Nevada firearms laws govern how residents and visitors may purchase, possess, carry, and use firearms within the state. This guide covers the most important aspects of Nevada gun laws as of 2026, including purchase requirements, carry permits, waiting periods, and self-defense statutes. Always consult official state statutes and legal counsel for binding legal guidance.
Permit to purchase: No permit required. Nevada does not require a separate state-level permit to purchase firearms beyond the standard federal requirements. Buyers must be at least 21 years old for handguns and 18 years old for long guns (rifles and shotguns). All purchases through licensed FFL dealers require a federal NICS background check.
Background checks: State point-of-sale background check (since 2020). When you purchase a firearm on WeaponDepot, it ships to your chosen FFL dealer in Nevada who handles all required paperwork and background check processing.
Waiting period: No waiting period.
Open carry: Legal without a permit.
Concealed carry: CCW permit required. Nevada operates under a permit-based carry system. Residents must apply for and obtain a concealed carry permit before legally carrying a concealed firearm in Nevada. Check local requirements for application procedures, fees, and training requirements.
Universal background checks, bump stock ban, no magazine limits. Federal restrictions on NFA items (short-barreled rifles, suppressors, machine guns) still apply and require ATF approval through the appropriate tax stamp process.
Nevada follows the Stand Your Ground law, which means individuals have no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense when they are in a place they have a legal right to be. The state also provides Castle Doctrine protections, protecting individuals who use force against intruders in their home, vehicle, or place of business.
Nevada has enacted a red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order). This law allows law enforcement or family members to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. Additionally, Nevada has state preemption, meaning local municipalities cannot enact firearms laws stricter than state law.
When you purchase a firearm on WeaponDepot, it ships directly to a licensed FFL dealer in Nevada. At the dealer, you complete ATF Form 4473 and undergo the required background check. FFL transfer fees in Nevada typically range from $15 to $75 per firearm. Use our FFL dealer directory for Nevada to compare fees and find the best dealer near you.