permit (CHP) is no longer required to carry concealed in Nebraska, many residents still choose to obtain one for reciprocity with other states and as an ATF-qualified alternative to a handgun purchase certificate.

Initial Application Requirements

First-time applicants must apply in person at a Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Troop Area Headquarters. Applications cannot be submitted by mail or online for initial permits.

Per Neb. Rev. Stat. §69-2430, the application must be made in person at any Nebraska State Patrol Troop Headquarters or office designated for accepting applications.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete an approved handgun training and safety course - The Nebraska State Patrol does not recognize any online training course to satisfy this requirement. The course must be approved by NSP.
2. Complete the Concealed Handgun Permit Application - The form must be completed, signed, and notarized.
3. Present the application and all required documentation in person at the nearest Nebraska State Patrol Headquarters.
4. Fingerprints and photographs are taken at the time of application submission.

Required Documentation

The following documents are required when applying:

• Completed, signed, and notarized application form - Available for download from the Nebraska State Patrol website
• Proof of training - Original or certified copy of Certificate of Completion of a Handgun Training and Safety Course approved by the Nebraska State Patrol
• Proof of identification - Current Nebraska driver's license, Nebraska state-issued ID card, or current military identification card (per §69-2430)
• Vision statement - Required only if presenting a state-issued ID card or military ID (not needed with a Nebraska driver's license). The NSP vision statement form is preferred. Eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions are not accepted.
• Proof of citizenship or lawful status in the United States - Acceptable documents include:
  • Certified state-issued birth certificate
  • Naturalization papers
  • Certificate of citizenship from immigration authorities
  • Current or expired United States passport
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Visa
  • I-94 admission number
• Proof of address - The address on the application must match the documentation provided. Acceptable documents include: current NE driver's license or state-issued ID, active military duty station orders, utility bill, bank statement, valid Nebraska vehicle registration, Nebraska voter registration card, pay stub or earnings statement, mortgage or lease agreement, or tax documents issued at least 180 days prior to application date
• Applicable fee - $100.00 for initial applications, payable by cash or check. Credit/debit card or e-check payment available online for an additional $4.50 processing fee.

Note: If the name on the application does not match the name on the proof of citizenship, legal documentation showing the name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) may be required.

Military Applicants

Military members should bring the following:

• Completed and notarized application form
• Training certificate
• Signed passport or original state-certified birth certificate
• Driver's license from state of residence
• Military ID
• Vision statement (if not a Nebraska resident)
• Proof of address
• Copy of military orders

Application Locations

All locations require an appointment. Schedule online through the Nebraska State Patrol appointment calendar.

Do not bring your handgun when applying. All weapons are prohibited at Nebraska State Patrol Troop Area sites.

Residency Requirement

The Nebraska concealed handgun permit is available only to residents of Nebraska. Non-residents cannot apply for a Nebraska CHP.

Background Check

All applicants undergo a comprehensive background check. Federal, state, and local records are checked for all applicants. Per Neb. Rev. Stat. §69-2431, this includes a criminal history record information check through NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System).

Nebraska is a partial point-of-contact (POC) state for NICS purposes.

Fees

Processing Time

Per Neb. Rev. Stat. §69-2430(3), the permit shall be issued by the Nebraska State Patrol within 45 days after the date the application is made, provided the applicant has complied with all requirements of §69-2433.

Renewal Process

Renewals can be completed in person or online.

Online renewal services are available at the Nebraska.gov CHP portal. The renewal fee is $50.00 plus a $4.50 online processing charge.

Renewal applicants must retake an NSP-approved training course and provide all necessary documentation along with the $100 initial permit fee if their permit has lapsed (treated as a new application).

Name and Address Changes

Permit holders can update their name or address at no charge through the online CHP portal or in person.

Common Reasons for Denial

Per Neb. Rev. Stat. §69-2433, applicants must meet all statutory requirements. Common reasons for denial include (not exhaustive):

• Controlled substance conviction within 10 years of the application date (includes possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, one ounce or less)
• Firearms or weapons violation within 10 years of the application date (includes carrying concealed weapons per §28-1202, having a shotgun on a highway, having a loaded shotgun in a vehicle, and shooting at wildlife from a highway)
• Felony conviction - regardless of how old the conviction is
• Domestic violence conviction - regardless of how old the conviction is
• Crime of violence conviction within 10 years of the application date (includes all levels of assault, including sexual assault)

False Information Penalty

Per Neb. Rev. Stat. §69-2430(2), providing false information or offering false evidence of identity on the application is a Class IV felony.

Appeal Process

Per Neb. Rev. Stat. §69-2430(4), an applicant who is denied a permit may appeal to the district court of the judicial district of the county in which he or she resides or the county in which the application was made, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.

Key Statutes

• §69-2430 - Application form, contents, permit issuance, denial, and appeal
• §69-2431 - Criminal history record information check requirements
• §69-2433 - Eligibility requirements and disqualifying criteria
• §28-1202 - Carrying concealed weapon offenses
• Title 272, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21 - CHP Rules and Regulations

Additional Resources

• Online CHP Services (renewal, name/address changes, lost/stolen): Nebraska.gov CHP portal
• CHP Rules and Regulations: Title 272, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21
• Application Form: Available for download from the Nebraska State Patrol CHP Forms/Documents page
• Appointment Scheduling: Available through the Nebraska State Patrol online appointment calendar