Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. 2024 ‘Concealed Carry in New Hampshire.’ Guns in Public. San Francisco, CA: Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. 21 November
Relevant contents
Concealed Weapons Permitting in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not prohibit a person from carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle or concealed in public if the person has a license to carry a loaded handgun. Furthermore, no license is required to carry a concealed handgun if it is unloaded, or to carry a loaded handgun in public if it is not concealed.
New Hampshire is a "shall issue" state, meaning that local law enforcement must issue a license to carry a loaded handgun if "it appears that the applicant has good reason to fear injury to the applicant's person or property or has any proper purpose, and that the applicant is a suitable person to be licensed." Hunting, target shooting, or self-defense is considered a proper purpose. In addition, "[n]o photograph or fingerprint shall be required or used as a basis to grant, deny, or renew a license to carry for a resident or nonresident, unless requested by the applicant." Non-residents may submit applications to the division of state police.
Firearm Safety Training
New Hampshire law does not require applicants for a license to carry a firearm to undergo firearm safety training or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety.
Duration & Renewal
A New Hampshire concealed weapons license is valid for up to four years from the date of issue. "When required, license renewal shall take place within the month of the fourth anniversary of the license holder's date of birth following the date of issuance."
Disclosure or Use of Information
New Hampshire law states: "All papers and records, including applications, pertaining to the issuance of… licenses [to carry loaded handguns] are subject to inspection only by law enforcement officials…while in the performance of official duties or upon written consent, for good cause shown, of the superior court in the county where said license was issued."
Reciprocity
A non-resident of New Hampshire holding a current and valid license to carry a loaded handgun in the state in which he or she resides is not required to obtain a license to carry a loaded handgun within New Hampshire if he or she carries the license from his or her home state on his or her person, and that state provides a reciprocal privilege for residents of New Hampshire. See the New Hampshire Department of Safety web site for a list of the specific states with which New Hampshire has reciprocity. State administrative rules govern the procedures for a nonresident to obtain a New Hampshire license to carry a loaded handgun…
[Editor's note: The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence regularly updates its webpages with new data as US gun regulation evolves state by state. For the most up-to-date information on US gun laws, please refer to the Giffords URL below]