Nevada does not require a permit to purchase, possess, or own firearms. However, it does require a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Article I, Section II, paragraph I of the Nevada Constitution guarantees some rights to own and use guns: “Every citizen has the right to keep and bear arms for security and defense, for lawful hunting and recreational use and for other lawful purposes.”
Like all states, Nevada also places limitations on the right to own, possess, carry, and use guns. For example, felons cannot own guns, it is illegal to possess firearms while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is illegal to possess a machine gun, and if you are under 18 years old, you must have supervision of a parent, guardian, or licensed instructor to possess a gun.
Requirements at a Glance:
| Permit | Registration | License | Age | |
| Shot Guns | None required | None required | None required | 18 |
| Rifles | None required | None required | None required | 18 |
| Hand Guns | To Carry | None required | None required | 21 |
Concealed Carry – Permit Required
Nevada requires a Concealed Firearms Permit to carry a concealed weapon. However, Nevada is a “shall issue” state, which means that the Sheriff must issue permits to those who qualify.
Qualifications for a Concealed Firearms Permit:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must have completed an approved firearms safety course
- You must NOT:
- Have been judicially declared incompetent or insane
- Have been voluntarily or involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility during the immediately preceding 5 years.
- Have any outstanding warrants for your arrest
- Be on parole
- Habitually use intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance
- Have been convicted of a DUI or ordered a substance abuse treatment program in the past five years.
- Have been convicted violent misdemeanor in the in the past 3 years
- Have been convicted of a felony
- Have been convicted of a crime or subject to a restraining order involving domestic violence
- Have made a false statement on any application for a permit or for the renewal of a permit.
If you qualify for and receive a permit, you must carry it with you whenever you carry your concealed weapon. And even with a permit, you may never carry a concealed weapon into a law enforcement agency, prison or jail, courthouse, school, or any government owned building.
Possession Crimes & Penalties
While Navada does makes it relatively easy acquire and possess a gun, the penalties are severe for disobeying the laws that limit possession.
Examples of Possession Penalties:
| Crime | Penalty |
| Possession a gun while under the influence | Misdemeanor |
| Aiding a minor in illegally posessing a gun | Misdemeanor; subsequent offenses: felony |
| Possession of a machine gun | Felony |
| Possession of a firearm with an altered serial number | Felony |
Selling Crimes & Penalties
Penalties for illegal selling are severe and usually result in prison time and fines.
Examples of Selling Penalties:
| Crime | Penalty |
| Selling a concealed weapon to a minor | 1-6 years years in prison, up to $5,000 fine. |
| Selling a machine gun | 1-5 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine. |
| Selling a firearm to a felon | 1-10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine. |
Help With Gun Charges
To learn more about your state's gun laws, read the WEAPONS section of the Nevada Revised Statutes, starting at N.R.S 202.253.
If you face gun charges in Nevada or anywhere else, seek the advice of an attorney.
