Is a California Non-Resident Permit Valid in New Hampshire?

Why

• California does not issue carry permits to non-residents (penal code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city or have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path).

New Hampshire has no inbound recognition statute because none is needed — no license is required to carry. Any out-of-state permit holder (or non-holder) who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry. RSA 159:6-d addresses only outbound reciprocity for NH licenses; the State Police publish the list of states honoring NH resident licenses.

Carry rules in New Hampshire

Whatever your permit status, New Hampshire law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• No statutory duty to inform a police officer of carrying appears in RSA Chapter 159.
• New Hampshire sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• New Hampshire allows permitless concealed carry for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Since Feb 22, 2017, no license is required to carry a loaded pistol or revolver openly or concealed in a vehicle for anyone not prohibited from possessing firearms.

Off-limits places in New Hampshire

• Courtrooms and areas used by a court (RSA 159:19, class B felony)
• Federal facilities (federal law)
• Federal school zones for carriers without a state-issued license (federal Gun-Free School Zones Act)

Frequently asked questions

Is a California non-resident permit valid in New Hampshire?

This permit doesn't exist. California does not issue carry permits to non-residents (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path), so there is no "California non-resident permit" to carry in New Hampshire or anywhere else.

Do I have to tell police in New Hampshire that I am carrying?

No statutory duty to inform a police officer of carrying appears in RSA Chapter 159.

Does New Hampshire limit magazine capacity?

New Hampshire sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in New Hampshire without any permit?

New Hampshire allows permitless concealed carry for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does California issue non-resident carry permits?

No. California issues carry permits to residents only (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.