Nebraska carry status overview
Nebraska is a permitless carry state. LB 77, effective September 2023 allows any person 21 years of age or older who is legally eligible to possess a firearm to carry concealed without a license. Open carry is broadly permitted. The Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) remains available for residents who travel to other states requiring reciprocity.
| Permitless carry | Yes — effective 2023 |
| Governing law | Nebraska Revised Statutes § 69-2427 |
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Open carry | Yes — broadly permitted |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed without permit |
| Permit available | Yes — Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) |
Nobody agrees which day Nebraska went permitless
LB 77 was signed by Governor Pillen in April 2023. Published sources give the effective date as 2 September, 4 September and 10 September 2023. This page asserted the 10th until September 2026, on no better basis than the others.
The confusion has a cause. Nebraska bills without an emergency clause take effect three calendar months after the legislature adjourns sine die, so the date is computed rather than written into the bill — and different sources compute it differently. We publish September 2023 and decline to assert a day we cannot verify. If the exact day matters to you, the Nebraska Legislature’s bill record is the place to settle it.
LB 77 also preempted local firearm ordinances, overriding handgun registration schemes that Omaha and Lincoln had maintained for years. And note that tribal lands are governed separately — rules differ between tribes and are not covered by state permitless carry.
Carry permit for reciprocity
The Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is available from the state's issuing agency. Even though no permit is required to carry in Nebraska, obtaining a permit is recommended for residents who regularly travel to other states, as it provides reciprocity privileges in 30–38+ states.
Apply at: statepatrol.nebraska.gov ↗
Key prohibited locations
- K–12 school buildings and grounds
- Courthouses and government buildings
- Law enforcement and correctional facilities
- Secure areas of airports
- Locations prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
Verify the complete list of prohibited locations in Nebraska's official statutes at nebraskalegislature.gov.
Frequently asked questions — Nebraska
Does Nebraska require a permit to carry concealed?
No. Nebraska allows any person 21+ who is legally eligible to possess a firearm to carry concealed without a permit. The Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) remains available for out-of-state reciprocity.
Is a permit worth getting in Nebraska?
Yes, if you travel. The Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is honored in 30+ other states for reciprocity. Apply at statepatrol.nebraska.gov.
Does Nebraska honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Nebraska recognizes valid carry licenses from other states. Additionally, as a permitless carry state, any eligible person 21+ may carry without any permit in Nebraska.