Nevada Gun Laws at a Glance

Permit and Registration Requirements:

Nevada is a shall-issue state, meaning concealed carry permits are issued at the county level.
No permit or firearms registration is required for purchasing a handgun from a private individual.
As of January 2, 2020, all firearm sales must be conducted through a licensed federal firearms dealer with a background check, except for some temporary transfers and sales or transfers between immediate family members.

Open Carry Laws:

Open carry is legal in Nevada without a permit. Anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm can openly carry in most areas.
In vehicles, the firearm can be carried anywhere except concealed on the person without a concealed firearms permit.
Open carry is permitted in more locations than concealed carry. Public buildings with signs only prohibit concealed carry, and off-limit areas include school premises, including parking lots, and places where the legislature conducts business.

Concealed Carry Laws:

Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Nevada Firearm permit and for non-residents with a permit from a state recognized by Nevada.
To apply for a Concealed Firearm Permit, applicants must be 21 years old (18 for military), complete an approved firearm safety course, and demonstrate handgun competence.
Both residents and non-residents can obtain permits.
Certain areas are off-limits for concealed carry, such as school premises, including parking lots, and inside public airports.
Nevada recognizes permits from states that meet specific criteria, and the list is maintained on the state’s official website.

Self-Defense Laws:

Nevada follows the Castle Doctrine and has a “stand your ground” law, meaning there is no duty to retreat inside one’s home or workplace.
Use of force for self-defense must be immediately necessary, made in good faith, and a reasonable response to the aggressor’s actions.

Justifiable Homicide:

Homicide is justified in self-defense or defense of an occupied home or vehicle against someone who intends to commit a violent crime.
Justifiable only if the defender is not the original aggressor, has the right to be at the location, and is not engaged in criminal activity.

Definitions:

“Crime of violence” means any felony with a substantial risk of force or violence.
“Motor vehicle” refers to any self-propelled vehicle.
“Residence” includes any place intended for occupancy as a home, including buildings, vehicles, and boats.

Immunity from Civil Liability:

Use of force intended or likely to cause death or bodily injury is immune from civil liability if justified.

Understanding these laws ensures that individuals can legally carry firearms and use them responsibly in self-defense situations while complying with Nevada’s legal requirements.

Source: U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) [1]

Where are Firearms Illegal in Nevada?

According to SCLG, the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms for security, hunting, recreational use, and other lawful purposes in the United States, but there are limitations [2].

Pistols, handguns, and rifles/long guns are off-limits at the following Nevada locations:

Public airports (beyond secure areas) and planes
Childcare facilities (unless written permission is obtained)
Public and private schools (unless written permission is obtained)
Nevada System of Higher Education property (unless written permission is obtained)
Legislative buildings
Post offices
VA facilities
Federal facilities
Military bases (with some exceptions)
Hoover Dam

Carrying a firearm in a prohibited location is considered a misdemeanor in Nevada, punishable by:

Up to six months in jail
Fines of up to $1,000
Possible community service

It’s important to note that firearm registration is not required in Nevada. Understanding these restrictions is crucial for responsible firearm ownership and compliance with state laws.

Who is Prohibited from Carrying in Nevada?

In Nevada, certain individuals, both residents and non-residents, are restricted or entirely prohibited from carrying firearms and owning guns [3].

These groups include:

Convicted felons
Individuals convicted of stalking
Fugitives
Those convicted of domestic violence
Individuals addicted to controlled substances
Parties subject to a domestic violence protection order
Those adjudicated as mentally ill
Illegal aliens

For fugitives or ex-felons found in possession of a firearm, the offense is classified as a category B felony. The associated penalties include:

1 to 6 years in prison
Fines up to $5,000, at the judge’s discretion

Understanding these prohibitions is essential for compliance with Nevada firearm laws and for ensuring public safety.

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References:

1. https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/nv-gun-laws/
2. https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/defense/laws/gun-laws/
3. https://www.ccw-lasvegas.com/nv-gun-laws.html

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Nevada Gun Laws at a Glance

Where are Firearms Illegal in Nevada?

Who is Prohibited from Carrying in Nevada?

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