Can I carry concealed in New Hampshire without a permit?

Yes. New Hampshire is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 18 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in New Hampshire without first obtaining the License to Carry.

Should I still get a New Hampshire License to Carry if I can carry permitless?

Yes. The License to Carry remains available in New Hampshire and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside New Hampshire's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to New Hampshire's permitless-carry law. A New Hampshire License to Carry lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.

Does permitless carry in New Hampshire work in other states?

No. Permitless carry is a New Hampshire-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

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New Hampshire Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)

Who can carry concealed in New Hampshire without a permit, the minimum age, and why the License to Carry still matters for reciprocity when you travel.

Permitless carry in New Hampshire

Minimum age (permitless): 18
Carry regime: constitutional
Residency: Residents and non-residents

New Hampshire has permitless (constitutional) carry since 2017 (SB 12). Any person — resident, non-resident, or alien — who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry a loaded pistol or revolver openly or concealed without a license (RSA 159:6-e).

official source · verified 2026-07-10

The New Hampshire New Hampshire Pistol/Revolver License (License to Carry) still matters

The License to Carry remains available in New Hampshire even though a permit is not required to carry concealed within the state. It is worth obtaining anyway: most states that grant reciprocity honor a valid out-of-state permit, not another state's permitless-carry law. Holding the License to Carry is typically what lets a New Hampshire resident carry concealed while traveling to a state that recognizes it.

New Hampshirepermit overview & reciprocity summary →Full New Hampshire License to Carry requirements →Where a New Hampshire License to Carry is honored →

Last verified 2026-07-10 against New Hampshire State Police — Pistol and Revolver Licensing.

Verify New Hampshire rules on the official page →

New Hampshire constitutional carry FAQ

Can I carry concealed in New Hampshire without a permit?: Yes. New Hampshire is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 18 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in New Hampshire without first obtaining the License to Carry.
Should I still get a New Hampshire License to Carry if I can carry permitless?: Yes. The License to Carry remains available in New Hampshire and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside New Hampshire's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to New Hampshire's permitless-carry law. A New Hampshire License to Carry lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.
Does permitless carry in New Hampshire work in other states?: No. Permitless carry is a New Hampshire-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.