New Hampshire Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Reciprocity (2026)
Quick answer: New Hampshire (NH) is a constitutional-carry (permitless) state meaning anyone 18+ who can legally possess a handgun may carry concealed without a permit (including non-residents). New Hampshire also honors carry permits from every state that issues them. Going the other way, a New Hampshire permit lets you carry in 34 states (6 that honor it plus 29 permitless states).
📌 Reviewed against official sources: August 14, 2026 · By James Nicholas
Where your New Hampshire permit works (carry out)
With a New Hampshire-issued resident permit you can legally carry in 34 states: 6 honor the permit itself and 28 are permitless-carry states where eligible visitors need no permit at all.
✅ Permitless — no permit needed (28)
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontWest VirginiaWyoming
✅ Honor your New Hampshire permit (6)
Whose permits does New Hampshire honor? (carry in)
New Hampshire recognizes valid concealed-carry permits from every issuing state.
Official basis: Carry is permitless for any legally eligible person 18+ — RSA 159:6, III expressly protects unlicensed carry ‘by a resident, nonresident, or alien.’ NHSP lists 28 states that recognize NH resident licenses (AZ/CO/FL/WV require 21+); the license itself exists for reciprocity.
Key New Hampshire carry restrictions
- No duty to inform law enforcement
- No magazine capacity limit
- Courthouses prohibited
- Loaded concealed carry in a vehicle legal for anyone 18+ who may legally possess
Duty to inform police: No.
New Hampshire permit basics
Pistol/Revolver License Local police chief (residents) / NH State Police (non-residents); RSA 159:6 sets no explicit minimum age — issuance conditioned on not being state/federally prohibited. Minimum age: 18. Even in a permitless state, a permit remains useful for out-of-state reciprocity and other benefits.
New Hampshire carry FAQ
Can you conceal carry in New Hampshire without a permit?
Yes. New Hampshire has had permitless (constitutional) carry since 2017: anyone 18+ who may legally possess a handgun can carry concealed without a permit, including eligible non-residents. Standard restrictions on prohibited places still apply.
What states honor a New Hampshire (NH) carry permit?
A New Hampshire resident permit is honored in 6 states, and 28 more states have permitless carry where no permit is needed, 34 states total. See the full lists on this page or use our interactive reciprocity map.
Does New Hampshire recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits?
Yes — New Hampshire honors valid carry permits from every issuing state.
Can I carry in Maine with a New Hampshire permit?
Maine has permitless carry, so you can carry there without any permit if you’re 21+ and legally eligible.
Is there a duty to inform police in New Hampshire?
No.
Official sources
- gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XII/159/159-6.htm
- nhsp.dos.nh.gov/our-services/justice-information-bureau…
- handgunlaw.us/states/newhampshire.pdf
- usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/nh-gun-la…
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on August 14, 2026 — including a dedicated primary-source verification pass against state statutes, attorney general and state police pages. Spot an error or a law change? Tell us and we’ll fix it fast.
Related states & resources
Neighboring states: Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts.
Tools: Interactive Reciprocity Map · Concealed Carry Reciprocity Guide · Concealed Carry by State · 2A Legal Glossary · carry gear reviews at Popular EDC.
Not legal advice. Freedom’s Lodge and Brand Avalanche Media are not attorneys; this page is general educational information, verified against the official sources above as of August 14, 2026 and subject to change at any time. Confirm current law with the official state source and/or a licensed attorney before carrying. See our full legal disclaimer and how we verify this data.