Can I Carry a Gun in Nevada?
Nevada is known for its gun-friendly laws, and the answer to this question is a resounding YES. However, there are some restrictions and requirements you need to be aware of before carrying a gun in the Silver State.
Permitted Carriers
In Nevada, you can carry a gun if you are:
- A licensed firearms dealer
- A law enforcement officer
- A member of the military or a veterans’ organization
- A security guard or private investigator
- A person with a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW)
Concealed Carry Permits
To carry a concealed weapon in Nevada, you need to obtain a CCW permit from the Nevada Department of Public Safety (NDPS). To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a Nevada resident
- Not have any felony convictions or pending charges
- Not have any misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence or other violent crimes
- Not be subject to a restraining order or other court order that prohibits you from possessing a firearm
- Complete a firearms safety course approved by the NDPS
Types of Permits
There are two types of CCW permits in Nevada:
- Resident Permit: This permit is valid for 5 years and is issued to Nevada residents.
- Non-Resident Permit: This permit is valid for 1 year and is issued to non-residents who are at least 21 years old and meet the eligibility requirements.
Restrictions
While Nevada has relatively lenient gun laws, there are some restrictions you should be aware of:
- Mental Health: You cannot carry a gun if you have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution.
- Felony Convictions: You cannot carry a gun if you have been convicted of a felony, unless your rights have been restored.
- Domestic Violence: You cannot carry a gun if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense or have a restraining order against you.
- School Zones: You cannot carry a gun within 1,000 feet of a school zone, unless you have a valid permit and are authorized to do so.
Places Where You Can’t Carry
There are some places where you cannot carry a gun in Nevada, including:
- Schools: Public and private schools, including universities and colleges
- Courthouses: Federal and state courthouses, including judicial buildings and law libraries
- Prisons: State and federal prisons, including correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers
- Government Buildings: State and federal government buildings, including administrative offices and legislative buildings
- Airports: Commercial airports, including terminals and security checkpoints
Penalties for Illegal Carry
If you are caught carrying a gun illegally in Nevada, you could face penalties including:
- Fines: Up to $1,000
- Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
- Revocation of Permit: Your CCW permit could be revoked for a period of 1 to 5 years
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are some restrictions and requirements to be aware of, Nevada is generally a gun-friendly state. If you are eligible and meet the requirements, you can carry a gun in Nevada with a valid CCW permit. Remember to always follow the law and respect the rights of others.
Table: CCW Permit Requirements
Requirement | Resident Permit | Non-Resident Permit |
---|---|---|
Age | 21+ | 21+ |
Residency | Must be a Nevada resident | Must be a non-resident |
Eligibility | Must meet eligibility requirements | Must meet eligibility requirements |
Course Completion | Must complete a firearms safety course approved by the NDPS | Must complete a firearms safety course approved by the NDPS |
Permit Validity | 5 years | 1 year |
Bullets: Places Where You Can’t Carry
• Schools (public and private)
• Courthouses (federal and state)
• Prisons (state and federal)
• Government buildings (state and federal)
• Airports (commercial)