Overview: Rhode Island enforces some of the strictest gun laws in the United States. All firearm purchases require a background check and a 7-day waiting period, with buyers needing to pass a safety exam to obtain a “blue card” for purchasing firearms or ammunition. In 2022, the state banned magazines holding more than 10 rounds, mandating owners to modify, surrender, or transfer them by December 18, 2022. Concealed carry permits are issued through a dual system: local authorities operate on a “shall-issue” basis, while the Attorney General’s office follows a “may-issue” policy, often requiring applicants to demonstrate a specific need. Open carry of handguns is permitted only with a permit from the Attorney General.
  • Rhode Island Gun Laws
  • Carry Information
  • Legal & Resources
QuestionAnswer
Does Rhode Island have an Assault Weapons Ban?

✅ Yes. A state ban on assault‑style weapons and bump stocks is in effect as of 2025.

Are background checks required for private gun sales?

✅ Yes. Universal background checks and a 7‑day waiting period apply to all firearm transfers.

Are background checks required through FFL dealers?

✅ Yes. Federal law mandates background checks through licensed dealers.

Is Rhode Island a Stand Your Ground state?

🚫 No. RI follows traditional self‑defense principles with duty to retreat where safe.

What kind of restrictions does Rhode Island have?
  • ⚠️ Assault‑style weapons & bump stocks banned.
  • ⚠️ Magazines over 10 rounds prohibited.
  • ⚠️ Universal background checks + 7‑day waiting period.
  • ⚠️ Must be 21+ and pass range qualification for carry license.
Does Rhode Island have any gun storage laws?

✅ Yes. Secure storage required; unsafe storage penalties include fines and jail.

Can you buy firearms in bulk in Rhode Island?

✅ Yes. No state law limiting quantity purchased.

Does Rhode Island have a red flag law?

✅ Yes. RI has an ERPO (“red flag”) law.

Age to purchase firearms?
  • ℹ️ 21+ for long guns with license.
  • ℹ️ 21+ for handguns from dealers.
Do I have to register my guns in Rhode Island?

🚫 No. Firearm registration is not required.

Do I need a permit to purchase a handgun?

✅ Yes. A RI License to Carry (LCCW) or “blue card” is required to buy a handgun.

Does Rhode Island have a waiting period for firearms?

✅ Yes. 7‑day waiting period on all firearm transfers.

Does Rhode Island have an Assault Weapons Ban?

✅ Yes. A state ban on assault‑style weapons and bump stocks is in effect as of 2025.

Are background checks required for private gun sales?

✅ Yes. Universal background checks and a 7‑day waiting period apply to all firearm transfers.

Are background checks required through FFL dealers?

✅ Yes. Federal law mandates background checks through licensed dealers.

Is Rhode Island a Stand Your Ground state?

🚫 No. RI follows traditional self‑defense principles with duty to retreat where safe.

What kind of restrictions does Rhode Island have?
  • ⚠️ Assault‑style weapons & bump stocks banned.
  • ⚠️ Magazines over 10 rounds prohibited.
  • ⚠️ Universal background checks + 7‑day waiting period.
  • ⚠️ Must be 21+ and pass range qualification for carry license.
Does Rhode Island have any gun storage laws?

✅ Yes. Secure storage required; unsafe storage penalties include fines and jail.

Can you buy firearms in bulk in Rhode Island?

✅ Yes. No state law limiting quantity purchased.

Does Rhode Island have a red flag law?

✅ Yes. RI has an ERPO (“red flag”) law.

Age to purchase firearms?
  • ℹ️ 21+ for long guns with license.
  • ℹ️ 21+ for handguns from dealers.
Do I have to register my guns in Rhode Island?

🚫 No. Firearm registration is not required.

Do I need a permit to purchase a handgun?

✅ Yes. A RI License to Carry (LCCW) or “blue card” is required to buy a handgun.

Does Rhode Island have a waiting period for firearms?

