Rhode Island has significant carry restrictions, and the legal landscape has shifted substantially since the 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. New legislation, court rulings, and injunctions continue to affect what is currently enforceable. This page provides a general overview only — verify the current status of any specific provision with Attorney General or local city/town licensing authority or a licensed Rhode Island attorney before relying on it.
Rhode Island carry status overview
Rhode Island requires a License to Carry Concealed Weapons to carry a concealed handgun, issued by Attorney General or local city/town licensing authority. Rhode Island issues carry licenses through either the Attorney General's office or local city/town licensing authorities, depending on residency. Post-Bruen, revisions to the licensing standard and sensitive locations continue to develop.
| Concealed carry | License to Carry Concealed Weapons required |
| Governing law | Rhode Island General Laws § 11-47-11 |
| Issuing authority | Attorney General or local city/town licensing authority |
| Open carry | Generally prohibited |
| Vehicle carry | Strict requirements — verify current rules |
| Post-Bruen changes | Yes — significant sensitive-location and process changes since 2022 |
Applying for a permit
Apply through Attorney General or local city/town licensing authority. Be prepared for a more involved process than in most other states — additional documentation, longer processing times, and in some cases an in-person interview may be required. Training requirements are typically more extensive than in shall-issue states.
Application info: https://www.risp.ri.gov/bureaus/statepolice/licensing/ ↗
Sensitive locations (post-Bruen)
Following the 2022 Bruen decision, Rhode Island enacted expanded "sensitive location" restrictions that prohibit carry — even with a valid permit — in a substantially wider range of places than before. Categories commonly include:
- Government buildings and courts
- Schools and educational institutions (K–12 and higher ed)
- Healthcare facilities
- Public transit
- Places of worship (unless authorized)
- Bars and establishments serving alcohol
- Public parks and gathering places (varies)
- Polling places
- Private property, unless affirmatively authorized by the owner (varies by state)
These categories are illustrative — the specific list and ongoing litigation status varies. Verify the current, enforceable list directly with Attorney General or local city/town licensing authority before carrying anywhere in Rhode Island.
Frequently asked questions — Rhode Island
Is it difficult to get a carry permit in Rhode Island?
The process in Rhode Island is generally more involved than in shall-issue states — expect more documentation, training requirements, and processing time. Apply through Attorney General or local city/town licensing authority for the current specific requirements.
Has Rhode Island's carry law changed recently?
Yes, likely. Following the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision, many restrictive states including Rhode Island enacted new legislation addressing "sensitive locations" and permit processes. This area of law is actively litigated and continues to change. Always verify the current status before relying on any specific provision described here.
Does Rhode Island honor permits from other states?
Generally, Rhode Island does not broadly recognize out-of-state carry permits the way many other states do. Verify the specific current reciprocity status — if any — with Attorney General or local city/town licensing authority or the state attorney general's office before assuming your out-of-state permit is valid here.