Rhode Island operates a dual concealed carry permitting system. Applicants may obtain a permit through two separate statutory paths:
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Rhode Island operates a dual concealed carry permitting system. Applicants may obtain a permit through two separate statutory paths:
Attorney General Permit - Under R.I.G.L. § 11-47-18(a), the Attorney General "may issue" a concealed or open carry permit to a qualified applicant who is at least 21 years old "upon a proper showing of need." This is a discretionary (may-issue) permit.
Local Authority Permit - Under R.I.G.L. § 11-47-11, individuals may apply to their local police department or town/city licensing authority for a license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver.
For questions or status inquiries on AG permits: CCWpermits@riag.ri.gov
R.I.G.L. § 11-47-18(b) provides a separate, expedited permitting process for retired law enforcement officers through the Attorney General. A showing of need is not required for retired LEOs.
On July 19, 2022, the Rhode Island Attorney General issued formal guidance advising that the state's dual concealed carry permitting scheme is constitutional and unimpacted by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. Rhode Island continues to operate under its existing permitting framework.
Rhode Island does not currently have concealed carry reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state concealed carry permits are generally not recognized in Rhode Island.
Per legislation signed by Governor Daniel J. McKee (House Bill 7457aa / Senate Bill 2637A):
To purchase ammunition, a person must:
Exemptions from ammunition purchase requirements:
Note: Retired law enforcement officers are not exempt from ammunition purchase requirements unless they hold an AG-issued carry permit.
Violation penalty: Felony - up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine.
Effective December 18, 2022, Rhode Island prohibits large capacity magazines exceeding 10 rounds. Rhode Islanders who were already in possession of large capacity magazines were required to come into compliance by that date. A U.S. District Court declined to enjoin this ban on December 14, 2022.
The 2022 legislation does not prohibit individuals aged 18 to 20 from:
The law does not apply to BB guns, air rifles, air pistols, or their respective ammunition.
| Statute | Subject |
|---|---|
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-11 | Local authority concealed carry permits |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-18 | Attorney General concealed carry permits |
| R.I.G.L. § 11-47-26 | Penalties for unlawful firearms/ammunition sales |
Several bills have been introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that could affect concealed carry laws if enacted:
| Bill | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| S 0065 | Concealed Carry Permit Appeals Process | Establishes formal review and appeal process for permit denials, including reconsideration meetings and de novo trial in Superior Court. All proceedings remain confidential unless the applicant requests a public hearing. |
| S 0131 | Defining "Suitable Person" | Defines "suitable person" for permits, specifies valid reasons for applying, required application information, and formalizes an appeal process for denials. |
| S 0137 | Reciprocity & Suppressor Use | Incorporates concealed carry reciprocity agreements with other states and legalizes suppressor use for hunting. |
| S 0142 | Permitless Concealed Carry ("Constitutional Carry") | Would allow RI residents over 21 to carry concealed without a permit if they: (1) are not prohibited from possessing firearms, (2) possess a shooting proficiency certificate, (3) have a DEM safety certificate, and (4) carry government-issued photo ID. |
| S 0146 | Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreements | Authorizes RI to recognize out-of-state permits for holders who are 21+, whose state provides instant verification, and who carry valid permit and photo ID. |
Note: These bills were introduced in January 2025. Their current status should be verified through the Rhode Island General Assembly for the latest committee actions and votes.
Last updated: April 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws are subject to change - always verify current statutes through official Rhode Island government sources.
This page covers one part of our Rhode Island concealed carry guide.
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