New Hampshire concealed carry laws, backed by the statute
At a glance
- Carry rule
- Permitless at 18
- Minimum age
- 18
- Non-resident permit valid here?
- Yes
- Statute
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:6
Carrying in New Hampshire
New Hampshire lets adults 18 and older carry concealed without a permit.
That rule stops at the New Hampshire line. If you travel, the law of the next state applies.
Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:6. New Hampshire State Police, Permits and Licensing Unit. Reviewed Q3 2026.
Does a non-resident permit work in New Hampshire?
A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.
Yes. New Hampshire recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:6. The state's own rules about where and how you carry still apply to you.
Getting New Hampshire's own permit
New Hampshire does not require a permit at home. An optional permit is still useful, because other states may honor it when you travel.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit to carry in New Hampshire?
- No. New Hampshire allows concealed carry without a permit for eligible adults 18 and older. Some places stay off limits under state and federal law.
- Does New Hampshire honor out-of-state permits?
- Yes. New Hampshire recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:6.
- Where can I check New Hampshire's official rules?
- Check New Hampshire State Police, Permits and Licensing Unit. The controlling law is N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:6.
Not sure where you stand?
Check your state's rules in 30 seconds. Free, no signup.
Check your state's rules →Sources and verification
- NH: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:6. New Hampshire State Police, Permits and Licensing Unit.
Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.