Nevada sits in the middle of the pack on gun laws. Open carry has been legal since statehood, there is no magazine limit and no assault weapons ban, and concealed permits are shall-issue. At the same time, the state now requires background checks on most private sales and bans unserialized firearms.
At a glance
| Topic | Nevada rule |
|---|---|
| Open carry | Legal without a permit |
| Concealed carry | Concealed Firearm Permit required |
| Permit type | Shall-issue, through the county sheriff |
| Permit age | 21, with exceptions for military |
| Permitless concealed carry | No |
| Private sales | Background check through a licensed dealer |
| Magazine limits | None |
| Assault weapons ban | None |
| Unserialized firearms | Prohibited |
| Red flag law | Yes, since 2020 |
| Stand Your Ground | Yes, no duty to retreat |
Open carry
Nevada is an open carry state. Adults who can legally possess a firearm may carry openly without a permit. Open carry in a vehicle is allowed as long as the handgun is not concealed on your person. A jacket or shirt covering the gun turns open carry into concealed carry, which needs a permit.
Concealed Firearm Permit
Residents apply to the sheriff of their county of residence. The process includes a state-approved training course, fingerprints and a background check. Nevada issues permits to non-residents as well, and recognizes permits from a list of states that the Department of Public Safety updates each year. Check the current recognition list before carrying on an out-of-state permit.
Learn more about carry gear at Holster Buyers Guide.com and Pistol Buyers Guide.com.
Private sales and background checks
Since January 2020, most private transfers in Nevada go through a licensed dealer for a background check, with exceptions for close family members and a few other situations. This applies at gun shows too.
NFA items and suppressors
Suppressors, short-barreled rifles and machine guns are legal in Nevada when owned in compliance with federal law. That is why Las Vegas is famous for full auto rental ranges. See Suppressor Buyers Guide.com and NFA Buyers Guide.com for the federal process.
Where you cannot carry
Federal buildings, airports past security, and other places restricted by federal law are off limits. Nevada also restricts carry in places such as schools and child care facilities without written permission, and in public buildings that post a prohibition. Private businesses, including many casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, set their own policies.
Questions?
Have a Nevada gun law question? Ask it at Ask Gun Questions.com.