What is the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Rhode Island?
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
What is the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Rhode Island?
As of June 21, 2022, no person shall transfer, sell, or deliver any firearm to a purchaser who is under the age of 21. This applies to all firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-26; House Bill 7457aa / Senate Bill 2637A, signed June 21, 2022)
Who is exempt from the age-21 purchase requirement?
The following individuals may purchase or receive a firearm if under 21:
If I am 18 to 20 and already own a rifle and ammunition, do I have to surrender them?
No. The law does not prohibit possession of rifles, long guns, or ammunition for individuals aged 18 to 20. It only prohibits the sale or delivery of firearms and ammunition to individuals in that age group.
Who may purchase ammunition in Rhode Island?
As of January 1, 2023, to purchase ammunition you must:
Concealed carry permit holders are exempt from the blue card / hunter education card requirement for ammunition purchases.
What are the penalties for unlawful ammunition sales?
Violating the ammunition sale provisions is a felony punishable by up to five (5) years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine.
What is a "blue card"?
A "blue card" is the colloquial term for the pistol/revolver safety certificate issued by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). To obtain one, you must:
More information: RI DEM Handgun Safety Certification
Is the blue card the same as a concealed carry permit?
No. The pistol/revolver safety certificate (blue card) is not the equivalent of a concealed carry permit. However, concealed carry permit holders do not need a blue card or hunter education card to purchase ammunition.
Are active-duty military members exempt?
Yes. Active-duty members of any branch of the United States armed forces, organized reserves, or National Guard are exempt from both the age restrictions and ammunition purchase requirements.
Are retired law enforcement officers exempt?
No. The law does not provide a blanket exemption for retired law enforcement officers. However, retired officers who obtain a concealed carry permit from the Attorney General do not need a blue card or hunter education card to purchase ammunition.
Expedited concealed carry permit applications are available for retired law enforcement, and a showing of need is not required. Applications can be found at the RI Attorney General BCI Pistol Permits page.
Does this law apply to BB guns or air rifles?
No. Rhode Island firearms purchase laws do not apply to BB guns, air rifles, air pistols, or their respective ammunition.
What are the penalties for unlawful firearm sales?
Any individual who violates the sections regulating sales of firearms and ammunition may be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, or both. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-26)
Primary Source: 2022 Firearms Legislation Guidance (AG 2022-02), Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General.
Note: This FAQ primarily addresses the 2022 legislative changes raising the purchase age and ammunition requirements. For questions about concealed carry permit applications, renewal procedures, reciprocity with other states, prohibited locations, or other general concealed carry topics, consult the Rhode Island Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) or refer to R.I. Gen. Laws Title 11, Chapter 47.
This page covers one part of our Rhode Island concealed carry guide.
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