Quick Answer: Rhode Island issues concealed carry permits through two tracks. Your local police chief must issue a permit under RIGL 11-47-11 to a suitable applicant who is 21 or older, completes the statutory pistol qualification, and shows a proper reason for carrying. The Attorney General may issue a permit under RIGL 11-47-18 on a proper showing of need. Both tracks use a $40 fee and a four-year term. There is no permitless carry in Rhode Island.
Who can apply?
The local track under RIGL 11-47-11[1] is open to any person 21 or older who has a bona fide residence or place of business in the city or town, and to any person 21 or older with a bona fide residence in the United States who holds a carry license issued by another state. The Attorney General track under RIGL 11-47-18[2] is open to any person 21 or older who can make a proper showing of need.
Which track should you use?
The local track is the mandatory one. The statute says the licensing authority shall issue the permit when the applicant meets the statutory criteria, an obligation the Rhode Island Supreme Court has enforced and the Attorney General's post-Bruen guidance confirms.[3] The Attorney General track is discretionary and requires a showing of need. Many applicants file with their local police chief for that reason. The two tracks are described in detail in our dual-track system guide.
How do you complete the qualification?
Both tracks require the shooting qualification in RIGL 11-47-15.[4] You must score 195 or better out of a possible 300 with 30 consecutive rounds at 25 yards on the army L target, fired slow fire. Certified instructors and gun clubs across the state run this course. Keep the signed qualification certificate, because it goes into your application packet.
What does the application require?
The application form is prescribed by the Attorney General and is used statewide for both tracks.[5] The standard packet requires the completed notarized form, passport-style photographs, fingerprints for the background check, character references, your qualification certificate, and proof of residence or place of business for the local track. Local departments may list additional submission instructions, so check with the licensing authority before you file.
How much does it cost and how long is it valid?
The statutory fee is $40 under RIGL 11-47-12, and a permit is valid for four years from the date of issue on either track.[6] Neither RIGL 11-47-11 nor 11-47-18 sets a statutory deadline for the licensing authority to decide an application. Renewals follow the process described in our renewal guide.
Do you need a Blue Card first?
No. The Blue Card under RIGL 11-47-35 is a purchase requirement for handguns, not a carry-permit requirement.[7] If you already hold an 11-47-11 permit, the purchase statutes exempt you from the Blue Card and the seven-day waiting period. Details are in our DEM handgun safety course guide.
What happens after you apply?
The licensing authority runs the background check and reviews suitability. On the local track the permit must issue when the statutory criteria are met. If a local authority denies your application or fails to act, the denial can be challenged in court. Our dual-track system guide covers the review standards that apply on each track.
Sources
- RIGL 11-47-11, License or permit to carry concealed pistol or revolver
- RIGL 11-47-18, License or permit issued by attorney general on showing of need
- Rhode Island Attorney General, Bruen guidance (AG 2022-01)
- RIGL 11-47-15, Proof of ability required for license or permit
- Rhode Island Attorney General, Pistol Permits (BCI)
- RIGL 11-47-12, License or permit fee
- RIGL 11-47-35, Sale of concealable weapons, safety courses and tests