**WARNING**
It is extremely important that if you obtain a Rhode Island concealed pistol permit,
you must be aware of all the current laws and requirements of this state.
A Rhode Island permit does not supersede any other state's laws or requirements.
The permit is valid for 4 years and 4 years upon each renewal.
Cost
Non-Residents - $40.00
Eligibility
The Attorney General may issue a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver to any person twenty-one (21) years of age or over upon a proper showing of need.
Proper Showing Of Need
In considering each individual application for a pistol permit the Attorney General must determine whether or not the applicant has demonstrated a proper showing of need to carry a loaded firearm in public, and consider the individual’s demonstration of skill and responsibility to safely carry and use a firearm in compliance with all State, Federal and local laws. Because a loaded, concealed firearm in untrained hands presents danger to the public and the applicant, the Attorney General must consider countervailing risks to the public in assessing need.
While there cannot be any set formula or criteria to limit or restrict the Attorney General’s discretion to issue or deny a pistol permit, the Attorney General considers the following factors in assessing an applicant’s proper showing of need.
1. Has the applicant demonstrated a specific articulable risk to life, limb or property? If so, has the applicant demonstrated how a pistol permit will decrease the risk?
2. Can the applicant readily alter his or her conduct, or undertake reasonable measures other than carrying a loaded firearm, to decrease the danger to life, limb or property?
3. Are there means of protection available to the applicant other than the possession of a loaded firearm that will alleviate the risk to his or her person or property?
4. Has the applicant demonstrated the skill, training and ability to properly use a firearm in accordance with Rhode Island laws?
5. Has the applicant presented a plan to properly secure the firearm so that it does not fall into unauthorized hands?
6. How greatly will the possession of a loaded firearm by the applicant increase the risk of harm to the applicant or to the public?
7. Has the applicant demonstrated that he or she will not use the firearm for an unlawful or improper purpose, and that he or she has not used a firearm for an unlawful or improper purpose in the past?
8. Does past unlawful, dangerous or violent conduct of the applicant justify denial at the Attorney General’s discretion even if it is not sufficient to disqualify the applicant as a matter of law from possessing a firearm?
9. Has the applicant been issued a protective order pursuant to chapter 15-5, chapter 15-15, or chapter 8-8.1 of the general laws?
10. Any and all other factors deemed lawful and appropriate by the Attorney General to demonstrate that the applicant is or is not a person suitable to possess a loaded firearm in public.
After assessing the above factors, the Attorney General in his sole discretion shall grant or deny the pistol permit. In certain cases, the Attorney General may issue a pistol permit with restrictions in lieu of a denial
In addition to these reasons, the Attorney General will give consideration to those persons who seek renewal of existing permits who have demonstrated through their actions and experience a level of responsibility commensurate with that expected of one who is privileged to carry a loaded firearm in the public sector.
§ 11-47-11 License or Permit to Carry Concealed Pistol or Revolver.
(a) The licensing authorities of any city or town shall, upon application of any person twenty-one (21) years of age or over having a bona fide residence or place of business within the city or town, or of any person twenty-one (21) years of age or over having a bona fide residence within the United States and a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver concealed upon his or her person issued by the authorities of any other state or subdivision of the United States, issue a license or permit to the person to carry concealed upon his or her person a pistol or revolver everywhere within this state for four (4) years from date of issue, if it appears that the applicant has good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property or has any other proper reason for carrying a pistol or revolver, and that he or she is a suitable person to be so licensed. The license or permit shall be in triplicate in form to be prescribed by the attorney general and shall bear the fingerprint, photograph, name, address, description, and signature of the licensee and the reason given for desiring a license or permit and in no case shall it contain the serial number of any firearm. The original shall be delivered to the licensee. Any member of the licensing authority, its agents, servants, and employees shall be immune from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based upon any official act or decision, performed or made in good faith in issuing a license or permit under this chapter.
(b) Notwithstanding any other chapter or section of the general laws of the state of Rhode Island, the licensing authority of any city or town shall not provide or release to any individual, firm, association or corporation the name, address, or date of birth of any person who has held or currently holds a license or permit to carry a concealed pistol or revolver. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the release of any statistical data of a general nature relative to age, gender and racial or ethnic background nor shall it be construed to prevent the release of information to parties involved in any prosecution of § 11-47-8 or in response to a lawful subpoena in any criminal or civil action which the person is a party to that action.
For FAQ's or to find out more information click here to view the State of Road Island Office of the Attorney General website.