Rhode Island Concealed Carry Permit Basics

Permit Basics

Dual Permitting System

Rhode Island operates a dual concealed carry permitting system with two independent paths to obtain a permit:

1. Local (Municipal) Licensing - R.I.G.L. § 11-47-11

• Issued by local police departments (city or town licensing authorities)
• "Shall issue" - the licensing authority is required to issue a permit to qualified, suitable applicants who meet all legal requirements
• No showing of need required
• Applicant must be at least 21 years old
• Must pass a background check and meet other statutory requirements

2. Attorney General Permit - R.I.G.L. § 11-47-18(a)

• Issued by the Rhode Island Attorney General
• "May issue" - discretionary; the AG may issue a permit to a qualified applicant
• Requires a "proper showing of need"
• Applicant must be at least 21 years old
• As of July 18, 2022, there were 1,627 active AG-issued permits
• Since January 1, 2019, the AG's office processed over 1,700 applications: approximately 1,390 approved, 133 withdrawn or pending, and 186 denied (11% denial rate). Approximately 2% of all applications were denied solely for failure to show need.
• Contact for questions or status inquiries: CCWpermits@riag.ri.gov

Retired Law Enforcement Officers - R.I.G.L. § 11-47-18(b)

• The Attorney General may issue permits to retired law enforcement officers through an expedited application process
• No showing of need is required for retired LEOs
• Retired LEOs with an AG-issued permit are exempt from blue card/hunter education card requirements for ammunition purchases

Permit Type

• Permits may authorize concealed or open carry (AG permits under § 11-47-18)
• Local permits under § 11-47-11 authorize carrying a concealed pistol or revolver

Age Requirement

• Minimum age: 21 years old for all concealed carry permits
• As of June 21, 2022, the minimum age to purchase any firearm was raised to 21 (R.I.G.L. § 11-47-26)
• Exemptions from age restrictions: full-time state/municipal police, state marshals, correctional officers, and active-duty military

Safety Certificate ("Blue Card")

• A pistol/revolver safety certificate ("blue card") is issued by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
• Obtained by passing the state's handgun safety exam with a score of 80 or higher
• Available to lawful residents who are at least 21 years old
• The blue card is NOT the same as a concealed carry permit
• A blue card or hunter education card is required to purchase a handgun and (as of January 1, 2023) any ammunition
• Concealed carry permit holders are exempt from the blue card/hunter education requirement for ammunition purchases

Ammunition Purchase Requirements (Effective January 1, 2023)

• Must be 21 years or older
• Must possess a valid blue card or hunter education card issued by DEM
• Exempt: full-time state/municipal police, state marshals, correctional officers, active-duty military, and persons licensed to carry by local PD or the AG
• Does not apply to BB guns, air rifles, air pistols, or their ammunition

Constitutional Status Post-Bruen

On July 19, 2022, Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued formal guidance confirming that Rhode Island's dual permitting framework is constitutional and unimpacted by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen (2022).

• The Supreme Court in Bruen specifically noted that Rhode Island provides access to a licensing process through municipal authorities that does not require a showing of need, distinguishing it from New York's unconstitutional scheme
• The RI Supreme Court previously held in Mosby v. Devine, 851 A.2d 1031, 1047 (R.I. 2004) that because Rhode Island law "provides for both discretionary and mandatory licensing" procedures, the constitutional right to keep and bear arms is "fulfilled"
• The municipal "shall issue" pathway satisfies Bruen's requirements

Firearms Restrictions

• Large capacity magazine ban: Maximum 10-round magazine capacity (compliance required by December 18, 2022). Upheld by U.S. District Court in December 2022.
• Domestic violence prohibition (R.I.G.L. § 11-47-5.4): A plea of nolo contendere or conviction for a domestic violence offense prohibits the defendant from purchasing, carrying, transporting, or possessing any firearm. Firearms must be surrendered within 24 hours to state police, local law enforcement, or a licensed gun dealer.

Pending Legislation (2025 Session)

Several bills were introduced in the 2025 legislative session that could affect concealed carry permits:

Note: Rhode Island currently has no reciprocity agreements with other states and does not honor out-of-state concealed carry permits.

Key Statutes