Nevada Gun Laws
Although Nevada has passed restrictive gun legislation in recent years, the state remains somewhat permissive of firearms. The state constitution affirms the right to keep and bear arms, which has prevented any extreme restrictions from being put into law. There are very few hardware restrictions in the state, and Nevada readily issues concealed carry permits to qualifying individuals.
Nevada Gun Laws at a Glance
| Concealed Carry Premit Required | Yes |
| Open Carry Premitted | Yes |
| Waiting period before purchasing | No |
| Lost and Stolen Firearm Reporting | Not Required |
| Firearms License Required for Purchasing | No |
| Universal Background Check | Yes |
| Firearm Registration | No |
| Large Capacity Magazine Ban | No |
Firearm License Requirements
No license is required to obtain a firearm in Nevada.
Background Checks
Nevada does enforce universal background checks. Private transfers of firearms must be processed through a licensed dealer so that a background check can take place.
Gun Shows
Nevada does not regulate gun shows.
Hardware and Ammunition Restrictions
| Hardware | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Assault Weapons | Not restricted |
| 50 Caliber Rifles | Not restricted |
| Machine Guns | Prohibited |
| Large Capacity Magazines | Not restricted |
| Ammunition | Nevada prohibits metal-penetrating bullets. |
Prohibited Persons
Nevada prohibits any person from owning or possessing a firearm if that person:
- Has been convicted of a felony
- Has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in any state
- Has been convicted of stalking under Nevada law, or convicted of a similar law of any other state
- Is currently subject to an order for protection against domestic violence under Nevada law or an equivalent order in any other state
- Is a fugitive from justice
- Is an unlawful user of any controlled substance;
- Is otherwise prohibited by federal law from having a firearm in his or her possession
- Has been adjudicated mentally ill or has been committed to any mental health facility by a court in any state
- Has entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill in a court of any state
- Has been found guilty but mentally ill in a court of any state
- Has been acquitted by reason of insanity in a court of any state
- Is illegally or unlawfully present in the United States
Prohibited Places
| Location | Restrictions | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | Firearms are prohibited in any schools or colleges. | Peace officers, school security guards, and anyone with the expressed permission of the school officials may carry a firearm on school property. |
| Vehicles | Loaded rifles and loaded shotguns are prohibited while driving on public highways. | Nevada law does not mention any other type of firearm or circumstance in regards to in-vehicle carrying. |
Concealed Carry Laws
| Notify Officer | No |
| “No Gun” Signs | Not enforced |
| In-Vehicle Carry | Permitted |
| Restaurant Carry | Permitted |
| State Park Carry | Permitted |
| While Hunting | Permitted |
Obtaining a Concealed Carry License
Nevada a ‘shall issue’ state, meaning that any person will be granted a concealed carry license if they satisfy certain requirements.
| Requirements for a Concealed Carry License |
|---|
A concealed carry permit must be issued if the applicant:
Additionally, the permit may be denied if the sheriff receives a “sworn affidavit stating articulable facts based upon personal knowledge” from anyone over 18 that the applicant is prohibited from being issued a concealed carry permit. |
Concealed Carry Firearms Training
Permit applicants must demonstrate competence with handguns by presenting documentation to the sheriff showing that the applicant successfully completed a course in firearm safety. This course must be either approved by a Nevada sheriff or offered by a:
- federal, state, or local law enforcement agency
- Community college
- University
- National organization that certifies instructors in firearm safety.
- The course must include instruction in the use of handguns and Nevada’s firearm use laws.
Concealed Carry Location Restrictions
Even with a valid concealed carry license, you may not carry concealed firearms at the following locations:
- Public and private K-12 schools and the parking lots thereof
- Child care facilities
- Facilities belonging to the University of Nevada, the Community College System, or any other vocational or technical school
- Public buildings with metal detectors or signs prohibiting firearms at each public entrance (unless the permittee is actively employed at such buildings)
- Secured areas of airports
- Law enforcement agency facilities
- Prisons, jails and detention facilities
- Courthouses and courtrooms
- State legislative buildings or any other places where the legislature conducts business
- Hoover Dam
- Red Rock National Conservation area
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice or acted upon as if it is legal advice: it is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date content, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information. Gun laws can change frequently, especially at the state and local levels. Application of gun laws can be unique to an individual’s situation. We recommend that each individual consult with a competent and qualified legal professional before purchasing, transporting, or using any firearm or firearm-related product.