Nevada is a shall-issue state with concealed carry permits issued at the county level.
No permit or firearms registration is required when buying a handgun from a private individual in Nevada. However, as of January 2, 2020, all sales are required to be conducted through a licensed federal firearms dealer with a background check. There are exceptions for some temporary transfers and sales or transfers of firearms between immediate family members.
Open carry is legal in Nevada without a permit. Anyone 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may openly carry virtually anywhere in the state. For open carry in a vehicle, the firearm may be anywhere except concealed upon the person without a concealed firearms permit. Open carry is actually legal in more places than concealed carry is. Signs on public buildings only prohibit concealed carry. Areas that are off-limits include school premises, including parking lots and wherever legislature is conducting business.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Nevada Firearm permit and for non-residents with a license/permit from a state Nevada honors. To apply for a Concealed Firearm Permit, a person must be 21 (18 for military), complete an approved course in firearm safety and demonstrate competence (qualify) with any handgun. Both residents and non-residents can obtain permits. Some areas are off-limits, such as school premises, including parking lots, and inside public airports. In terms of reciprocity, Nevada recognizes permits from states that meet specific criteria and maintains the list on its website.
Where can I carry with my Nevada permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
preemption?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Nevada, except local authorities may:
driver's license linked to carry permit?
Yes. Your Nevada driver’s license is linked to your Nevada concealed firearm 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.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Nevada. However, both the permit and proper identification must be presented if requested by a peace officer.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Nevada law. However, a person who willfully aims any gun, pistol, revolver or other firearm, whether loaded or not, at or toward any human being is guilty of a crime.
A person having, carrying or procuring from another person any dirk, dirk-knife, sword, sword cane, pistol, gun or other deadly weapon, who, in the presence of two or more persons, draws or exhibits any of such deadly weapons in a rude, angry or threatening manner not in necessary self-defense, or who in any manner unlawfully uses that weapon in any fight or quarrel, is guilty of a crime.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
No. "No Weapons" signs are not enforced in Nevada.
red flag law?
Yes, Nevada has a red flag law. The law authorizes a family or household member or a law enforcement officer to file a verified application to obtain an ex parte or extended order against a person who poses a risk of causing personal injury to himself or herself or another person. This prevents a person from possessing or having under his or her custody or control, or from purchasing or otherwise acquiring any firearm.
carry while using alcohol or drugs?
Not while under the influence of alcohol (BAC of 0.08 or greater), any controlled substance, or under the combined influence of intoxicating liquor and a controlled substance. In addition, it is illegal to inhale, ingest, apply or otherwise use any chemical, poison or organic solvent, or any compound or combination of any of these, to a degree which renders you incapable of safely exercising actual physical control of a firearm. This prohibition does not apply to the actual physical possession of a firearm by a person who was within the person’s personal residence and had the firearm in his or her possession solely for self-defense.
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.
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Non-resident permits are issued to anyone who qualifies.
Carry Basics
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. A Nevada concealed carry permit does not allow the carry of weapons other than handguns.
minimum age for concealed carry?
You must be at least 21 years old (18 for military) to get a concealed carry permit in Nevada.
ammunition restrictions?
Yes. The manufacture or sale of metal-penetrating bullets are prohibited.
constitutional carry?
No. Nevada does not allow constitutional carry.
magazine limits for handguns?
No. Nevada does not have magazine capacity restrictions.
gun permit licensure?
Nevada is a shall-issue state.
open carry permitted?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry.
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for civillian use without a permit. Nevada imposes no restrictions on size or concentration, making it readily available for personal protection. Pepper spray is prohibited on school grounds and certain public properties.
TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to similar restrictions as pepper spray.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. Misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are illegal to carry in Nevada. Collapsible batons, billy clubs, blackjacks, and similar weapons are classified as "dangerous weapons" under NRS 202.350.
NUNCHUCKS - these and items such as throwing stars are also prohibited.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Illegal under Nevada law. Brass knuckles are prohibited for manufacture, sale, possession, or use.
byrna's?
Yes, these are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Nevada law.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
background checks for private gun sales? exceptions?
Yes. As of January 2, 2020, sales are required to be conducted through a licensed federal firearms dealer with a background check. There are exceptions including:
possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?
No. You cannot carry concealed without a permit at home or on your own private property. Concealed carry requires a permit anywhere in the state.
nevada permit exempts from background check?
yes, for all permits issued after July 1st, 2011.
waiting period?
No. Nevada does not have a waiting period.
handgun registration?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Nevada.
purchase permits?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Nevada.
minimum age to possess and transport?
The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Nevada is 18 years old.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Nevada Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
what are the knife laws in nevada?
Under Nevada law, it is legal to own any type of knife. It is legal to open or concealed carry any type of knife, except that it is illegal to concealed carry a machete or any instrument which could be considered a dangerous or deadly weapon. Dirks, daggers and switchblades may not be possessed on school property. Municipalities may have additional restrictions. For example, Clark County doesn't allow concealed carry of any knife with a blade of 3 inches or more without written permission from the sheriff.
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is no known statute in Nevada making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. City and county Sheriff's and district attorneys have indicated that anyone with a valid concealed weapon permit can carry a can do so while abiding by Nevada’s face covering mandate.
can i carry at a casino?
