Nfa Items | Rhode Island Concealed Carry

NFA Items in Rhode Island

Overview

Rhode Island maintains some of the more restrictive laws in the nation regarding items regulated under Title II of the National Firearms Act (NFA). Several categories of NFA-regulated items are either heavily restricted or prohibited for civilian possession under state law, regardless of federal registration status.

Suppressors (Silencers)

Current Law: Prohibited for civilians.

Under Rhode Island law, only law enforcement personnel may legally possess firearm suppressors (silencers). Civilian possession, sale, and use of suppressors is prohibited, even if the individual holds a valid federal tax stamp and ATF registration under the NFA.

This makes Rhode Island one of a small number of states that do not allow civilian suppressor ownership.

Pending Legislation (2025 Session)

Multiple bills have been introduced in the 2025 legislative session seeking to legalize suppressor possession:

• S 0137 - Introduced January 31, 2025, by Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, E. Morgan, and Raptakis. Would legalize the use of firearm suppressors for hunting, in addition to establishing concealed carry reciprocity agreements.
• S 0144 - Introduced January 31, 2025, by the same sponsors. Would allow suppressors on firearms longer than seventeen inches and permit their use by hunters with a valid hunting license. Would also prevent state and local agencies from enacting additional restrictions on suppressor use.
• S 0150 - Introduced January 31, 2025, by Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, and Raptakis. Would legalize possession and sale of suppressors for all Rhode Island residents who comply with federal NFA regulations.

Status: As of early 2025, these bills have been introduced but none have been enacted into law. Suppressors remain illegal for civilian possession in Rhode Island.

Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) and Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)

Rhode Island law restricts possession of short-barreled rifles and shotguns. These items are regulated under Title II of the NFA at the federal level and require ATF registration, a $200 federal tax stamp, and compliance with all applicable federal transfer procedures.

Machine Guns (Automatic Weapons)

Rhode Island restricts civilian possession of machine guns and fully automatic firearms. Federal law under the NFA and the Hughes Amendment (1986) further limits transferable machine guns to those manufactured and registered before May 19, 1986.

Destructive Devices

Destructive devices as defined under the NFA are subject to both federal and Rhode Island state restrictions.

NFA Item Transfers and Estate Planning

Transfers of NFA-regulated items in Rhode Island are subject to strict requirements at both the federal and state level:

• Under Title II of the National Firearms Act, the transfer of short-barreled shotguns and rifles, silencers, automatic weapons, and certain other "destructive devices" require the approval of your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) and a federal tax stamp
• All transfers must comply with both the NFA and Rhode Island state law where the transferor and beneficiaries reside
• Gun trusts are a common estate planning tool used to facilitate the legal transfer of NFA items, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and avoiding potential felony violations during inheritance

Key Takeaways for Permit Holders

Important: Possession of a valid federal NFA tax stamp alone does not authorize possession of NFA items that are prohibited under Rhode Island state law. Concealed carry permit holders should verify that any NFA item they possess is lawful under both federal and state law.

Note: Multiple bills in the 2025 Rhode Island legislative session propose changes to suppressor laws. Permit holders should monitor legislative developments for potential changes.