Nevada residents can legally carry concealed firearms if they have a concealed carry firearm permit (CCW). Non-residents can also legally carry concealed firearms in Nevada if they have a license or permit from a state that Nevada recognizes. To get a CCW, you must:
Nevada residents must apply for a CCW permit through their nearest sheriff’s office. Law enforcement may
In Las Vegas, applying for a CCW permit costs about $100.25.
In this article, our Las Vegas CCW attorneys answer frequently asked questions (faq) about obtaining a carrying concealed firearms permit in Nevada.
Nevada requires people to obtain a valid CCW permit before they may carry a concealed firearm.
A “concealed firearm” is a handgun (whether loaded or unloaded) carried upon a person in such a manner as not to be discernible by ordinary observation. 1 This includes handguns hidden inside an article of clothing or in a backpack, purse or other item you carry.
Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is a felony in Nevada.
You may obtain a concealed carry permit in Nevada if:
Your CCW application for a Nevada permit may be denied (or your existing permit revoked) if:
You are not entitled to a refund of your CCW permit application fee if you are denied. But you have the right to appeal a denial.
The cost of a concealed carry permit depends on where in Nevada you are applying and whether you are seeking a new permit or renewal. In Las Vegas, the non-refundable application fees are:
This does not include the cost of any of the required firearms training courses or necessary documentation.
By law, Nevada law enforcement has 120 days for the processing of applications and issuance of CCW permits. 3
If you are applying for a renewal permit, make sure to apply at least 120 days before the expiration of your current permit in order to avoid late fees. You may begin the renewal process at any time, but no credit will be provided for unused time.
Note that you are required to take a refresher firearm qualification course and resubmit a complete application packet in person to obtain a license renewal. Your renewal application will also require new photos and fingerprints.
Nevada CCW permits remain valid for a period of five (5) years unless revoked.
Under state law, you can obtain a Nevada CCW permit application packet from your nearest sheriff’s or police station.
You will need to take a concealed firearms qualification course from a certified firearms instructor before you apply. Be sure your firearms instructor signs the certification form in the application packet. Some of these courses are:
In Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department issues CCW permits. You can obtain a Las Vegas CCW permit application online or from your nearest LVMPD substation.
(Reno residents can obtain their CCW permits from the Washoe County Sheriff. The application is online.)
Complete the application but do not sign the form until instructed to do so. Completed (but unsigned) applications with supporting documents must be turned in to the sheriff or police in person.
Residents of Clark County can submit their application to the Fingerprint Bureau of the LVMPD during normal business hours: Monday – Friday, excluding holidays, from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.
The LVMPD’s fingerprint bureau is located at:
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Headquarters
400 South Martin Luther King Boulevard
Building C
Las Vegas, NV, 89106
(Corner of S. Martin Luther King Blvd & Alta Blvd)
Telephone: (702) 828-3271
In Reno and elsewhere in Washoe County, CCW applications are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at:
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
911 Parr Blvd. Reno, NV 89512
Telephone: (775) 328-3001
People may apply for CCW permits in Nevada through their local sheriff’s office.
You will need to bring the following with you:
Photocopies will not be accepted.
Permittees are required to carry their CCW permit and proper identification whenever they possess a concealed firearm. If a peace officer requests, they must present their ID and CCW permit. Not doing either will subject them to a civil penalty of $25. 4
Nevada recognizes these states’ CCW permits for non-residents. The Nevada Department of Public Safety updates this reciprocity list every year. Out-of-state residents can also apply for a Nevada CCW permit as long as they take the safety course in Nevada.
If someone moves to Nevada with a reciprocal out-of-state CCW permit, they may use that permit for only the first sixty (60) days of living in-state. Afterward, they would need to get a new CCW permit issued from their local sheriff’s office in Nevada. 5
Before using a Nevada CCW permit in another state, check with that state’s own department of public safety.
Carrying a concealed handgun in the state of Nevada without having a valid permit is a category C felony, carrying:
Recall that a person with a valid state permit but forgetting to bring it while carrying a concealed firearm faces a $25 fine.
Note that certain locations are off-limits to firearms – such as childcare facilities – whether or not the person has a CCW permit. Many public buildings have metal detectors at the public entrances. Also, see our articles on open carry laws and gun laws.
