How to Get a Permit to Carry a Concealed Weapon in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a restrictive "shall issue" state. A carry and conceal weapon (CCW) permit may be issued to someone who qualifies and sufficiently justifies the need. In practice, however, few permits are issued and many police chiefs don't accept applications. The issuing authority is the local chief of police or the state attorney general. The following steps apply to the Attorney General. Chiefs of police use their own procedures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Be 21 years old and a resident of Rhode Island.
2. Justify your need for a CCW permit to your issuing authority. The attorney general is more likely than a police chief to approve a request.
3. Qualify on the firing range with a score of 195 or better. You must shoot an Army L target 30 times in 30 minutes from 75 feet. The test must be supervised by an NRA-certified instructor.
4. Obtain an application form from your issuing authority. Complete the form and have it notarized and signed by your local police chief.
5. Submit the application form, two photos, your firearms certification, two notarized forms of identification and a fingerprint card. You will need to provide a letter from your employer if your need is employment-based. Retired police officers can show a letter from their chief of police. Otherwise, you must write your own letter explaining why you need a CCW permit. If you are a non-resident, you will also need a copy of your CCW permit in your home state.
6. Pay the permit fee when you receive your permit. You may also be charged a fingerprinting fee. The permit is good for four years.