Rhode Island Gun Laws Local licensing authorities have named Rhode Island as a "shall
issue" state, and many licensing issues in regards to MAY issuing are
handle by the Attorney General. Applications for concealed weapons
permits will be signed by the chief of police in the county of
residency to verify that the applicant does indeed live in that county.
The application is then submitted to the Attorney General for approval
or denial.
A majority of the time to be eligible for conceal weapons permit
approval, a National Rifle Association safety course will need to be
completed through the state of Rhode Island through the instruction of
a certified NRA instructor. Applications also require fingerprinting
through the local BCI, which can take anywhere from four to six weeks
for verification of a Federal Bureau of Investigation card.
Applying for concealed weapons permits in Rhode Island can be rather
lengthy and can last between three months and four months. After an
application has been submitted, there needs to be a ninety-day waiting
period before a follow-up response is allowed.
Different Kinds of Firearms Though Rhode Island does not require that individuals obtain
permits before purchasing a shotgun or a rifle, an application and a
safety course must be completed beforehand along with a seven-day time
period. Permits are also unnecessary for purchasing handguns but an
application must first be processed and seven days allowed before the
purchase can be completed.
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns do not need to be registered in the
state of Rhode Island. Individuals also do not need to be licensed to
own handguns, rifles, or shotguns. Individuals are not required to have
any kind of permit to carry a shotgun or a rifle but are required to
have a permit in order to carry a handgun.
Firearm Purchase Individuals must be over the age of eighteen to purchase a
firearm in Rhode Island. They also cannot be ineligible for possessing
a firearm through federal law or state law.
Before a sale is to be completed, a "Purchase of a Shotgun or Rifle
Application Form" must first be filled out with either a private seller
or a licensed dealer. Each seller or dealer is required to verify each
customer with background checks, which can be done with the state
police superintendent or the local police.
Each form copy will be kept for up to six years after the date of
purchase. Another copy will be presented to police department in charge
of the area where the purchase was made. The Attorney General will
receive a third copy.
Possession Firearms Rhode Island law prohibits certain individuals from possessing,
controlling, or owning firearms for safety purposes. These individuals
include those who have been convicted of violent crimes, those who are
justice fugitives, those who are illegal aliens, those where are being
treated for mental illnesses, those under the age of eighteen,
alcoholics, and those who have been confined for drug addiction. After
five years of sobriety, previous drug addicts and alcoholics may have
their rights restored.