New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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. New Hampshire does not require a separate state-level permit to purchase firearms beyond the standard federal requirements. Buyers must be at least 18 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: NICS through FFL. When you purchase a firearm on WeaponDepot, it ships to your chosen FFL dealer in New Hampshire who handles all required paperwork and background check processing.
Waiting period: No waiting period.
Open carry: Legal without a permit.
Concealed carry: Permitless carry (constitutional carry since 2017). New Hampshire operates under constitutional carry. As a constitutional carry state, New Hampshire allows eligible residents to carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a government-issued permit. However, optional permits remain available for reciprocity with other states.
No assault weapons ban or 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.
New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire has not enacted a red flag law. There are currently no provisions for courts to issue Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Additionally, New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. At the dealer, you complete ATF Form 4473 and undergo the required background check. FFL transfer fees in New Hampshire typically range from $15 to $75 per firearm. Use our FFL dealer directory for New Hampshire to compare fees and find the best dealer near you.