With some new changes coming to Nevada’s gun laws in 2020, we are answering some frequently asked questions about firearms laws in the state.
How Are Nevada’s Gun Laws Changing in 2020?
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2020, an amendment to Assembly Bill 291 added what is popularly known as a “red flag law.” This allows a person’s family or household members to request that a court temporarily prohibit someone from accessing firearms based on concerns that the person poses a threat to themselves or others.
In addition to the new red flag law, Nevada is also closing the gun show loophole in 2020. The “gun show loophole” allowed private sales of firearms without the need to be a licensed firearms dealer or run a background check on the purchaser. Now, nearly all private gun sales will require a state background check run by a federally licensed firearms dealer.
How Strict Are Nevada’s Gun Laws?
Nevada’s gun laws are not as strict as some other states’ laws. For example, a person is not required to obtain a permit to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun, or to possess a firearm. No permit is necessary to “open carry” a firearm in Nevada.
Nevada does require a permit for any person who wishes to “concealed carry” their firearm. Anyone conceal carrying a firearm in Nevada without a proper permit can be charged with a category C felony. However, Nevada is a “shall issue” state, meaning the county sheriff shall issue a concealed carry permit to any applicant who qualifies for the permit under state and federal law.
Does Las Vegas Allow Open Carry?
Nevada law does permit open carry of firearms without a permit in public, except where possession of firearms is otherwise prohibited by state or federal law, such as in:
- Airports (past security)
- Childcare facilities
- Schools
- Legislative buildings
- Post offices
- VA facilities
- Federal buildings
- Military bases
- Hoover Dam
Can a Non-Resident Carry a Gun in Nevada?
A non-resident may open carry a firearm in Nevada subject to the state’s open-carry laws. A non-resident may also conceal carry a gun in Nevada provided they have a concealed carry permit from a state in reciprocity with Nevada (meaning that state recognizes Nevada’s concealed carry permits in their state, and Nevada in exchange recognizes that state’s concealed carry permits in Nevada).
Can You Keep Your Gun in a Glove Box?
A person may keep their gun in the glove box of their vehicle, even if they do not have a concealed carry permit. A person without a concealed carry permit must keep their firearm visible while in their vehicle only if they are carrying the firearm on their person.
Can You Bring a Gun Into a Casino?
While it is legal to open carry a firearm into a casino or to conceal carry a firearm with proper permits, casinos have the right to ask you to either leave or disarm yourself if they discover you are armed, and most casinos will do so. It is not illegal to refuse to disarm yourself. However, if you are asked to leave because you are armed and refuse, you can be arrested for trespassing.
Do I Have to Register My Gun?
Registration of rifles, shotguns, or handguns is not required in Nevada.
How to Get a Concealed Firearm Permit
A person who wishes to obtain a concealed carry permit in Nevada must take a training course approved by a county sheriff prior to filing a permit application. The sheriff must issue a permit to any applicant who is qualified to possess a firearm under state and federal law. An applicant is qualified for a concealed carry permit if they are 21 years old or older and not a felon, fugitive, drug addict, adjudicated mentally ill person, undocumented immigrant, or convicted of a crime of domestic violence.
See the state website for more CCW information.
If you have questions about Nevada’s gun laws or have been charged with violating Nevada’s gun laws, contact the criminal defense attorneys of Adras & Altig today.
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