State Laws · NV
Nevada Gun Laws
Effective as of January 2, 2020 (SB 143 (universal background checks)). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Nevada requires a Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP) for concealed carry, issued by the county sheriff. Nevada is a shall-issue state. Applicants must complete a firearms safety course including live-fire qualification, be at least 21, and pass a background check. The permit is valid for five years.
Key statute: NRS 202.3653 through 202.369 — concealed firearms permit provisions.
Open Carry
Open carry is legal in Nevada without a permit for anyone who can legally possess a firearm. There is no state preemption, so some local ordinances may apply.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, fugitives from justice, persons adjudicated as mentally ill, persons committed involuntarily to a mental health facility, persons under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, persons subject to protection orders, persons convicted of domestic violence, and persons under 21.
Prohibited Locations
Nevada prohibits carry in: schools and childcare facilities, the state legislature building and offices, airports (beyond security), and any location with posted prohibition. Nevada law also prohibits the discharge of a firearm within certain distances of structures.
Purchase Requirements
Nevada enacted universal background checks under SB 143 (effective January 2, 2020), requiring a background check for all firearms transfers including private sales (conducted through a licensed dealer). Clark County (Las Vegas) has a mandatory registration ordinance for certain firearms. There is no statewide waiting period, no state assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction. Nevada has a red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order) enacted in 2019.
Citations
NRS Chapter 202 (crimes against public health and safety — weapons); SB 143 (2019, universal background checks).
Look up statutes at Nevada Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Nevada statutes
Nevada Legislature →This link goes to Nevada's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.