Does Vermont Honor New Hampshire CCW Permits?

What This Means for You

If you hold a valid New Hampshire concealed carry permit, you may legally carry a concealed firearm in Vermont — subject to Vermont's laws on where carry is permitted, what locations are off-limits, and what you must do if approached by law enforcement. Your permit type and any restrictions on it (resident vs non-resident, enhanced vs standard) may further limit what's recognized.

Always Follow Vermont's Rules

Reciprocity only addresses recognition of your permit. Once you cross the state line into Vermont, you are bound by Vermont's carry laws — including no-carry zones (schools, courts, government buildings, posted private property), duty-to-inform rules during law-enforcement encounters, magazine capacity limits, and any restrictions on locations like restaurants serving alcohol.

Note on open carry: Reciprocity covers concealed carry only. Vermont may have entirely different rules for open carry; review Vermont's open-carry guide before traveling.

Restrictions to Watch For in Vermont

• No-carry zones: <p>Vermont generally allows the open carry and concealed carry of firearms without a permit, with some exceptions. Firearms are prohibited in the following locations:</p><ul><li>Schools and school grounds</li><li>Childcare facilities</li><li>Courthouses and other government buildings</li><li>Certain health care facilities, such as hospitals and mental health treatment centers</li></ul>
• Permit-type nuances: <p>Vermont does not require a permit or license to carry firearms, either openly or concealed. However, individuals may still obtain a concealed carry permit if they wish to have their permit recognized in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Vermont.</p><p>The application process for a Vermont concealed carry permit involves a background check and payment of a fee. There are no specific training requirements, and the permit is valid for a period of 5 years.</p>
• Vehicle carry: <p>In Vermont, individuals may carry firearms, both loaded and unloaded, in their vehicles without a permit. This applies to both handguns and long guns. The state does not have any specific requirements or restrictions regarding the manner in which firearms must be transported in a vehicle.</p>
• Magazine capacity limit: 15 rounds. Magazines exceeding this may be illegal to possess in Vermont regardless of where you bought them.

Reverse Direction

The reverse question — "Does New Hampshire honor Vermont CCW permits?" — has its own answer: No. See the New Hampshire ← Vermont page for details.