Nebraska is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Permits are issued at the state level by the State Patrol Department.
A handgun certificate or a concealed carry permit is required for any purchase of a handgun, even private sales.
Open carry is legal without a permit in Nebraska for anyone at least 18 years of age that is not prohibited from possessing a firearm, although it may be restricted by local governments. For open carry in a vehicle, the firearm must be clearly visible. Some areas are off-limits, including schools.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and for non-residents with a license/permit from a state Nebraska honors. On April 25, 2023, Gov. Jim Pillen (R) signed LB 77 into law, making Nebraska the 27th constitutional carry state in the U.S. The new law is now in effect. A person, other than a minor or a prohibited person, (1)(a) may carry a concealed handgun anywhere in Nebraska, with or without a permit under the Concealed Handgun Permit Act Section 69-2441
The minimum age to obtain a CHP is 21 years old. Applicants must also complete a firearms training course. Permits are restricted to residents and military personnel and their spouses stationed in Nebraska. The city of Lincoln prohibits the possession of a firearm by anyone who has been convicted of certain misdemeanors within the last 10 years, including stalking, violation of an order of protection, sexual assault and public indecency. In terms of reciprocity, Nebraska will recognize permits issued by those states which have standards equal to or greater than Nebraska.
Where can I carry with my Nebraska permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
non-resident permitting?
Yes, but only to military personnel and their spouses, who are treated as residents.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
Yes. Any place open to the public must post conspicuous notice that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited in or on the place, or make a request that the permit holder remove the concealed handgun from the place or premises.
driver's license linked to carry permit?
Yes. Your Nebraska driver’s license is linked to your Nebraska concealed handgun permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.
carry while using alcohol or a controlled substance?
Not while consuming or while the permit holder has remaining in his or her blood, urine or breath any previously consumed alcohol or any controlled substance, as defined in NRS § 28-401. A permitholder does not violate this subsection if the controlled substance in his or her blood, urine, or breath was lawfully obtained and was taken in therapeutically prescribed amounts.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
red flag law?
No. Nebraska does not have a red flag law.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Nebraska law. However, a person commits the offense of assault in the third degree if he intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person, or threatens another person in a menacing manner.
preemption?
Yes. The state has preemption over regulating firearms.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
Yes. You have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Nebraska.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
Carry Basics
minimum age for concealed carry?
You must be at least 21 years old concealed carry in Nebraska.
magazine limits for handguns?
No. Nebraska does not have magazine capacity restrictions.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. A concealed carry permit does not allow the carry of weapons other than handguns.
ammunition restrictions?
No. Nebraska does not have ammunition restrictions.
constitutional carry?
Yes. On April 25, 2023, Gov. Jim Pillen (R) signed LB 77 into law, making Nebraska the 27th constitutional carry state in the U.S.
gun permit licensure?
Nebraska is a shall issue state.
open carry permitted?
Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 18 years of age that is not prohibited from possessing a firearm.
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Nebraska imposes no restrictions on size or concentration.
TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. There are no specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in Nebraska. Batons are not classified as "dangerous weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal under Nebraska law. There are no explicit bans on possession, sale, or use.
byrna's?
Yes. These are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Nebraska law.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
handgun purchase process
To purchase, rent, lease or receive a handgun in Nebraska, whether through a licensed firearms dealer or a private transaction, you must possess a Firearm Purchase Certificate. Transfers between members of the same family are excluded from this requirement. A certificate is not required if the person acquiring a handgun is a licensed firearms dealer, is doing so on behalf of a law enforcement agency, if the purchaser possesses a valid Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit, or the transfer is temporary and the transferee remains in the immediate vicinity of the transferor or within the premises of an established shooting facility.
This certificate must be obtained through your local county sheriff’s office and is valid for 3 years from the date it is issued. It does not restrict the number of firearms a holder may purchase. A permit will be issued within 3 days. In order to apply you will need to present a valid Nebraska driver’s license or state-issued ID card and pay an application fee. The minimum age to apply for a Firearms Purchase Certificate is 21.
waiting period?
No. Nebraska does not have a waiting period after purchasing a handgun.
background checks for private gun sales?
Yes. A person acquiring a handgun must have either a handgun certificate or a concealed handgun permit and has therefore been subject to a background check.
Exceptions include transfers between a person and his or her spouse, sibling, parent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or grandparent or if the person acquiring the handgun is a holder of a Nebraska CHP.
purchase permits?
Yes. A handgun certificate or a concealed carry permit is required for the purchase of a handgun. The Lancaster County Sheriff will not issue a Nebraska permit to purchase a handgun if the applicant is a Lincoln resident and is prohibited by Lincoln Municipal Code 9.36.100 from possessing firearms.
nebraska permit exempts from background check?
Yes.
minimum age to possess and transport?
18 years old. However, this does not apply to the temporary loan of handguns for instruction under the immediate supervision of a parent or guardian or adult instructor.
possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?
Yes. A permit is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a concealed weapon if the circumstances justify a prudent person in carrying the weapon for he defense of his or her person, property, or family.
handgun registration?
No
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Nebraska Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
what are the knife laws in nebraska?
It is legal to open carry any type of knife in Nebraska, except for convicted felons, fugitives or person's knowingly violating a domestic violence protective order. Concealed carry of any knife having a blade longer than 3½ inches or capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing or tearing wounds is illegal.
[NRS §§ 28-1201, 28-1202 & 28-1206]
carry while gun hunting?
