New Hampshire issues the pistol/revolver license to carry for a fixed period set by RSA 159:6, I(a). The statute states the license authorizes the holder to...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
New Hampshire issues the pistol/revolver license to carry for a fixed period set by RSA 159:6, I(a). The statute states the license authorizes the holder to carry a loaded pistol or revolver in the state "for not less than 5 years from the date of issue." In practice the state issues 5-year licenses, but the statutory floor is a minimum of 5 years, not a fixed cap, so a license could carry a longer term if the issuing authority set one.
Per RSA 159:6, I(b): "When required, license renewal shall take place within the month of the fifth anniversary of the license holder's date of birth following the date of issuance."
The renewal window is the calendar month of the licensee's date of birth at the 5-year mark, not the anniversary of the issue date. For example, a license issued June 15, 2024 to someone born September 3 comes due for renewal in September 2029 (the September that is the fifth anniversary of the birthday following the issue date).
Renewal is processed by the issuing authority. That is the same town selectmen, city mayor or chief of police, county sheriff (for a resident of an unincorporated place), or Director of State Police (for a nonresident) that issues the original license under RSA 159:6, I(a).
Required to renew:
No photograph or fingerprint may be required to renew. RSA 159:6, II states: "No photograph or fingerprint shall be required or used as a basis to grant, deny, or renew a license to carry for a resident or nonresident, unless requested by the applicant."
The renewal fee is the same as the initial license fee set by RSA 159:6, I(b):
A renewal applicant must still not be prohibited from possessing a firearm. RSA 159:6, I(a) conditions issuance on the applicant not being "prohibited by New Hampshire or federal statute from possessing a firearm," and this applies to renewals as well as first-time applications.
A licensee who, since the original issue, has become a prohibited person under state or federal law may be denied renewal. Common federal disqualifiers under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) include a felony conviction, a qualifying domestic-violence misdemeanor conviction, and being subject to certain domestic-violence protective orders. The prior license does not insulate the holder against a new disqualifier. If the issuing authority denies renewal, RSA 159:6, I(b) requires that "the reason for such denial shall be stated in writing," with the original delivered to the applicant and a copy kept on file.
The 14-day statutory issuance window of RSA 159:6, I(b) applies to renewal as well as to a first application. The statute provides that "the license shall be issued within 14 days after application." A complete renewal application starts that 14-day clock.
A license that expires without timely renewal does not automatically continue. The holder must submit an application, processed under the same RSA 159:6 procedure as any other application.
Because New Hampshire is a constitutional-carry state under RSA 159:6, III, a lapse does not affect the holder's right to carry inside New Hampshire. RSA 159:6, III provides that the availability of a license "shall not be construed to impose a prohibition on the unlicensed transport or carry of a firearm in a vehicle, or on or about one's person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded," by any person not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm in the state. A lapse affects only the benefits that depend on holding a current license:
A holder with a lapsed license is still a constitutional carrier inside New Hampshire. The holder loses only the out-of-state recognition and the federal benefits above until the license is renewed or reissued.
A move within New Hampshire does not invalidate the license. RSA 159:6-b, II provides that when the licensee "ceases to be a resident of the community in which the license was issued he shall notify in writing the issuing authority at his new place of residence that he has a current license," and that "such license shall remain in effect until it expires pursuant to RSA 159:6." The license stays valid for its full term, and the new locality's issuing authority handles the next renewal.
A move out of New Hampshire likewise does not invalidate the license during its term. On renewal, the former resident applies as a nonresident, paying the $100 nonresident fee under RSA 159:6, I(b) and applying to the Director of State Police under RSA 159:6, I(a).
Notify the issuing authority of any legal name change so the records match. RSA 159:6 sets the 5-year minimum term running from the date of issue, and updating the name on a current license does not reset that term.
Notify the issuing authority promptly if the license is lost or stolen. Practices for issuing a replacement vary by jurisdiction. The 5-year minimum term continues to run from the original date of issue and is not reset by a replacement.
Separate from renewal, a current license can be suspended or revoked. RSA 159:6-b, I allows the issuing authority to suspend or revoke a license "for just cause," provided written notice of the action and the reason is given to the licensee. The licensee is entitled to a hearing on the suspension or revocation if a hearing is requested to the issuing authority within 7 days of the action.
If renewal is denied, RSA 159:6, I(b) requires the issuing authority to state the reason in writing. The applicant may appeal under RSA 159:6-c. That statute allows a person whose license application was denied under RSA 159:6, or whose license was suspended or revoked under RSA 159:6-b, to petition the district or municipal court where the person resides within 30 days. The court must hold a hearing within 14 days of receiving the petition. At the hearing, the burden is on the issuing authority "to demonstrate by clear and convincing proof why any denial, suspension, or revocation was justified," failing which the court orders the license granted or reinstated. The court must issue its decision no later than 14 days after the hearing.
Even if the license lapses, New Hampshire constitutional carry continues for any non-prohibited person under RSA 159:6, III. The license is for benefits outside New Hampshire and at the federal firearms dealer counter. It is not required for carry inside New Hampshire.
This page covers one part of our New Hampshire concealed carry guide.
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