New Gun Owner's Guide to Rhode Island Law

Purchasing your first firearm in Rhode Island requires compliance with several state requirements. This guide covers the process from start to finish, whether you are buying a handgun or a long gun.

Step 1: Safety Certification

If you plan to purchase a handgun and do not hold a License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (LCCW), you must first pass the Department of Environmental Management's handgun safety exam and obtain a Blue Card^[1]. The exam is a 50-question written test, free of charge, covering safe handling, operation, and storage. Applicants study independently using the "Today's Handgun Safety Basics" booklet and must score 80% (40 out of 50) to pass. Long gun purchases (rifles and shotguns) do not require a Blue Card or safety course.

Step 2: Background Check

All firearms purchases from licensed dealers require two checks^[2]. The dealer runs the federal NICS check via ATF Form 4473 and separately forwards a state application to the chief of police of the city or town where the buyer resides, or to the Rhode Island State Police if the buyer resides in Exeter or out of state. That police authority conducts the state records check under RIGL 11-47-35 and 11-47-35.2. Private sales of handguns also require a background check application filed with the local police or the state police.

Step 3: Waiting Period

Rhode Island imposes a seven-day waiting period on all handgun purchases under RIGL 11-47-35^[3]. The seven days begin when the application to purchase is filed. RIGL 11-47-35.2 imposes the same 7-day waiting period on rifles and shotguns. Holders of an LCCW issued under § 11-47-11 are exempt from the purchase-application provisions of both statutes, including the seven-day waiting period, under § 11-47-35.1 (handguns) and § 11-47-35.2(c) (rifles and shotguns). You cannot take possession of any firearm until the waiting period has expired and the background check is approved.

Step 4: Safe Storage

Rhode Island law requires that firearms be stored securely unless they are being carried by, or can be readily carried by, a lawfully authorized user who is in proximity to them (RIGL 11-47-60.1(b)). If you have a minor (under 18) in the household, safe storage requirements are particularly strict under RIGL 11-47-60.1 and the expanded provisions enacted in 2024. Firearms must be stored in a locked container or with a trigger lock or other safety device engaged. Failure to store firearms securely when minors are present can result in criminal penalties.

Additional Considerations

Rhode Island does not require a permit to purchase rifles or shotguns. There is no state firearms registry. Open carry of a handgun in public requires a permit that covers non-concealed carry, which in practice means the Attorney General permit under § 11-47-18, issued to carry "whether concealed or not." The municipal license under § 11-47-11 authorizes concealed carry only. Without any permit, you may only carry openly within your dwelling, place of business, or land you possess under § 11-47-8(a). Rhode Island has broad state preemption of firearms regulation under § 11-47-58. Control of firearms rests solely with the state "except as otherwise provided in this chapter," so municipalities cannot enact their own firearms regulations beyond the limited roles the chapter assigns them, such as issuing carry licenses under § 11-47-11. For concealed carry, you must obtain an LCCW through either your city or town licensing authority under § 11-47-11 or the Attorney General under § 11-47-18.