Gun Laws/New Hampshire/Reviewed September 16, 2026

Can you conceal carry in New Hampshire?

Quick answer

Yes, no permit needed

New Hampshire: Permitless (18+).

2 of New Hampshire's 3 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with concealed carry.

Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026

Concealed carry laws by state

Alabama: PermitlessAlaska: PermitlessArizona: PermitlessColorado: Shall issueFlorida: PermitlessGeorgia: PermitlessIndiana: PermitlessKansas: PermitlessMaine: PermitlessMassachusetts: Shall issueMinnesota: Shall issueNew Jersey: Shall issueNorth Carolina: Shall issueNorth Dakota: PermitlessOklahoma: PermitlessPennsylvania: Shall issueSouth Dakota: PermitlessTexas: PermitlessWyoming: PermitlessConnecticut: Shall issueMissouri: PermitlessWest Virginia: PermitlessIllinois: Shall issueNew Mexico: Shall issueArkansas: PermitlessCalifornia: Shall issueDelaware: Shall issueHawaii: Shall issueIowa: PermitlessKentucky: PermitlessMaryland: Shall issueMichigan: Shall issueMississippi: PermitlessMontana: PermitlessNew Hampshire: PermitlessNew York: Shall issueOhio: PermitlessOregon: Shall issueTennessee: PermitlessUtah: PermitlessVirginia: Shall issueWashington: Shall issueWisconsin: Shall issueNebraska: PermitlessSouth Carolina: PermitlessIdaho: PermitlessNevada: Shall issueVermont: PermitlessLouisiana: PermitlessRhode Island: Shall issueALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
Permitless (29)Shall issue permit (21)Concealed carry laws by state. Tap a state
Map legend: clear means Permitless; caution means Shall issue permit; restricted means Discretionary permit

New Hampshire law in detail

  • Permitless (18+) — Adults 18 and older can carry concealed without a permit since February 2017.
  • Yes, no permit (Open Carry) — Open carry is legal without any permit. However, loaded long guns are prohibited in motor vehicles.
  • Non-Resident Permits — New Hampshire is one of the few states that issues concealed carry permits to non-US citizens residing outside the country.

The federal rule

There is no federal carry permit. Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision, states cannot deny a carry permit for lack of a special reason, and most states now allow permitless carry for adults who can legally own a handgun. Reciprocity decides whether another state's permit counts.

Carry in neighboring states

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Can you conceal carry in New Hampshire?

Yes, no permit needed. New Hampshire: Permitless (18+). Reviewed September 16, 2026.

What is the federal rule on concealed carry?

There is no federal carry permit. Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision, states cannot deny a carry permit for lack of a special reason, and most states now allow permitless carry for adults who can legally own a handgun. Reciprocity decides whether another state's permit counts.

How many states restrict concealed carry?

Nationwide by our review: 29 states: permitless; 21: shall issue permit.

More New Hampshire gun laws

Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the New Hampshire statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.