Storage | Nebraska Concealed Carry

Storage Requirements

No Mandatory Storage Law

Nebraska does not have a state law that mandates specific firearm storage requirements for private gun owners. There is no statutory obligation requiring firearms to be stored in a locked container, safe, or with a locking device in a private residence.

Concealed Handgun Permit Training Requirements

While Nebraska does not impose storage mandates on individual gun owners, the state does require that firearm storage practices be covered as part of the Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) instructor curriculum.

Per Title 272, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21, Section 024.03D, CHP training courses must include:

• Knowledge of proper storage practices for handguns and ammunition, including storage practices that would reduce the possibility of accidental injury to a child
• Use of safes
• Types of handgun locking devices
• Separate storage of handguns and ammunition
• Cleaning and maintenance of handguns

Source: Nebraska State Patrol, CHP Instructor Curriculum Minimum Requirements

Recommended Best Practices

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office recommends the following storage practices for firearm owners:

• Firearms should be stored in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault, or storage case
• Firearms should be stored unloaded
• Ammunition should be locked in a separate location away from the firearm

Source: Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Gun Permits page

Voluntary Temporary Storage Program

The Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA), in partnership with DHHS and SAMHSA, maintains a Nebraska Firearm Storage Map identifying locations that offer temporary, voluntary firearm storage. This program is part of the Governor's Challenge to increase lethal means safety and suicide prevention.

Key details of the voluntary storage program:

• Participating locations include gun shops, law enforcement agencies, and organizations offering free gun locks
• Storage is voluntary - the firearm owner chooses to temporarily store firearms away from home
• This is distinct from court-ordered removal under Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)
• Before using a storage location, owners should ask about:
  • The process for storing
  • Any costs involved
  • Whether a background check will be conducted
  • Any limits on how long firearms can be stored
• Do not open carry firearms into a police station - always call in advance and lock firearms in a case or leave them locked in a vehicle while making arrangements

Contact for the storage program: Leah Hosseinabad, Behavioral Health Program Manager Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs 402-471-2458 | leah.hosseinabad@nebraska.gov

Source: Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs, Lethal Means Safety page (veterans.nebraska.gov)

Federal Requirements for Licensed Dealers

Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) operating in Nebraska must comply with federal secure storage requirements:

• Under 18 U.S.C. § 923(d) and 27 CFR §§ 478.73, 478.104, licensed dealers, manufacturers, and importers must certify that secure gun storage or safety devices will be available at any place where firearms are sold to non-licensed individuals
• Storage/safety devices must be compatible with the firearms offered for sale
• Failure to have secure gun storage or safety devices available may result in license revocation

Source: ATF Federal Firearms Licensee Quick Reference and Best Practices Guide

Child Access Prevention

Nebraska does not have a Child Access Prevention (CAP) law that imposes criminal liability on adults who allow children unsupervised access to firearms. However, the CHP curriculum requirement to cover storage practices that "reduce the possibility of accidental injury to a child" reflects the state's emphasis on responsible storage as a safety measure.

Key Statutes