A Rhode Island firearm bill of sale documents details about the seller and buyer in a firearm ownership transfer. It provides proof of sale and transfer and contains both parties’ signatures.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in Rhode Island
Minimum Age to Purchase
An individual must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun, including a pistol and a revolver, in Rhode Island. [1]
Permit for Purchase
Rhode Island residents must have a permit to purchase a gun. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) issues “blue card” permits that prove applicants have earned a passing score on the state’s requisite safety exam. [2]
Exam preparation materials, testing, and certification are free, so any qualified individual can secure a blue card free of charge. Active military personnel can present their military ID card at the RIDEM Headquarters to acquire a blue card without needing to take the safety exam.
An individual with an “orange card” (a Rhode Island Hunter Education Course Card) from the RIDEM Division of Fish & Wildlife Hunter Education Program doesn’t need a blue card because an orange card is a valid substitute.
Register a Gun
All firearm dealers, including pawnbrokers and retail dealers, must keep a register of all firearm sales. They must record the date of the sale and the age, name, and address of every buyer. Furthermore, they must record the firearm’s model, make, caliber, and manufacturer’s number. [3]
Despite this requirement, the state bans any government agency from keeping or causing to keep any register of privately owned firearms. This rule doesn’t apply to firearms that were used to commit violent crimes. [4]
Open Carry Permit
Individuals can only openly carry a handgun with a License to Carry Concealable Weapons (LCCW) from the Attorney General. The Attorney General allows for open carry on a “may issue” basis, meaning they can approve or deny applications at their discretion. [5] Applicants must be over 21, meet state-mandated criteria, and show a proper need to open carry.
Concealed Carry Permit
Local authorities or the Attorney General shall issue LCCWs for concealed carry to qualified individuals. [6] The permits expire every four years, meaning individuals must renew their permits when they expire.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply for a concealed carry permit through the Attorney General or their local authority:
- Step 1 – Complete Application: Fill out an Application for a License to Carry a Concealable Weapon.
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Step 2 – Attach Documentation: Submit the following with your application:
- Evidence of competence with a firearm [7] [8]
- FBI Fingerprint Applicant Card
- Original letter written and signed, stating the specific reason you need a permit
- Notarized photocopies of two forms of photo identification
- Three personal reference letters
- Two clear, color passport-type photos of your head and face
- A copy of your home state permit (for non-resident applicants)
- Step 3 – Have Application Notarized: Seek notarization for your application.
- Step 4 – Get Application Stamped: Acquire the signature or stamp of your local city hall official or police chief.
- Step 5 – Submit Application: Deliver your application to the Attorney General’s office.
- Step 6 – Pay Fee: Pay the $40 processing fee. [9]
- Step 7 – Wait for Approval or Denial: The Attorney General’s office approves and denies applications within 90 days of receiving them.
Gun Reciprocity
Rhode Island does not honor the permits of any other state. Currently, 29 states honor Rhode Island concealed-carry permits. [10]
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
Rhode Island’s restrictions on firearms possession generally mirror federal restrictions and include the following in accordance with RI Gen. Laws § 11-47-5(a): [11]
- Those convicted of a felony or crime of violence per RI Gen. Laws § 12-29-5 [12]
- Those convicted of a domestic violence crime
- Those subject to domestic violence or “extreme risk” restraining order
- Those adjudicated mentally incompetent
- Those not legally in the United States
- Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor under § 12-29-5:
- Simple assault;
- Cyberstalking and cyberharassment;
- Violation of a protective order; or
- Disorderly conduct.
Rhode Island prohibits the sale or transfer of firearms to anyone under age 21 except for police, state marshals, and active-duty military.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
Rhode Island has no specific firearm inheritance laws. Transfer of firearms by gift or bequest is the same as transfer by sale. The recipient must meet the same background check and eligibility requirements as if buying the firearm from a licensed dealer.