Casinos are private property and are likely posted with no firearms signs. You could be asked to disarm or leave the property if your firearm was observed. Failure to do so would be considered a trespass violation.
carry while bow hunting?
Yes. A person who is hunting during any period of an open season during which hunting is restricted to the use of only archery equipment or a muzzle-loading firearm may carry for self-defense a handgun that has a barrel length of less than 8 inches; and does not have a telescopic sight. The handgun may not be used to hunt any wildlife.
carry while gun hunting?
Yes.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. It is unlawful for a person, or a group of people acting together, to intentionally interfere with another person who is lawfully hunting or trapping.
Processing Time:
120 days
Application:
(Check online for your county.)
Link to application for Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept
Requirements:
An applicant must:
In addition, the sheriff may deny an application or revoke a permit if he or she receives a “sworn affidavit stating articulable facts based upon personal knowledge” from any person 18 years of age or older that the applicant or permittee is prohibited from possessing a permit.
*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 Nevada.
Residency Changes:
Moving to Nevada and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Nevada issues resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. If you move to Nevada with a reciprocal out-of-state CCW permit, you may use that permit for only the first 60 days of living in-state. Afterward, you need to get a new CCW permit issued from your local sheriff's office.
Moving from Nevada and have a Nevada resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Nevada permit remains valid?If a person with a Nevada concealed weapon permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided you submit the above referenced name/address change form.
Valid For:
5 years
Fees:
Initial Permit ~$96, varies by county
Renewals $63
Lost/Stolen Permits:
You will need to go to the issuing office and file an affidavit that your permit was lost or stolen. A replacement fee of $15 will be charged.
Name/Address Changes:
For name changes, you must present yourself in person at the LVMPD Records and Fingerprint Bureau, provide proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court document) and pay the fee. A new photo will be taken, along with a signature with your new name.
For changes of address, you must notify the sheriff who issued your permit in writing within 30 days of the permanent address change by printing and completing the CCW Change of Address form. A permittee who fails to notify the sheriff pursuant to the provisions of this section is subject to a civil penalty of $25. There is no fee for an address change; however you will not get a new permit issued nor will you receive any type of sticker with the updated address. If you would like to obtain a new permit that reflects the new address, there is a $15 fee.
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:
Non-resident permits are issued to anyone who qualifies. However, you must apply in person at the issuing office. The process is the same as for residents.
Step 1:
Take a concealed firearms qualification course from a certified firearms instructor. Training must include a live fire component.
Step 2:
Download an application or pick one up from your county sheriff’s office. Clark County residents or out-of-state residents who received firearms training in Clark County may apply for a permit using this online portal.
Step 3:
Take the (unsigned) completed application to the law enforcement office with the following:
You will be required to sign the application in front of a witness at the station.
You will be fingerprinted and photographed.
Step 4:
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes, with a Nevada Firearm permit or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Nevada state law.
tribal land
Southern Ute Tribe - Only with the explicit permission from the tribal authority.
Ely Shoshone- Nothing in statutes. Reach out to tribal authority for permission.
Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribes of Fort McDermitt- No
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes, with a Nevada Firearm permit or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Nevada.
carry in vehicle?
Yes, with a Nevada Firearm permit or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors. Without a permit, a handgun may not be concealed on your person. It must either be entirely visible or in a concealed place away from your person. In addition, although this ordinance conflicts with Nevada state law, North Las Vegas city ordinance 9.32.080 prohibits the carrying of dangerous and deadly weapons in vehicles unless carried in good faith for the purpose of “honest work, trade or business, or for the purpose of legitimate sport or recreation.”
carry/possess at a hotel?
Nevada statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and 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?
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a Nevada Firearm permit or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors, unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence.
Resistance by Party About to Be Injured
Resistance sufficient to prevent the offense may be made by the party about to be injured:
Resistance by Other Persons
Any other person, in aid or defense of a person about to be injured, may make resistance sufficient to prevent the offense.
Self-Defense
Nevada is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. There is no duty to retreat inside one’s home or place of work. In Nevada, the use of force for self-defense must meet certain criteria. The force used must be immediately necessary, must be in good faith and must be a reasonable response to the aggressor’s actions.
Immunity from Civil Liability
Justifiable Homicide
Homicide is justified in necessary self-defense or in defense of an occupied habitation, an occupied motor vehicle or a person against one who manifestly intends or endeavors to commit a crime of violence, or against any person or persons who manifestly intend and endeavor, in a violent, riotous, tumultuous or surreptitious manner, to enter the occupied habitation or occupied motor vehicle of another for the purpose of assaulting or offering personal violence to any person dwelling or being within.
This only applies if the person is not the original aggressor, has a right to be present at the location where deadly force is used and is not actively engaged in a criminal activity.
“Crime of violence” means any felony for which there is a substantial risk that force or violence may be used against the person or property of another in the commission of the felony.
“Motor vehicle” means every vehicle which is self-propelled.
“Residence” means any house, room, apartment, tenement or other building, vehicle, vehicle trailer, semitrailer, house trailer or boat designed or intended for occupancy as a residence.
Nevada Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-08
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-12-26
Added tribal land information to Carry Locations section
2021-05-18
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
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