Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-47-35[1] requires any person who wishes to purchase a handgun to first demonstrate competency in handgun safety. For individuals who do not hold a License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (LCCW), this means passing the Department of Environmental Management's handgun safety exam.
Exam Overview
The DEM Handgun Safety Exam is a 50-question written test administered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management[2]. The exam covers safe handling practices, basic firearms operation, Rhode Island firearms laws relevant to handgun ownership, and storage requirements. There is no classroom component and no live-fire component. Applicants study independently using the "Today's Handgun Safety Basics" booklet provided by DEM. A passing score of 80% (40 out of 50 questions) is required. The exam is offered at multiple locations throughout the state on a regular schedule. There is no fee charged by DEM for the exam itself.
The Blue Card
Upon passing the exam, the applicant receives a handgun safety certificate commonly referred to as a "Blue Card." The Blue Card serves as proof that the holder has passed the required safety exam. It is not a license or permit. It does not authorize the holder to carry a handgun. Its sole purpose is to satisfy the prerequisite for purchasing a handgun from a licensed dealer or through a private transfer. The Blue Card does not expire.
Who Needs a Blue Card
A Blue Card is required for any handgun purchase by a person who does not hold a valid LCCW. Holders of an active LCCW are exempt from the Blue Card requirement because the concealed carry licensing process includes its own qualification standards. Active and retired law enforcement officers are also exempt. The applicant must still pass a background check at the time of each purchase.
Relationship to the Purchase Process
When purchasing a handgun from a licensed dealer, the buyer must present either a valid LCCW or a Blue Card. The dealer then initiates the required background check through the RI State Police. A seven-day waiting period applies to handgun purchases under § 11-47-35. LCCW holders are exempt from this waiting period under § 11-47-35.1[3].
See also: New Gun Owners Guide to Rhode Island Law