we are armed logo
store
STORE
Stay informed with the latest firearm laws, safety tips, and news for responsible gun owners. Click Here
×

Nevada Firearm Laws - Complete Guide

Comprehensive analysis of Nevada gun laws, permit requirements, carry regulations, and recent legislative updates for responsible gun owners.

NEVADA

Nevada Gun Laws at a Glance

Nevada is not a constitutional carry state. Concealed carry of a handgun requires a valid Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) issued by the county sheriff. Open carry is legal without a permit for adults who may lawfully possess firearms. Nevada law features statewide firearm preemption and a Stand Your Ground law with no duty to retreat when lawfully present and not the initial aggressor.

  • Permit Required for Concealed Carry: Nevada CFP from county sheriff.
  • Open Carry Without Permit: Lawful for non-prohibited adults.
  • Stand Your Ground Law: No duty to retreat when lawfully present.
  • Statewide Firearm Preemption: Localities cannot enact stricter gun laws.
  • Universal Background Checks: Required for nearly all firearm transfers via dealer.
  • Red Flag Law (ERPOs): Prevents gun ownership and new purchases by dangerous individuals
NEVADA

Areas of Restriction

002-colegio

Federal Prohibited Locations

Schools, Federal buildings

003-deportes-con-balones

State-Specific Restrictions

university/college without written permission, posted government buildings, Hoover Dam and other critical infrastructure

001-seguridad-de-casa

Private Property Rights

Owners may prohibit firearms with signage or direct notice; refusal to comply is trespassing

004-no-alcohol

Intoxication Prohibitions

No possession while under the influence of alcohol (.08 BAC) or drugs

Concealed Carry

Concealed Carry

Permit Required

Eligibility Requirements

  • 21+ years old (18+ for active military or honorably discharged veterans)
  • Lawfully able to possess a firearm
  • Nevada resident or eligible non-resident
  • Completion of required training course

 

Permit Limitations

  • Age Restriction: 21+ (18+ with qualifying military status)
  • Prohibited Locations: As listed above
  • Reciprocity: Recognizes select out-of-state permits (list updated annually)
  • Enhanced Penalties: Carrying concealed without a permit is a criminal offense

Advantages of Licensed Carry

  • Interstate Recognition: Valid in many states (verify before travel)
  • No Waiting Period: Exempt from some purchase delays
  • Expanded Carry Rights: Concealed carry where otherwise lawful
  • Proof of Training: Demonstrates firearm competency and legal knowledge

 

Application Requirements

  • Age: 21+ (18+ with qualifying military status)
  • Background Check: Fingerprints, state and federal criminal history
  • Training Course: ~8 hours, including live-fire and Nevada law
  • Proficiency Demonstration: Live-fire qualification; permit valid for any handgun
  • Fee: Around $100 initial (varies by county), lower for renewals

 

Disqualifying Factors

  • Felony convictions
  • Certain violent misdemeanors
  • Domestic violence convictions or restraining orders
  • Mental health or substance abuse prohibitions
  • Dishonorable military discharge

This state has a Red Flag law, which allows authorities to restrict a resident’s ability to own or purchase a gun. These are enforced through Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). 

Emergency orders are one-sided and only last until a court hearing, when the “red flag” person can present their case, and the judge decides if a final order is necessary. 

ERPOs are registered nationally in the NICS, and prevent any new purchases that require a background check.

  • Effective Date: 2020.
  • Petitioners: law enforcement; family/household.
  • Orders: emergency up to 7 days; final up to 12 months (renewable).
  • Firearm Surrender: Required per court order
  • Purchase Denial: Orders entered in NICS

Open Carry

Handgun Open Carry

Permitted: Legal without a permit for non-prohibited adults

Carry Methods

  • Visible Holster: Firearm must be clearly visible
  • Vehicle Carry: May be loaded and visible; concealed in vehicle requires permit
  • Restricted Locations: Obey posted and statutory bans
  • Law Enforcement Interaction: No duty to inform, but cooperation advised

 

Long Gun Open Carry

General Provisions

  • Permitted: Rifles and shotguns may be openly carried
  • Loaded in Vehicles: No round chambered on public roads
  • Hunting Regulations: Special restrictions during certain seasons
  • Critical Infrastructure: Prohibited in posted facilities

Federal Requirements Applied in Nevada

Background Check Process

  • Licensed Dealer Sales: NICS check required
  • Private Sales: Must go through an dealer with background check
  • Out-of-State Purchases: Must comply with both states’ laws
  • Prohibited Persons: Federal and state prohibitions apply

 

Age Requirements

  • Handguns: 21+ from dealer
  • Long Guns: 18+ from dealer
  • Ammunition: 21 for handgun ammo; 18 for rifle/shotgun ammo

Nevada-Specific Purchase Laws

Waiting Periods

  • State Waiting Period: None
  • Other: Background check must be completed before transfer

 

