New Hampshire Gun Laws 2026
Complete guide to firearms laws in New Hampshire.
Last updated: 2026-03-14
Quick Reference
- Permit to Purchase
- Not required
- Background Check
- Federal NICS for FFL sales; private sales exempt
- Waiting Period
- None
- Open Carry
- Permitted without permit
- Concealed Carry
- Permitless (Constitutional Carry)
- Assault Weapon Ban
- No
- Magazine Limit
- No limit
- Red Flag Law
- No
Complete Guide
Purchasing a Firearm in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not require a special permit or license to purchase a firearm. Buyers must be at least 18 years old for long guns (rifles and shotguns) and 21 for handguns when purchasing from a licensed dealer, in accordance with federal law. All buyers must be able to pass a background check and must not be a prohibited person under federal or state law.
For purchases from Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL dealers), a background check through the federal NICS system (or a state equivalent) is required. Private sales between individuals are not required to go through a background check under New Hampshire law, although federal law still prohibits selling to a person you know or have reason to believe is a prohibited person.
New Hampshire does not impose a waiting period on firearm purchases. Once the background check is completed and approved, the buyer may take immediate possession of the firearm. This applies to both handguns and long guns purchased through licensed dealers.
Concealed Carry in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has permitless (constitutional) carry. New Hampshire allows permitless carry, meaning anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm and meets the minimum age requirement may carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit or license. This is sometimes called "constitutional carry." The state still issues carry permits for those who want them, primarily for reciprocity benefits when traveling to other states.
Concealed carry permit holders (where applicable) should be aware of restricted locations where carry is prohibited regardless of permit status. These typically include federal buildings, courthouses, schools and school zones, polling places on election day, and any private property where firearms are prohibited by the owner. Posted signage requirements vary by state — in New Hampshire, always look for posted signs at building entrances.
Open Carry Laws
Open carry of firearms is legal in New Hampshire. No permit is required to openly carry a firearm. Open carry refers to carrying a firearm in a manner that is visible to others, such as in a belt holster. While legal at the state level, some municipalities or specific locations (government buildings, schools, courthouses) may restrict open carry. It is important to be aware of local ordinances and posted signage.
Assault Weapons and Magazine Restrictions
New Hampshire does not have an assault weapons ban. Semi-automatic firearms of all types may be legally purchased, possessed, and carried (subject to general firearms laws). There are no state-level restrictions on specific firearm features such as pistol grips, adjustable stocks, or flash suppressors.
New Hampshire does not restrict magazine capacity. There are no limits on the number of rounds a magazine may hold. Standard-capacity and high-capacity magazines of any size may be legally purchased and possessed.
Red Flag Law
New Hampshire does not have a red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order). There is no legal mechanism for family members or law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual based on perceived risk. Firearms may only be seized through standard criminal proceedings or existing mental health commitment processes.
Gun Show Regulations in New Hampshire
Gun shows in New Hampshire follow the same laws that apply to all firearm sales. Licensed dealers (FFLs) at gun shows must conduct background checks on all purchases, just as they would at their retail location. Private sellers at gun shows who are selling from their personal collection are not required to conduct background checks under state law, although they may not knowingly sell to a prohibited person. Gun shows typically require all firearms brought in for sale to be unloaded and secured with cable ties or similar safety devices. Individual show promoters may set additional rules.
FFL Transfer Rules
When purchasing a firearm online, the firearm must be shipped to a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in New Hampshire for the transfer. The buyer then completes the standard Form 4473 and background check at the FFL's location. FFL transfer fees in New Hampshire typically range from $20 to $75 per firearm. Use our FFL dealer directory to find transfer-friendly dealers near you.
Key Considerations for New Hampshire Residents
New Hampshire is one of the growing number of states that has adopted permitless carry, reflecting a trend toward fewer restrictions on the right to carry firearms. Gun owners should stay informed of any legislative changes, as firearms laws are frequently updated. The information on this page reflects the law as of 2026, but laws can change at any time. Always consult the full text of current state statutes or a licensed attorney in New Hampshire before making legal decisions based on this guide.
For more information on firearms in New Hampshire, visit our FFL dealer directory for New Hampshire, browse upcoming gun shows in New Hampshire, or check the concealed carry reciprocity map to see which states honor New Hampshire's carry permits.
Key Statutes & Citations
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:6 — License to Carry Concealed Pistol or Revolver
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:7 — License to Sell Pistols and Revolvers
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 650-C:1 — Possession of Assault Weapons
What Changed in 2026
Legislative Landscape
Permits & Licensing Details
New Hampshire operates under a permitless concealed carry system, meaning law-abiding adults may carry concealed handguns without first obtaining a permit. However, the state does still offer optional concealed carry permits, which provide reciprocity with other states and may be required for certain purchases or transactions. The permit application process is straightforward, with no training requirement, and permits are valid for 5 years.
Carrying in a Vehicle
In New Hampshire, there are no restrictions on carrying a loaded handgun or long gun in a vehicle, either openly or concealed, with or without a permit. Residents and non-residents alike may legally transport firearms in their vehicles for any lawful purpose.
No-Carry Zones
New Hampshire does not have many legally defined 'no-carry zones.' Firearms are generally permitted in most public places, with the exception of K-12 schools and some government buildings. Private property owners may choose to prohibit firearms on their premises.
Shipping & FFL Transfers
Residents of New Hampshire may lawfully receive firearms shipped from out-of-state, as long as the transfer is completed through a licensed firearms dealer. There are no additional state-level fees or processes beyond what is required under federal law for such interstate firearm transfers.
Revision History
- 2026-03-14 — Comprehensive content update: added statute citations, vehicle carry rules, no-carry zones, permit details, buying rules by firearm type, and shipping/transfer notes.
Concealed Carry Reciprocity
New Hampshire has permitless carry and honors permits from 29 states.
Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Verify current recognition with your state attorney general before traveling with a firearm.
Full reciprocity map →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire does not require a permit or license to purchase a firearm.
Is New Hampshire a permitless carry state?
Yes. New Hampshire allows permitless (constitutional) carry. Anyone who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit.
What is the waiting period for buying a gun in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has no waiting period. Once the background check is approved, the buyer may take immediate possession.
Can I openly carry a firearm in New Hampshire?
Permitted without permit
Does New Hampshire have a red flag law?
No. New Hampshire does not currently have a red flag law.
Does New Hampshire ban assault weapons or limit magazine capacity?
No. New Hampshire does not ban assault weapons. There are no magazine capacity restrictions.