Gun Laws in Nebraska

Subject/Law	Long Guns	Hand Guns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State permit required to purchase?	No	Yes	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2403	For handguns, a Firearm Purchase Permit (issued by the sheriff in the county of one's residence) or a Nebraska-issued Concealed Handgun Permit is required.
Firearm registration?	No	No
Assault weapon law?	No	No
Magazine capacity restriction?	No	No
Owner license required?	No	No
Permit required for concealed carry?	N/A	Yes (with requirement set to be eliminated)	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1202 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2430	Nebraska is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. Permitless carry will take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, which ended on June 1, 2023.
Permit required for open carry?	No	No		May carry openly without permit. For open carry in a vehicle, the firearm must be clearly visible.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?	No	No
State preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 14-102 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 15-255 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 16-227 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 17-556 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 18-1703 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2425	Localities may regulate firearm discharge.
NFA weapons restricted?	Yes	No	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1203 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1220	Destructive devices are banned.
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No
Background checks required for private sales?	No	Yes	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2403	For handguns, a Firearm Purchase Permit (issued by the sheriff in the county of one's residence) or a Nebraska-issued Concealed Handgun Permit is required.
Duty to inform?	No	Yes	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2440
Purchase age restriction?	No	Yes	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2404	In addition to federal law, state law prohibits sales of handguns to those under 21, including in private transactions.

Understanding Gun Laws in Nebraska

Gun laws vary significantly from state to state, and understanding these laws is crucial for responsible gun ownership. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of gun laws in Nebraska, covering everything from permits and registration to age restrictions and local restrictions.

Permits and Registration

When it comes to purchasing firearms in Nebraska, the laws differ for long guns and handguns. For long guns, no state permit is required to make a purchase. However, for handguns, a state permit is indeed necessary. This permit can be a Firearm Purchase Permit, issued by the sheriff in the county of one's residence, or a Nebraska-issued Concealed Handgun Permit (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2403).

As for firearm registration, Nebraska does not require it for either long guns or handguns. This means that once you have legally purchased your firearm, you do not need to register it with the state.

Carrying Firearms

Nebraska has specific laws regarding the carrying of firearms. For concealed carry of handguns, a permit is required. Nebraska is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. However, permitless carry is set to take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, which ended on June 1, 2023 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1202, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2430).

For open carry, no permit is required for either long guns or handguns. However, if you are carrying openly in a vehicle, the firearm must be clearly visible.

Local Restrictions and Other Laws

Nebraska has state preemption of local restrictions, meaning localities cannot impose their own gun laws that contradict state law. However, localities can regulate firearm discharge (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 14-102, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 15-255, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 16-227, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 17-556, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 18-1703, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2425).

Nebraska does not have a Castle Doctrine or Stand Your Ground law. This means that there is no legal protection for using deadly force in self-defense in your own home or anywhere else.

As for weapons restricted under the National Firearms Act (NFA), Nebraska has restrictions on long guns but not handguns. Destructive devices are banned (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1203, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1220).

Private Sales and Age Restrictions

For private sales of firearms, Nebraska does not require background checks for long guns. However, for handguns, a Firearm Purchase Permit or a Nebraska-issued Concealed Handgun Permit is required (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2403).

Finally, Nebraska has age restrictions for purchasing handguns. In addition to federal law, state law prohibits sales of handguns to those under 21, including in private transactions (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2404).

In conclusion, Nebraska's gun laws are a mix of permit requirements, age restrictions, and rules about carrying firearms. It's important for all gun owners and prospective gun owners in the state to understand these laws to ensure they are using and purchasing firearms responsibly and legally.