Purchase Limitations

  • Purchase Limits: None
  • Registration: None statewide
  • Permit to Purchase: Not required

Prohibited Locations

prohicion armas

Absolutely Prohibited Locations

  • Schools: All K-12 public and private schools
  • Child Care Facilities: Licensed facilities
  • Airports: Secure areas
  • Legislative Buildings: Nevada Legislature premises
  • Correctional Facilities: Prisons, jails, detention centers

 

Government Buildings

  • University/College Property: Without written permission
  • Law Enforcement Facilities: Secure areas
  • Posted Public Buildings: With metal detectors or signage
  • Critical Infrastructure: Hoover Dam and posted sites

Business Prohibition Authority

  • Posted Notice: Signage prohibiting firearms
  • Direct Notice: Verbal or written prohibition
  • Trespass Enforcement: Failure to comply may result in arrest
  • Employer Rules: May restrict firearms on company property

General Storage Requirements

No general mandate; safe storage encouraged

Child Access Prevention

  • Negligent Storage Penalty: Crime to leave firearm where a child is likely to access
  • Safe Storage Recommended: Locked and unloaded, separate from ammunition
  • Dealer Lock Requirement: Dealers must provide a locking device and post notice
  • Court Orders: May impose storage conditions

Vehicle Storage

General Provisions

  • Locked Storage: Recommended when unattended
  • Employer Parking Lots: Rules vary
  • Concealment: Concealed in vehicle requires permit unless locked in container
  • Long Gun Rules: No round chambered on public roads

Transportation Rules

arma de fuego en vehiculo

Licensed/Permit Holders

  • Loaded Carry: Allowed in vehicles for concealed permit holders
  • Reciprocity Travel: Follow host state laws
  • Secure Storage: Recommended when unattended
  • Law Enforcement Stops: No duty to inform, but show ID and permit when requested

 

Unlicensed Individuals

  • Open Carry in Vehicle: Must be visible
  • Concealed Carry in Vehicle: Requires permit
  • Transport Unloaded: Recommended when traveling to restricted areas
  • Long Guns: No round chambered on public roads

Federal Safe Passage (FOPA)

  • Lawful Origin and Destination: Legal at both ends
  • Unloaded and Secured: Ammo separate
  • Inaccessible Storage: Locked container or trunk
  • Continuous Journey: Minimal necessary stops

Self-Defense Laws

Castle Doctrine

Home Protection

  • No Duty to Retreat: Applies in home, occupied vehicle, or anywhere legally present
  • Deadly Force Allowed: To stop imminent threat of death, serious injury, or forcible felony
  • Forcible Entry Presumption: Unlawful entry presumed dangerous
  • Reasonable Belief Standard: Judged by what a reasonable person would believe

 

Vehicle and Workplace

  • Same Protections: Occupied vehicles and workplaces included
  • Defense Against Intruders: Deadly force permitted against imminent threat
  • Employer Policies: May limit weapons on premises
  • Case-Specific: Facts determine justification

Stand Your Ground

Public Places

  • No Duty to Retreat: When lawfully present
  • Deadly Force Justified: To prevent death, serious injury, or certain violent felonies
  • Initial Aggressors: Lose self-defense claim
  • Verbal Provocation: Not grounds for deadly force

 

Legal Protections

  • Criminal Immunity: Justified force not prosecuted
  • Civil Immunity: Protected from liability when force meets legal standard
  • Case Review: Circumstances evaluated individually
  • Burden of Proof: State must disprove self-defense beyond reasonable doubt

Knife and Blade Laws

kampveyaban
kampveyaban

Maximum Legal Blade Length

  • No statewide maximum
  • Local Preemption: No knife preemption; check local ordinances

 

Categories of Knives

Nevada allows most knives; restrictions focus on concealment and locations.

 

Prohibited and Federally Regulated Knives

  • Switchblades: Legal under state law
  • Ballistic Knives: Prohibited under federal law
  • Federal Interstate Ban: Applies to switchblades and ballistic knives

 

State-Specific Legal Knives

  • Gravity Knives: Legal
  • Butterfly/Balisong Knives: Legal
  • Assisted-Opening Knives: Legal
  • Concealed Dirks/Daggers/Machetes: Prohibited

 

Generally Legal Knives

  • Pocket/Folding Knives: No statewide length limit
  • Fixed/Utility Knives: No statewide length limit

Carry Restrictions

  • Concealed Carry: Certain knives (dirks, daggers, machetes) prohibited concealed
  • Open Carry: Generally legal
  • Restricted Locations: Same as firearm bans; schools/childcare prohibit dangerous knives

 

Local Ordinance Preemption

  • Preemption Status: No knife preemption; Clark County (Las Vegas) restricts concealed knives with blades ≥3

 

Significant Differences from Gun Laws

  • No Permit System: Knife carry doesn’t require permit
  • Location Rules Vary: Local knife laws may be stricter than firearm rules
  • No Background Checks: None for knife purchases or possession

Recent Updates

New Laws