Do I need a permit to carry in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.

Does Rhode Island honor out-of-state permits?

No. Rhode Island does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.

Where can I check Rhode Island's official rules?

Check Rhode Island Attorney General. The controlling law is R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-8, 11-47-11.

Carry laws · 2026

Rhode Island concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Permit with added requirements
Minimum age: 21
Non-resident permit valid here?: No
Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-8, 11-47-11

Carrying in Rhode Island

Rhode Island does issue carry permits to adults 21 and older, but the process asks more of you.

Expect in-person training and review by a state or local agency.

Requires an approved firearms training course and range qualification.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-8, 11-47-11. Rhode Island Attorney General. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in Rhode Island?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

No. Rhode Island does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on it there is illegal, even if Rhode Island honors some other permits.

Getting Rhode Island's own permit

Rhode Island requires in-person training and processing by a state or local agency. Online-only training does not satisfy Rhode Island's rules.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in Rhode Island?: Yes. Rhode Island requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.
Does Rhode Island honor out-of-state permits?: No. Rhode Island does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.
Where can I check Rhode Island's official rules?: Check Rhode Island Attorney General. The controlling law is R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-8, 11-47-11.

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Sources and verification

RI: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-8, 11-47-11. Rhode Island Attorney General.

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.