Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit: Basics

This guide covers the fundamentals of obtaining and maintaining a Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). Nebraska's CHP is issued by the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) under the Concealed Handgun Permit Act.

Governing Law

• Concealed Handgun Permit Act - governs concealed carry permits; administered by NSP
• Handgun Purchase Certificate - Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 69-2401 through 69-2409
• Administrative rules - Title 272, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21 (instructor standards and curriculum)
• Issuing authority - Nebraska State Patrol (NSP)

Who May Apply

To qualify for a Nebraska CHP, an applicant must:

1. Be a Nebraska resident - permit holders who move out of state must surrender the permit by mailing it to NSP at 4600 Innovation Dr., Lincoln, NE 68521 with a note explaining the move.
2. Meet vision requirements equivalent to those for a Class "O" Nebraska operator's license. Proof may be shown via:
   • A current Nebraska motor vehicle operator's license
   • A current driver's license from any other U.S. state
   • A vision statement from a Nebraska-licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist (the NSP vision statement form is preferred; eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions are not accepted).

Additional eligibility requirements (age, prohibited-person status, and training) apply under the Concealed Handgun Permit Act. Applicants should review the current statute and NSP application materials for the full list of qualifications.

Handgun Purchase Certificate vs. CHP

These are two separate credentials often confused:

A CHP, a current Handgun Purchase Certificate, or a current Federal Firearms License each satisfy the firearms-eligibility requirement for would-be CHP instructors.

Law Enforcement Exception

Sworn law enforcement officers do not need a CHP to carry concealed off duty. They are covered by existing state law and by the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (18 U.S.C. § 926B / § 926C, commonly known as "HR 218"), which authorizes qualified current and retired officers to carry concealed firearms nationwide, subject to firearms qualification standards and documentation requirements. LEOSA does not override:

• Private property owners' rights to restrict concealed firearms, or
• State or local prohibitions on firearms at government property, installations, buildings, bases, or parks.

Becoming a CHP Instructor

Instructors must meet many of the same requirements as permit holders. In addition, they must:

• Submit a completed, notarized instructor application.
• Hold a current certification to teach handgun courses from a recognized agency (e.g., NRA or USCCA).
• Present one of: a current Handgun Purchase Certificate (§§ 69-2401 to 69-2409), a current CHP, or a current Federal Firearms License from BATFE.
• Prepare a proposed course curriculum meeting the objectives and rules in Title 272 NAC Ch. 21. A pre-approved universal curriculum is available as a reference; any instructor-authored curriculum must include all of its content to be approved.

Residency and Permit Maintenance

Ongoing residency is a condition of the permit. If a holder moves out of Nebraska, the permit must be surrendered to NSP by mailing it to 4600 Innovation Dr., Lincoln, NE 68521 with a note explaining why it is being returned. Permit holders should keep their address, vision proof, and other qualifying information current with NSP.

Where to Get Forms and More Information

• Nebraska State Patrol - Concealed Handgun Permits: https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/services/concealed-handgun-permits
• CHP FAQ: https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/services/concealed-handgun-permits/chp-frequently-asked-questions
• Vision Statement form (PDF): https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/1715_chp_vision_statement.pdf
• Title 272 NAC Chapter 21 (instructor rules): https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/272_nac_21_07-19-2022.pdf
• Handgun Purchase Certificate (Douglas County example): https://sheriff.douglascounty-ne.gov/gun-permits - contact your local chief of police or county sheriff for the certificate in your jurisdiction.

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This guide is a general legal reference and not legal advice. Verify current requirements directly with the Nebraska State Patrol or a licensed Nebraska attorney before relying on any information herein.