Gun Laws in New Hampshire

Subject/law	Long guns	Hand guns	Relevant statutes	Notes
State permit required to purchase?	No	No	NHRS XII § 159:14
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	No	NHRS XII § 159:6	New Hampshire is a "shall issue" state for residents and non-residents who are 18 years or older and is one of the few states that will issue to non-citizens living outside of the United States. Permitless carry took effect on February 22, 2017.
Permit required for open carry?	No	No	NHRS XII § 159:6 NHRS XVIII § 207:7	May carry openly without permit. Loaded long guns prohibited in motor vehicles.
Castle doctrine/stand your ground law?	Yes	Yes	NHRS LXII § 627
State preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	NHRS XII § 159:26	"Except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, no ordinance or regulation of a political subdivision may regulate the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, permitting, taxation, or other matter pertaining to firearms, firearms components, ammunition, or firearms supplies in the state. Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting a political subdivision's right to adopt zoning ordinances for the purpose of regulating firearms or knives businesses in the same manner as other businesses ..."
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No
Peaceable journey laws?	No	No
Background checks required for private sales?	No	No

Gun Laws by State: New Hampshire

Understanding Gun Laws in New Hampshire

In the state of New Hampshire, gun laws are relatively straightforward. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these laws, making it easier for residents and visitors to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to firearm ownership and use.

Permits and Registration

In New Hampshire, no state permit is required to purchase either long guns or hand guns (NHRS XII § 159:14). Additionally, there is no requirement for firearm registration in the state. This means that individuals can purchase and own firearms without needing to register them with any state or local government entity.

Assault Weapon Laws and Magazine Capacity Restrictions

The state of New Hampshire does not have any specific laws related to assault weapons or magazine capacity restrictions. This means that there are no legal limitations on the types of firearms that can be owned, or on the size of the magazines that can be used with those firearms.

Owner License and Carry Permits

There is no requirement for a gun owner license in New Hampshire. Furthermore, no permit is required for concealed carry of hand guns (NHRS XII § 159:6). New Hampshire is a "shall issue" state for residents and non-residents who are 18 years or older, and is one of the few states that will issue to non-citizens living outside of the United States. Permitless carry took effect on February 22, 2017.

Similarly, no permit is required for open carry of either long guns or hand guns (NHRS XII § 159:6, NHRS XVIII § 207:7). However, it's important to note that carrying loaded long guns in motor vehicles is prohibited.

Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Law

New Hampshire has a Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground law (NHRS LXII § 627). This law allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves in their homes, vehicles, or any other place they have a legal right to be, without a duty to retreat.

State Preemption of Local Restrictions

New Hampshire law (NHRS XII § 159:26) preempts local restrictions on firearms. This means that local governments cannot create their own laws or regulations that restrict the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, permitting, taxation, or other matters pertaining to firearms, firearms components, ammunition, or firearms supplies in the state.

NFA Weapons and Peaceable Journey Laws

New Hampshire does not restrict NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons, which include machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and suppressors. However, federal laws and regulations still apply. The state also does not have peaceable journey laws, which are laws that protect travelers passing through the state with firearms.

Background Checks for Private Sales

Finally, New Hampshire does not require background checks for private gun sales. This means that individuals can sell firearms to each other without needing to conduct a background check on the buyer.

In conclusion, New Hampshire's gun laws are relatively permissive, with few restrictions on firearm ownership and use. However, it's important for all gun owners and users to understand these laws and to use firearms responsibly and safely.