Rhode Island Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Current Status

Rhode Island does not currently recognize concealed carry permits from any other state. There are no active reciprocity agreements in place. Out-of-state permit holders cannot legally carry concealed firearms in Rhode Island based solely on their home-state permit.

Rhode Island issues concealed carry permits through two authorities:

• The Attorney General - under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-11
• Local municipal licensing authorities (city/town councils or chiefs of police) - under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-18

Non-residents may apply for a permit through the Rhode Island Attorney General's office, but must meet the same eligibility requirements as residents.

Pending Reciprocity Legislation (2025 Session)

Several bills introduced in the 2025 Rhode Island legislative session seek to change the state's reciprocity posture:

S 0146 - Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreements

• Introduced: January 31, 2025
• Sponsors: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, E. Morgan, and Raptakis
• Summary: Authorizes Rhode Island to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states to recognize out-of-state concealed handgun permits
• Key Requirements for Out-of-State Permit Holders:
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Issuing state must provide instant permit verification
  • Must carry both a valid permit and government-issued photo ID
• Active-duty law enforcement officers with government-issued identification would also be granted the right to carry concealed in Rhode Island

S 0137 - Reciprocity & Suppressor Use for Hunting

• Introduced: January 31, 2025
• Sponsors: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, E. Morgan, and Raptakis
• Summary: Incorporates concealed carry permit reciprocity agreements with other states, clarifies the permit appeal process, ensures confidentiality of permit records, and legalizes firearm suppressors for hunting

S 0142 - Permitless Concealed Carry ("Constitutional Carry")

• Introduced: January 31, 2025
• Sponsors: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, E. Morgan, and Raptakis
• Summary: Would allow Rhode Island residents over 21 to carry concealed without a permit, subject to four conditions:
  1. Not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm
  2. Possession of a certificate of shooting proficiency
  3. Possession of a safety certificate recognized by the RI Department of Environmental Management
  4. Carrying a government-issued photo ID at all times while armed

Related Bills

• S 0065 - Establishes a formal appeals process for concealed carry permit denials, including de novo trial in Superior Court
• S 0131 - Defines "suitable person" for concealed carry permits, specifies valid reasons for applying, and formalizes the denial appeals process

Practical Guidance for Out-of-State Permit Holders

• Do not carry concealed in Rhode Island based on an out-of-state permit; Rhode Island does not honor any other state's permits
• Non-residents wishing to carry in Rhode Island must apply directly to the Rhode Island Attorney General for a Rhode Island concealed carry permit
• Rhode Island permits are may-issue, meaning the issuing authority has discretion to deny applications even if all statutory requirements are met
• Applicants must demonstrate a showing of "good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property" or have "any other proper reason" for carrying

Important Notes

• The 2025 reciprocity bills (S 0137, S 0146) and constitutional carry bill (S 0142) are pending legislation and have not been enacted as of the date of this reference
• Rhode Island has historically maintained restrictive concealed carry policies, and previous reciprocity proposals have not advanced
• Travelers passing through Rhode Island may have limited protections under the federal Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA), 18 U.S.C. § 926A, which provides safe passage for lawful transport of firearms through states where possession would otherwise be unlawful, provided firearms are unloaded and not readily accessible

This information is current as of April 2026. Concealed carry laws change frequently; verify current law before traveling with firearms.