✅ Yes. 7‑day waiting period on all firearm transfers.

QuestionAnswer
Does Rhode Island allow Open Carry?

🚫 Illegal without a permit—only allowed with a valid LCCW (open carry of handguns requires license).

Does Rhode Island allow Concealed Carry?

✅ Legal with a Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapon (LCCW). Must be 21+, fingerprinted, background check, demonstrate “suitability” and firearm proficiency.

Non‑Lethal Weapons?

✅ Stun guns and pepper spray are legal; no permit required.

Places allowed to carry?

✅ Most public places, in vehicles, on private property (with permission).

Places not allowed to carry?

🚫 Schools, federal buildings, courthouses, and posted “no firearms” areas. Long guns must be unloaded in public.

States honored?

🛑 No general reciprocity. Out-of-state permit holders may only transport a firearm through RI while traveling without stopping.

States reciprocate?

❌ Rhode Island does not generally honor other states’ CCW permits—only allows transport through.

Permit duration & renewal?

ℹ️ 4 Years

Can you conceal anything other than a handgun?

🚫 No. Permits are issued exclusively for handguns.

Permit Licensure?

✅ Required. LCCW valid for 4 years; issue via local authorities (shall-issue) or Attorney General (may-issue).

  • Issued the State of Rhode Island Office of The Attorney General
Is range qualification required?

✅ Yes. 30 rounds at 25 yards, score ≥195/300 required for LCCW application.

Does Rhode Island allow Open Carry?

🚫 Illegal without a permit—only allowed with a valid LCCW (open carry of handguns requires license).

Does Rhode Island allow Concealed Carry?

✅ Legal with a Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapon (LCCW). Must be 21+, fingerprinted, background check, demonstrate “suitability” and firearm proficiency.

Non‑Lethal Weapons?

✅ Stun guns and pepper spray are legal; no permit required.

Places allowed to carry?

✅ Most public places, in vehicles, on private property (with permission).

Places not allowed to carry?

🚫 Schools, federal buildings, courthouses, and posted “no firearms” areas. Long guns must be unloaded in public.

States honored?

🛑 No general reciprocity. Out-of-state permit holders may only transport a firearm through RI while traveling without stopping.

States reciprocate?

❌ Rhode Island does not generally honor other states’ CCW permits—only allows transport through.

Permit duration & renewal?

ℹ️ 4 Years

Can you conceal anything other than a handgun?

🚫 No. Permits are issued exclusively for handguns.

Permit Licensure?

✅ Required. LCCW valid for 4 years; issue via local authorities (shall-issue) or Attorney General (may-issue).

  • Issued the State of Rhode Island Office of The Attorney General
Is range qualification required?

✅ Yes. 30 rounds at 25 yards, score ≥195/300 required for LCCW application.

ResourcesLinks
Official Licensing & State Info
Online & In‑Person Training
Hunter & Bowhunter Education
Gun Safety & Education
Official Licensing & State Info
Online & In‑Person Training
Hunter & Bowhunter Education
Gun Safety & Education

Rhode Island Leadership

Dan McKee
Dan McKee
Governor of Rhode Island (Democratic Party)
  • Born: June 16, 1951 (Cumberland, RI)
  • Term Started: March 2, 2021
  • Previous Role: Lieutenant Governor (2015–2021), Mayor of Cumberland (2000–2004, 2006–2014)
Jack Reed
Jack Reed
U.S. Senator (Democratic Party)
  • Born: November 12, 1949 (Cranston, RI)
  • Senate Service: Since January 3, 1997
  • Committees:
    • Appropriations
    • Armed Services
    • Banking Housing and Urban Affairs
Sheldon Whitehouse
Sheldon Whitehouse
U.S. Senator (Democratic Party)
  • Born: October 20, 1955 (New York City, NY)
  • Senate Service: Since January 3, 2007
  • Committees:
    • Finance
    • Judiciary
    • Environment and Public Works
    • Budget

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