Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-47-12[1] is the license fee statute, and it also fixes the term of every license or permit at four years from the date of issue unless sooner revoked. The Attorney General requires first-time and renewal applicants to supply all requested application information, with different reference and fingerprint requirements for renewals. After four years the holder must apply again to maintain carry privileges.
Renewal Timeline and Fee
The fee is $40 for each license or permit, as established by Section 11-47-12. Holders should begin the renewal process well in advance of their expiration date to ensure continuous coverage. There is no statutory grace period for expired permits. Carrying a concealed pistol or revolver with an expired LCCW is treated the same as carrying without a permit.
Requalification Requirement
Section 11-47-15[2] requires certification of qualification before any license or permit to carry may be issued. Section 11-47-15 requires, before any license or permit is issued, qualification with a pistol or revolver of a caliber equal to or larger than the one the applicant intends to carry, by firing a score of 195 or better out of a possible 300 with thirty consecutive rounds at 25 yards on the Army "L" target, firing slow fire, so a renewed license requires the same qualification. For an AG renewal, proof of qualification before a certified weapons instructor must be provided. For an AG renewal, qualification scores more than one year old are not accepted.
Dual-Track Renewal
A renewal uses the same two tracks as an original license or permit. Under Section 11-47-11, the licensing authorities of a city or town issue licenses to applicants twenty-one or over with a bona fide residence or place of business in that city or town, or with a bona fide residence in the United States and a concealed carry license from another state. If the LCCW was issued by the Attorney General, the renewal is processed through the AG's office[3]. For AG renewals, the Attorney General checks the applicant's background against state, local and federal law enforcement databases and will not issue a permit to anyone prohibited from possessing or carrying a firearm under state or federal law or a court order.
Consequences of Lapsed Permits
If an LCCW expires and the holder continues to carry concealed, they are subject to the same criminal penalties as any person carrying without a permit. Under Section 11-47-8(a), carrying a pistol or revolver without a license or permit is punishable by imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than ten years, or a fine of up to $10,000, or both. There is no automatic renewal or extension. For an AG permit expired for three or more years, the renewal applicant must submit reference letters and fingerprints.