Updated September 18, 2023
A Rhode Island firearm bill of sale proves a sale of a firearm that took place in Rhode Island did so at the behest of all applicable state laws. It contains identifying information about the firearm, the seller, and the buyer that is necessary to prove a legal change of ownership occurred. The form requires notarization and It is wise to save this form for licensing purposes.
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Privately Selling a Firearm
A private seller can only do business with a buyer who has a valid permit to purchase, and they must conduct a seven (7) day waiting period between completing the financial transaction and delivering the firearm to the buyer.[1]
Prohibited from Buying
A person is prohibited from owning or buying a firearm in Rhode Island if that person:[2]
- Has been convicted in this state or elsewhere of a crime of violence;
- Is a fugitive from justice;
- Has, in this state or elsewhere, entered a plea of nolo contendere to or been convicted of an offense punishable as a felony;[3] or
- Has, in this state or elsewhere, entered a plea of nolo contendere to or been convicted of any of the following offenses punishable as a misdemeanor:
- Simple assault;[4]
- Cyberstalking and cyberharassment;[5]
- Violation of a protective order;[6] or
- Disorderly conduct.[7]
- A disorderly conduct conviction shall result in prohibition under this section if and only if the offense involves the use or attempted use of force or the threatened use of a dangerous weapon.
- The provisions of this subsection shall apply to all persons who enter a plea of nolo contendere to or have been convicted of any of the offenses specified in subsections (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section, unless and until that person’s matter has been expunged, or upon the completion of the sentence of a one-year filing, or the end of a one-year probationary period that no longer constitutes a conviction.[8]
Registering a Firearm
Any Rhode Island government agency is prohibited from requiring privately owned firearms to be registered with the state.[9] However, firearms dealers are required to maintain a registry of all sales.[10]
Concealed Carry
All persons eligible to own a firearm must obtain a License to Carry a Concealable Weapon in order to carry a concealed weapon in the state.[11]
How to Apply
An individual who wants to apply for a License to Carry a Concealable Weapon has to be at least twenty-one (21) years old.[12]
Step 1 – Complete an Application for License to Carry a Concealable Weapon.
Step 2 – Attach the following:
- Evidence of competence with a firearm.[13]
- FBI Fingerprint Applicant Card;
- An original letter written and signed by the applicant stating the specific reason they need a permit on a full-time basis;
- Notarized photocopies of two (2) forms of photo identification;
- Three (3) personal reference letters;
- Two (2) clear, color photos of the applicant’s head and face; and for
- NON-RESIDENT APPLICANTS: A copy of their home state permit.
Step 3 – Get the application notarized.
Step 4 – Have the application signed or stamped by the local Police Chief or a city hall official where the applicant resides.
Step 5 – Submit the application to the Attorney General’s office.
Step 6 – Pay the $40 processing fee.[14]
Step 7 – The Attorney General’s office will approve or deny the application within ninety (90) days of receiving it.
Reciprocity
Rhode Island does not have a law that honors the concealed carry licenses of other states. Licenses from all states are not recognized.
Sources
- RI Gen L § 11-47-35.2
- RI Gen L § 11-47-5(a)
- RI Gen L § 12-29-5
- RI Gen L § 11-5-3
- RI Gen L § 11-52-4.2
- RI Gen L § 12-29-2(a)(10)
- RI Gen L § 11-45-1
- RI Gen L § 12-18-3
- RI Gen L § 11-47-41
- RI Gen L § 11-47-40(a)
- RI Gen L § 11-47-8(a)
- RI Gen L § 11-47-11(a)
- RI Gen L §§ 11-47-15, 11-47-16
- RI Gen L § 11-47-12