Non-Resident Guide to Rhode Island Firearms Laws

Rhode Island does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state. If you are visiting Rhode Island or passing through with a firearm, you must understand the specific rules that apply to non-residents. This guide covers what you need to know before crossing the state line.

Entering Rhode Island with Firearms

RIGL 11-47-10^[1] provides a narrow transport exemption that applies to residents and non-residents alike. It allows a person to carry or transport a pistol or revolver without a license only between their home or place of business and a bona fide target practice range, to engage in a shoot meet or practice. The handgun must be unloaded, and it must either be broken down and carried as openly as circumstances permit or be secured in a separate container suitable for the purpose. The exemption does not cover firearms expositions or other destinations beyond a bona fide target practice range, and it does not authorize carrying a loaded firearm in public. A person holding a valid carry permit from another state may transport a handgun through Rhode Island under the transient provision of RIGL 11-47-8(a), provided they are merely passing through without intent to remain in the state. Federal law also provides a separate transport safe harbor described below.

Long Guns: No Permit Required

Rhode Island does not require a permit to possess or transport rifles and shotguns. Non-residents may bring long guns into the state for hunting, target shooting, or other lawful purposes without any Rhode Island-issued permit. The firearm should be unloaded during vehicle transport, and ammunition should be stored separately or in a manner that prevents ready access. While no specific permit is needed, all other Rhode Island firearms laws apply, including prohibited places restrictions and safe storage requirements when the firearm is unattended in a vehicle.

Handguns: The Attorney General LCCW

Non-residents who wish to carry a concealed handgun in Rhode Island must obtain an LCCW through the Attorney General under RIGL 11-47-18^[2]. The local track under RIGL 11-47-11 is available to applicants with a bona fide residence or place of business within the issuing city or town, and to any person age 21 or over with a bona fide residence within the United States who holds a concealed carry license or permit issued by another state or subdivision of the United States. The AG track is may-issue, meaning the Attorney General has discretion to approve or deny applications. Applicants must demonstrate a proper showing of need, complete the firearms qualification, and pass a background check. Processing times for AG permits tend to be longer than the local track. Without an LCCW, a non-resident may not carry a loaded handgun on their person or in a vehicle in Rhode Island.

FOPA Protections for Interstate Travel

The interstate transport protection enacted as part of the federal Firearms Owners' Protection Act of 1986 (FOPA) and codified at 18 U.S.C. 926A^[3] provides a safe harbor for persons transporting firearms through any state, including Rhode Island, when traveling between two locations where possession is lawful. To qualify for FOPA protection:

You must be legally permitted to possess the firearm at both your origin and destination
The firearm must be unloaded
The firearm and ammunition must not be readily accessible from the passenger compartment
In vehicles without a separate trunk, the firearm must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or center console

FOPA protects transit through Rhode Island. It does not authorize extended stops, overnight stays, or recreational activities in the state. If you stop for fuel or an emergency, FOPA still applies. If you stop for dinner and sightseeing, you may lose the protection.

What Visitors Need to Know

Even if you are simply transporting an unloaded firearm under RIGL 11-47-10 or FOPA, you must comply with all Rhode Island prohibitions on where firearms may be brought. Rhode Island prohibits firearms in several locations regardless of permit status, including school grounds under RIGL 11-47-60^[4], state buildings, courthouses, and other restricted areas. Federal prohibitions on firearms in post offices, federal courthouses, and airport secure areas also apply in Rhode Island.

Carrying a firearm while intoxicated is prohibited under RIGL 11-47-52^[5] and applies to all persons, not just Rhode Island residents. If you are visiting and consuming alcohol, your firearm must be unloaded and securely stored.

No Reciprocity

Rhode Island does not have concealed carry reciprocity agreements with any state. Your home state's concealed carry permit does not authorize carry in Rhode Island. This is true even for states that unilaterally recognize Rhode Island permits. An out-of-state permit still has two limited uses under Rhode Island law. It qualifies a U.S. resident to apply for a local permit under RIGL 11-47-11, and the transient provision of RIGL 11-47-8(a) allows a person holding a valid out-of-state permit to transport a handgun through the state while merely passing through with no intent to remain. Beyond those provisions, the only way to legally carry a concealed handgun in the state is to obtain a Rhode Island LCCW through either the local or AG track.

Practical Steps for Non-Residents

Transporting through: Follow FOPA requirements. Unload the firearm, lock it in a container in the trunk or cargo area, store ammunition separately, and do not make extended stops.
Visiting for a shoot meet or practice at a target range: The RIGL 11-47-10 exemption covers transport of a handgun between your home or place of business and a bona fide target practice range. Keep the handgun unloaded, and either broken down and carried as openly as circumstances permit or secured in a separate container suitable for the purpose.
Planning an extended stay: Apply for an AG LCCW well in advance. Without one, you may only transport an unloaded handgun under the specific exemptions above.
Bringing long guns for hunting: No permit is required. Carry your valid hunting license and keep the firearm unloaded during vehicle transport.