New Hampshire Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide
Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG
Quick Reference: New Hampshire Gun Laws
| Open Carry | Legal |
| Concealed Carry | Permitless / Constitutional Carry |
| Permit Required | No - permitless carry |
| Permit Cost | N/A (No permit required) |
| Permit Validity | N/A |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Background Check | Required |
| Castle Doctrine | ✓ Yes |
| Stand Your Ground | ✕ No |
| Red Flag Law | ✓ No |
| Magazine Limit | None |
| Suppressors | Legal (NFA rules apply) |
| NFA Items | All legal (federal rules apply) |
Open Carry Laws in New Hampshire
Open carry is legal in New Hampshire for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.
Concealed Carry Laws in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a constitutional carry state. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. New Hampshire enacted constitutional carry in February 2017. Optional License to Carry (LTC) still available for reciprocity travel.
Where You Cannot Carry in New Hampshire
The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in New Hampshire. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.
- Schools
- Government Buildings
- Courts
- Police Stations
- State Facilities
Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.
Optional New Hampshire CCW Permit
New Hampshire enacted constitutional carry in February 2017. Optional License to Carry (LTC) still available for reciprocity travel.
Even though New Hampshire does not require a permit to carry, obtaining an optional permit allows you to carry in other states that have reciprocity agreements with New Hampshire but require a permit from your home state.
CCW Reciprocity for New Hampshire
States that honor your New Hampshire permit (28)
New Hampshire honors permits from (30)
New Hampshire Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF
Download our one-page quick reference for New Hampshire gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.
Frequently Asked Questions: New Hampshire Gun Laws
When did New Hampshire pass constitutional carry?
Does New Hampshire have castle doctrine?
Shooting Ranges in New Hampshire
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