Summary 

• Permit required? No, New Hampshire is permitless (constitutional) carry for lawful possessors.

• Minimum age: Generally 18+ to carry (practically limited by federal age rules and lawful possession requirements).

• Duty to inform:  No general duty to proactively inform an officer you’re carrying.

• Where you can/can’t carry: Broadly allowed, but courthouse security areas and federal restricted places are common no-carry zones; schools can be heavily restricted depending on circumstances and federal rules.

• Optional license: NH still issues aPistol/Revolver License (mainly useful for reciprocity when traveling). 

New Hampshire allows permitless concealed carry for people who can legally possess a firearm. The state still offers an optional Pistol/Revolver License (PRL), which many people obtain primarily for recognition/reciprocity when traveling outside New Hampshire.

Licenses are issued through local law enforcement for residents, while non-resident PRLs are issued by the New Hampshire State Police. Statute also outlines that licenses must be processed promptly and that photos/fingerprints generally are not required unless requested by the applicant. 

For visitors: you generally don’t need a permit to carryin New Hampshire, but you should plan carefully for where you’re going (courthouses and federal facilities are common issues) and fortransport/storage in vehicles and shared spaces (hotels, friends’ homes). Use secure storage (locked container/safe) when you’re not in direct control of the firearm; and if you’re concerned about digital privacy or tracking of small electronics you’re traveling with, Faraday-protected SLNT bags can be a practical, discreet add-on for transport in vehicles or hotel rooms.

Useful Links

• New Hampshire concealed carry overview (practical summary)

• NH carry/licensing overview (practical)

• Location restrictions explainer