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How to Register a Gun
No legal requirement or system of gun registration is demanded in the jurisdiction of the boundaries of Rhode Island. Purchasing a long gun in-state does not require a permit before conducting the transaction. For purchases made on a handgun, specific conditions must be met. To purchase a handgun, a resident must complete the Rhode Island Hunter Education Program and either retain the completion certificate or present a Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management “Blue Card” at the time of purchase. Whether you buy a new gun through a federally licensed dealer or a used gun through a private individual, a background check and a 7-day holding period will apply.
How to Obtain a License to Carry a Concealable Weapon
Carrying an open or concealed firearm will call for you to attain a Rhode Island License to Carry a Concealable Weapon (per Rhode Island General Laws § 11-47-11). This license is granted on a “shall issue” basis, although you must be ready to provide the state with abundant supporting documentation for your cause. The permit is recognized by several reciprocity states, allowing for the legal concealed carry of a weapon during travel outside of Rhode Island. Keep in mind that open carry of a long gun is not covered by a concealed carry permit and is not acceptable within state boundaries except in approved hunting areas.
You can apply for a Rhode Island License to Carry a Concealable Weapon by supplying the following forms and paperwork to The Attorney General of The State of Rhode Island:
- A notarized and fully completed Rhode Island License to Carry a Concealable Weapon Application, with a state seal stamped by your local police department chief or city hall clerk.
- Certificate of completion of an approved weapons safety course.
- A notarized “true copy” of two separate forms of photo identification.
- An original completed FBI Fingerprint Applicant Card (FD-258) signed by the applicant.
- Two 1” x 1” color photographs of the applicant’s head and face, taken without glasses, a hat, or a hood in the picture. The applicant’s name must be printed on the back of each photo.
- Three typed reference letters for the applicant from three different reference individuals. All three letters must be signed and dated by the respective reference before a notary official. Each letter must contain a somewhat different language and cannot be deemed identical.
- An original letter stating valid reasons why a permit is necessary, written, dated, and signed by the applicant in the presence of a notary.
The above-stated materials can be hand-delivered to the Attorney General’s Office for approval. Allow for 90 days of processing before receiving a notification via mail as to the acceptance or denial of the permit. Once approved, you will receive a notice to visit the office to pick up the permit and pay the license fee of $40 by check or money order. The Permit is valid for four years from the date of issuance before coming up for renewal.
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