Carrying a Firearm
RSA 159:6 — no license needed to carry for a person not otherwise prohibited, and one available for 5 years
No license required. That a license to carry a loaded pistol or revolver exists does not impose a ban on carrying a firearm unlicensed, in a vehicle or on or about one's person, openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, by a resident, nonresident or alien who is not otherwise prohibited.
Who handles this in New Hampshire: New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the New Hampshire directory.
A license is still issued, by the town or city to a resident or by the state police to a nonresident, for not less than 5 years, where the applicant has good reason to fear injury or any proper purpose, unless state or federal law bars them from having a firearm. Hunting, target shooting and self defense are proper purposes.
No photograph or fingerprint is required to grant, deny or renew a license unless the applicant asks for it.
The state police negotiate reciprocal agreements so the license is recognized elsewhere, and apply at least once every 5 years to each jurisdiction without one.
A person aggrieved by a licensing entity's violation of the licensing sections may petition the superior court for an injunction, with or without counsel.
Sources for this section (3)
- RSA 159:6 — License to Carry
- RSA 159:6-d — Reciprocity
- RSA 159:6-e — Violation
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Hampshire attorney.