Rhode Island maintains a unique dual-track concealed carry permitting system. Applicants may apply through either of two avenues:
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Rhode Island maintains a unique dual-track concealed carry permitting system. Applicants may apply through either of two avenues:
Both pathways require payment of a fee and demonstration of firearms proficiency. The permitting scheme was confirmed as constitutional and unaffected by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022).
Note: A permit is still required to carry a handgun outside one's home or business in Rhode Island, whether visible or concealed. R.I.G.L. § 11-47-8.
Type: "Shall issue" - the local authority shall issue a permit to qualified, suitable applicants. No showing of need is required. See Gadomski v. Tavares, 113 A.3d 387, 392 (R.I. 2015).
Permit Type: Concealed carry only.
The applicant must be deemed "suitable," meaning they are not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law and there are no other specific reasons to deny the permit for public safety reasons. Licensing authorities are permitted to:
See Gadomski v. Tavares, 113 A.3d 387, 390 (R.I. 2015); Mosby v. Devine, 851 A.2d 1031, 1047-48 (R.I. 2004).
Contact your local police department directly. Each municipality handles its own application process.
Type: "May issue" - the Attorney General may issue a permit at their discretion.
Permit Type: Concealed or open carry.
The legislature has specified that the Attorney General may issue pistol permits within the sound exercise of the Attorney General's discretion and upon a proper showing of need. Detailed information on what constitutes a proper showing of need is available in the Attorney General's application materials.
R.I.G.L. § 11-47-18(b) provides a separate avenue for discretionary issuance of permits to retired law enforcement officers through the Attorney General. Expedited permit applications are available for retired law enforcement, and a showing of need is not required.
Download the appropriate application from the Attorney General's website:
Contact for questions or status inquiries: CCWpermits@riag.ri.gov
$40.00 per license or permit to carry, regardless of whether the application is submitted to a municipal licensing authority or the Attorney General. R.I.G.L. § 11-47-12.
All applicants must present the licensing authority with a certification form demonstrating that they qualified with a pistol or revolver of a caliber equal to or larger than the one they intend to carry. Certification and qualification requirements are set forth in R.I.G.L. §§ 11-47-15 and 11-47-16.
Law enforcement officers have separate qualification requirements.
21 years of age for both tracks.
As of January 1, 2023, to purchase ammunition in Rhode Island, a person must:
Exemptions from ammunition purchase requirements:
Note: The pistol/revolver safety certificate ("blue card") is not the same as a concealed carry permit. However, concealed carry permit holders do not need a blue card or hunter education card to purchase ammunition.
Blue cards are issued by the RI Department of Environmental Management to lawful residents of Rhode Island who are at least 21 years old. Applicants must pass the state's requisite handgun safety exam with a score of 80 points or higher.
A permit is not required for:
Can I hold both a municipal permit and an AG permit? A Rhode Islander who already has a municipal concealed carry permit does not need additional authorization from the Attorney General for concealed carry. However, applicants for an AG permit (which may also permit open carry) must still demonstrate a proper showing of need.
I am a retired law enforcement officer. Where should I apply? You have two options: the Attorney General's expedited process for retired law enforcement (no showing of need required), or your local authority.
| Statute | Subject |
|---|---|
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-8 | Exceptions for out-of-state permit holders traveling through RI |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-10 | Exception for travel to/from ranges (unloaded, cased) |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-11 | Local licensing authority - "shall issue" concealed carry |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-12 | Permit fee ($40) and permit duration (4 years) |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-13 | Permit validity and revocation |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-15 | Firearms qualification certification requirements |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-16 | Firearms qualification standards |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-18 | Attorney General - "may issue" concealed/open carry |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-26 | Penalties for violations of sales/ammunition regulations |
This page covers one part of our Rhode Island concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Rhode Island guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.