Yes.
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is no known statute in Nebraska making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. No person shall knowingly and intentionally interfere or attempt to interfere with another person who is not trespassing and who is lawfully hunting or trapping any game bird, game animal, fur-bearing animal, or other wild mammal or bird or engaged in activity associated with hunting, trapping or fishing. Activity associated with hunting, trapping, or fishing shall mean travel, camping, or other acts that are preparatory to or in conjunction with hunting, trapping, or fishing on lands or waters upon which hunting, trapping, or fishing may lawfully occur and that are done by a hunter, a trapper, or an angler or by a member of a hunting, trapping, or fishing party.
carry while bow hunting?
No. It is unlawful to hunt antelope or deer, under authority of an archery permit while in possession of, or having under control, any firearm, or to hunt antelope or deer under authority of a muzzleloader permit while in possession of, or having under control, any breech-loading firearm, except that this shall not prohibit carrying a firearm within the enclosed portion of a vehicle.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Nebraska.
Name/Address Changes:
Permit holders who change name or address are required to notify the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Concealed Handgun Permit Program within 30 days of the change in name or address using the application form prescribed by the Nebraska State Patrol. The application form should be accompanied with a copy of the applicant’s updated Nebraska driver’s license and current concealed handgun permit. A change of name or address request can also be completed online.
A permit holder moving to another state shall return the permit to the NSP Concealed Handgun Permit Program for cancellation. The permit is not valid if the permit holder is no longer a resident of Nebraska.
Fees:
Initial Permit $100
Renewals $50 (plus $4.50 for online renewals)
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Nebraska and their spouses. The process is the same as for residents.
Valid For:
5 years
Lost/Stolen Permits:
You must notify NSP within 10 days and request a replacement permit. The request can be made online. You must not carry a concealed handgun until the permit is replaced, as the law requires you to have the permit in your possession at any time you carry a concealed handgun.
Processing Time:
5 days
Application:
Residency Changes:
Moving to Nebraska and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Nebraska issues permits to residents and members of the military stationed in Nebraska and their spouses only. You can apply for your permit once you have been a resident of Nebraska for 180 days or if you are a new resident to Nebraska with a permit from a state that is recognized by Nebraska.
Moving from Nebraska and have a Nebraska resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Nebraska permit remains valid?If a person with a Nebraska pistol permit establishes residency in another state, the pistol permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
Step 1:
If you don’t have a driver's license, download the vision statement form from the State Patrol website, schedule a vision test and provide the form for completion by your optometrist or opthamologist. A driver’s license proves your vision was tested and passed.
Step 2:
Complete a firearms training course.
Step 3:
Download the application or pick one up from State Patrol headquarters. Complete the form and have it notarized.
Step 4:
Take the notarized application to your nearest State Patrol headquarters along with the following:
You will be fingerprinted and your signature and photo taken.
Step 5:
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
Nebraska law allows a concealed handgun permit holder to carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle even in the parking area of a location where concealed handgun possession is generally prohibited. The only requirement is that, prior to exiting the vehicle, the permit holder must lock the handgun inside the glove box, trunk or other compartment of the vehicle, or a storage box securely attached to the vehicle.
carry/possess at a hotel?
Any private business may prohibit a permitholder from carrying a concealed handgun into or onto the place or premises. The property must be posted with conspicuous notice that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited or a request made that the permitholder remove the concealed handgun from the place or premises. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol with a Nebraska concealed carry permit or a permit/license from a state that Nebraska honors, unless posted and provided you consume no alcohol. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes, with a Nebraska Concealed handgun permit or a license/permit from a state Nebraska honors.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes, with a Nebraska Concealed handgun permit or a license/permit from a state Nebraska honors, unless posted. The new permitless carry law does not address state/national parks.
tribal land
Omaha Tribe - No
Ponca Tribe - yes, with a valid permit from any state. Sec. 1-8-3
Winnebago Tribe - No
carry in vehicle?
Yes, you can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle without a permit if it is in plain sight. Based on the Governor's signing of LB 236, as of August 26, 2021, a person without a permit who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm will be able to transport a firearm to, or from, any location where it can be lawfully possessed, carried, and used, provided it is unloaded, kept separate from ammunition and stored in a case.
Use of Force for Protection of Property
The use of force is justifiable when the actor believes that such force is immediately necessary:
Use of Force for Protection of Other Persons
The use of force is justifiable to protect a third person when:
A person is not required to retreat before using force in the protection of another person against the use of unlawful force unless one knows that he can thereby secure the complete safety of such other person. However, there is no duty to retreat when in the other’s dwelling or place of work.
In addition § NRS 28-1413 refers to the use of force by persons with special responsibility for care, discipline or safety of others.
Use of Force in Self-Protection
The use of force upon or toward another person is justifiable:
The use of deadly force is not justifiable if:
Self-Defense
Nebraska is a Castle Doctrine state. There is no duty to retreat while in a person’s dwelling or workplace. Present law requires citizens, if outside their homes, vehicles or outbuildings, to retreat before protecting themselves or family against violent intruders.
Nebraska Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-08
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basic Section.
2024-12-26
Added tribal law information under Carry Location section.
2023-09-10
Updated to reflect Constitutionl Carry law
2021-05-27
Per LB 236, updated info on vehicle carry in At A Glance table
2021-05-27
Per LB 236, updated info on permit renewals in Permit Renewal section
2021-05-18
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
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