Concealed Carry Laws in Nevada

Nevada’s concealed carry laws are relatively straightforward. However, they can seem intimidating if you’re new to firearm ownership, or visiting the Silver State.

Whether you’re a Las Vegas local, or a tourist who wants to exercise their Second Amendment right while exploring the Strip, understanding these regulations can help you stay safe and avoid violating the law. If you’re interested in getting your Nevada CCW permit, it’s also important to know these laws.

What Does “Concealed Carry” Mean in Nevada?

In Nevada, concealed carry refers to carrying a firearm, such as a handgun, in a way that’s not readily visible to others, like under a jacket or in a bag.

This differs from open carry, where the firearm must be fully visible, such as in an exposed holster. Without a valid Nevada CCW permit, concealing a firearm is a felony offense, which is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Some states have adopted “constitutional carry,” meaning you can lawfully carry a concealed firearm without a permit. While Nevada has some of the more flexible firearm laws in the nation, it isn’t a constitutional carry state. Therefore, you can’t carry a concealed firearm on your person without a valid permit.

Who Can Carry a Concealed Firearm?

To carry a concealed firearm in Nevada, you need a CCW permit, which is issued by the sheriff of your county of residence. You must be at least 21 years old (or as young as 18 if active military or honorably discharged). You must also complete a state-approved firearms training course and pass a background check.

Once you meet all of the basic requirements, you can apply for the license and pay the application fee. If your application is denied, you must be given notice within a reasonable time.

You can also carry your firearm in Nevada if you have a valid CCW permit in certain states. However, you must first verify that Nevada offers reciprocity to CCW holders in your home state. Reciprocity means that the two states have agreed to recognize concealed carry permits issued by one another. 

After receiving your permit, you can lawfully carry your firearm in most public places, with a few restrictions. Lastly, you must have your permit and proper identification when carrying your concealed firearm, according to NRS 202.3667.

You Can’t Carry Your Firearm Everywhere, Even With a Permit

A concealed carry permit doesn’t give you blanket privileges to carry your firearm anywhere you like. Under NRS 202.3673, Nevada residents are barred from carrying concealed firearms in the following places:

• Public schools, colleges, or childcare facilities 
• Public buildings with a metal detector at each public entrance 
• Public buildings with signs indicating that no firearms are allowed on the premises

Violating these provisions is a misdemeanor offense. Private property owners may also ask you to leave if they detect a firearm. Refusal to do so could lead to trespassing charges.

Duty To Inform

You aren’t legally obligated to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm unless they ask for your permit and identification. However, you may want to disclose this information in certain scenarios. Let’s look at two examples.

In scenario one, you have a concealed handgun on your person and get pulled over for a moving violation. If the interaction remains a routine traffic stop and you stay in the vehicle during the entire exchange, you don’t necessarily have to disclose that you’re carrying the firearm.

Now, let’s say your driver’s license is in the pocket closest to the firearm, and the officer asks you to retrieve your license. In this situation, you may want to let the officer know you’re armed just in case the weapon becomes exposed as you reach for your license. You don’t want them to mistake your movement for an aggressive action.

If you decide to inform the officer that you’re armed, you should lead with the fact that you have your CCW permit. Also, make it a point to avoid gesturing toward the firearm when sharing the information. Keep your hands visible and on the steering wheel at all times.

Other Firearm Restrictions in Nevada

Nevada imposes additional firearm regulations, which are designed to promote the safety of the state’s citizens. Here are a few rules you need to be aware of:

• Background checks are required for all gun sales 
• Minors under 18 can’t legally possess firearms, with exceptions for supervised hunting or range use
• Prohibited persons (e.g., felons and individuals admitted to a mental health facility within five years) can’t possess firearms

Moreover, there are some nuances associated with the definition of “carrying a concealed firearm” that are worth considering. For instance, carrying a concealed firearm that’s immediately accessible in your vehicle is illegal if you don’t have a permit. 

Is There a Duty To Retreat, or Can You Stand Your Ground?

According to the State Bar of Nevada, the state abides by the “stand your ground” doctrine. This means that you don’t have a duty to retreat if you reasonably believe that you, or another person, is facing imminent death or serious bodily harm. 

States that impose a duty to retreat require you to make a reasonable effort to remove yourself from danger before using deadly force. Since Nevada is a stand-your-ground state, you don’t have such a duty, as long as you’re somewhere you’re legally allowed to be, such as your home or a public space.

While deadly force should always be a last resort, you don’t have to attempt to turn and run before protecting yourself.

Nevada also follows the castle doctrine, which provides further protections when someone unlawfully enters your home or vehicle. Knowing your rights and what protections state law affords can help insulate you from liability when you use force. 

What Is “Brandishing” a Firearm? 

Brandishing a firearm in a threatening manner is illegal in Nevada, and can lead to charges of assault or drawing a deadly weapon. Even if you have a Nevada CCW permit, displaying your firearm in a way that instills fear is a criminal offense unless it’s being done for lawful self-defense.

Think of the issue this way: You shouldn’t be taking your firearm out of its holster in public unless you’re at a gun range or using it to respond to a life-threatening situation. 

Can You Possess a Firearm While Under the Influence? 

No. Per NRS 202.257, it’s illegal to possess a firearm while under the influence of any intoxicating substance, including a controlled substance or alcohol. Your blood alcohol content (BAC) must be under the legal limit of 0.08. Violating this law could result in a misdemeanor charge and put your permit at risk.

Possessing a firearm while under the influence of drugs and alcohol is also incredibly dangerous. If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, it’s wise to store your firearm in a secure location.

Ready To Get Your Nevada CCW Permit?

Obtaining your concealed carry permit is a practical way to exercise your Second Amendment rights and increase your preparedness for emergency situations.

To get started, verify that you meet the basic age requirements, and then sign up for an approved course. 

The course must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least eight hours in length
• Include classroom and range components
• Include live fire exercises

Courses are available as a single eight-hour block, or as a two-day evening program divided into four-hour blocks. This flexibility makes it easy to find a class that fits your schedule and training needs.

Once you’ve met all of the requirements, you can apply for your Nevada CCW permit online through the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department website. 

Is Getting a CCW in Nevada Worth It? 

If you’re interested in carrying a concealed firearm in Nevada, obtaining your CCW is definitely worth it. With a CCW, you can lawfully carry a concealed handgun in most public areas in Nevada. However, choosing to carry a concealed weapon is a big responsibility, and should be treated as such.

With that in mind, it’s up to you to know and abide by the state’s concealed carry laws. You should also follow basic gun safety practices, such as keeping your firearm locked in a secure location when it isn’t under your direct physical control. 

Not sure where to begin? Invest in quality firearms training from a reputable instructor. With the right instruction and plenty of practice, you can carry your firearm safely and lawfully in Las Vegas.

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