Rhode Island Concealed Carry: Fees & Costs

Permit Application Fees

Rhode Island has a dual-issuing authority system for concealed carry permits. Fees apply at both the local and state level.

Local Permits (City/Town Police)

• Application fee: $40.00
• Statutory authority: R.I.G.L. § 11-47-11
• Issued by the licensing authority of the city or town where the applicant resides or has a place of business

State Permits (Attorney General)

• Application fee: $40.00
• Statutory authority: R.I.G.L. § 11-47-18
• The Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) processes state-level pistol permits
• Expedited applications are available for retired law enforcement officers; a showing of need is not required (per AG Guidance 2022-02)

Prerequisite Costs

Pistol/Revolver Safety Certificate ("Blue Card")

• Required for: All permit applicants and, as of January 1, 2023, for purchasing any ammunition
• Issuing agency: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
• Eligibility: Lawful residents of Rhode Island, age 21 or older
• Requirement: Must pass the state handgun safety exam with a score of 80 points or higher
• Note: The blue card is not the same as a concealed carry permit, but concealed carry permit holders are exempt from the blue card requirement for ammunition purchases
• More info: dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/handgun-safety-certification-blue-card

Fingerprinting

• Fingerprinting is required as part of the application process
• Fees vary by provider; applicants should confirm current costs with their local police department or the AG's BCI office

Renewal Fees

• Rhode Island concealed carry permits are valid for four years
• Renewal fees are comparable to initial application fees
• Statutory authority: R.I.G.L. § 11-47-11 (local), § 11-47-18 (state)

Penalty-Related Costs

Violations of Rhode Island firearms laws carry significant financial penalties:

Age Requirements Affecting Costs

As of June 21, 2022 (AG Guidance 2022-02):

• Minimum age to purchase any firearm: 21 years old
• Minimum age to purchase ammunition (effective January 1, 2023): 21 years old, and must possess either a valid blue card or hunter education certificate
• Exemptions from age and ammunition purchase requirements: active law enforcement, state marshals, correctional officers, and active-duty military
• Retired law enforcement officers are not exempt from age requirements but may obtain an expedited AG permit, which then exempts them from blue card/hunter education requirements for ammunition purchases

Important Notes

• Rhode Island does not honor concealed carry permits from other states (no reciprocity agreements for incoming permits)
• Applicants should budget for training course costs (if required by the issuing authority), passport-style photographs, and any additional documentation fees
• Fee amounts are set by statute and subject to legislative change; verify current amounts with the issuing authority before applying
• The AG's pistol permit information is available at: riag.ri.gov/about-our-office/divisions-and-units/bureau-criminal-identification-bci/pistol-permits

Pending Litigation

As of 2026, one pending Rhode Island Supreme Court case has potential implications for concealed carry costs and access:

• State v. Isaiah Ortiz (SU-2024-0146-C.A.): The defendant challenges Rhode Island's prohibition on 18 to 20-year-old adults carrying concealed firearms on Second Amendment grounds. A ruling in the defendant's favor could affect the age-based fee and licensing structure.

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Sources: Rhode Island Attorney General Firearms Safety Guidance (AG 2022-02); R.I.G.L. Title 11, Chapter 47; Rhode Island Supreme Court Summary of Pending Cases. Fee amounts should be verified with the issuing authority for the most current figures.