New Hampshire allows for unrestricted carry of concealed firearms, to those legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, the state also provides a means to obtain a concealed permit. A New Hampshire concealed carry permit, is useful for reciprocity purposes. However, some states only acknowledge a resident permit. Resident applicants should submit their paperwork to the selectman, county sheriff, mayor, police chief or police officer of their locale. Nonresidents can also apply for a NH concealed carry permit with the director of state police. A resident can expect to pay $10 for an initial license, while a nonresident can expect to pay $100. Upon issuance a New Hampshire concealed permit is valid for 5 years. The holder of a resident NH concealed permit can carry in 29 other states.
This information was last updated in February 2019.
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New Hampshire Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars*
# of States That Accept NH License
# of Years Valid
Minimum Age*
# of Days To Get A Permit
Reciprocity Map for New Hampshire
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a New Hampshire concealed carry permit or those states that New Hampshire will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor New Hampshire Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Michigan
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Wyoming
New Hampshire Will Honor The Following States
- Alabama – Honors Resident Permit
- Alaska – Honors Resident Permit
- Arizona – Honors Resident Permit
- Arkansas – Honors Resident Permit
- California
- Colorado – Honors Resident Permit
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida – Honors Resident Permit
- Georgia – Honors Resident Permit
- Hawaii
- Idaho – Honors Resident Permit
- Illinois
- Indiana – Honors Resident Permit
- Iowa – Honors Resident Permit
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota – Honors Class 1& 2 Resident Permit
- Ohio – Honors Resident Permit
- Oklahoma – Honors Resident Permit
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina – Honors Resident Permit
- South Dakota
- Tennessee – Honors Resident Permit
- Texas – Honors Resident Permit
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia – Honors Resident Permit
- Washington
- West Virginia – Honors Resident Permit
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming – Honors Resident Permit
Anyone who can legally possess a firearm can do so concealed with their state ID in New Hampshire.
How To Apply for a New Hampshire Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not restrict an individuals right to carry a concealed firearm, if they are legally allowed to possess one. While a concealed permit is not necessary, the state does issue one for reciprocity purposes.
“The availability of a license to carry a loaded pistol or revolver under this section or under any other provision of law shall not be construed to impose a prohibition on the unlicensed transport or carry of a firearm in a vehicle, or on or about one’s person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, by a resident, nonresident, or alien if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire.“
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What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in NH?
Who issues a concealed carry permit in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire code lists several possibilities for the issuing authority of a NH concealed permit, depending on the type of city or township. Below are a list of those and the corresponding township:
- Selectman of a town
- Mayor, chief of police, or full-time police officer of a city
- County sheriff of an unincorporated place
In addition, nonresidents should apply with the director of state police or their designee.
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How long is a New Hampshire concealed carry permit good for?
New Hampshire concealed carry permits are valid for 5 years, and expires at the end of the applicants birth month on that fifth year.
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Does NH issue concealed permits to non-residents?
Yes, New Hampshire issues nonresident permits. Individuals applying for a nonresident permit in New Hampshire must meet the same requirements. However, to apply for nonresident permit, paperwork should be submitted to the director of state police.
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How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
The state is responsible for issuing or denying an application within 14 days of a completed submission.
“The license shall be issued within 14 days after application, and, if such application is denied, the reason for such denial shall be stated in writing […]“
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How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
Depending on what type of concealed carry permit you are attempting to obtain, will dictate the associated fees. A resident can expect to pay $10 for a concealed carry permit. Those trying to obtain a nonresident permit will pay a fee of $100.
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What are the accepted forms of competency training?
New Hampshire does not require any form of safety or competency training to obtain a concealed carry permit.
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N/A
Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in New Hampshire
Is New Hampshire an Open Carry State?
Yes, nothing prohibits the carrying of a handgun whether loaded or unloaded from being carried openly.
“The availability of a license to carry a loaded pistol or revolver under this section or under any other provision of law shall not be construed to impose a prohibition on the unlicensed transport or carry of a firearm in a vehicle, or on or about one’s person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, by a resident, nonresident, or alien if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire.“
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
New Hampshire addresses concealed carry in a vehicle, and allows any individual to carry in their car. There is no need to carry the weapon off person while in a vehicle. Furthermore, the weapon does not need to be in any specific condition while being transported in car.
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Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
Any individual legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry it concealed within state parks. Furthermore, I was unable to find any evidence to the contrary within the New Hampshire Department of Natural Resources or NH State Park information.
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Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Nothing in New Hampshire state code prohibits the carrying of a firearm into any establishment that serves alcohol on premises. Therefore, it is permitted with or without a license for an individual to concealed carry into New Hampshire restaurants.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
New Hampshire allows individuals to carry a concealed weapon, even without a concealed permit, into a church or other place of worship. But, it is recommended that you obey any posted signage by the owner of an establishment designating the area as one that prohibits firearms.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Yes, individuals in New Hampshire are allowed to carry concealed into a bank or other financial institution. Although, it is recommended that you obey any posted signage declaring an establishment as gun free, to avoid unnecessary hassle.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Very few locations are prohibited for persons desiring to carry a concealed firearm. Therefore, an individual who can legally possess a firearm can carry one into a hospital. Through my research, it appears that only courthouses are areas where carrying a firearm is prohibited. However, it is strongly recommended that if there is posted signage, that you refrain from carrying into that location.
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The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.