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

Why

• Kentucky does not issue carry permits to non-residents (kentucky residents (or us citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a kentucky posting) only - ksp ccdw qualifications).

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

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter New Hampshire, these rules replace the ones you know from Kentucky.

• 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 Kentucky non-resident permit valid in New Hampshire?

No such permit is issued. Kentucky restricts its carry permits to residents (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications), so this page exists to say exactly that and point you to alternatives that New Hampshire does recognize.

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 Kentucky issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Kentucky issues carry permits to residents only (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). 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.