Carrying a Concealed Weapon – The Law in Nevada – NRS § 202.350

Nevada Revised Statutes § 202.350 makes it a crime to carry a concealed firearm on your person unless you have a valid concealed firearm (CCW) permit. Carrying a concealed firearm without a valid permit is a category C felony, punishable by:

• 1 to 5 years in Nevada State Prison and
• up to $10,000 in fines.

Simply forgetting to carry your CCW permit and proper identification while lawfully carrying concealed is not a crime. Under NRS § 202.3667, it carries a $25 civil penalty.

“Concealed” Meaning

A firearm is “concealed” when it is carried on your person in a manner that is not discernible by ordinary observation. If a gun in a pocket has the grip exposed, it is visible; though it becomes “concealed” if a coat covers the pocket.

“Shall Issue” State

Nevada is a “shall issue” state for CCW permits. This means the county sheriff must issue a permit to an applicant who meets Nevada’s statutory requirements and is not disqualified.

Reciprocity

Non-Nevada residents can also apply for a Nevada CCW permit, and Nevada recognizes permits from certain other states. The list of states with CCW reciprocity can change, so out-of-state permit holders should verify that Nevada currently recognizes their permit before carrying concealed.

In this article, our Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers address the following key issues regarding Nevada’s concealed weapon laws:

• 1. Elements of NRS 202.350
• 2. “Concealed” Meaning
• 3. Vehicle Carry
• 4. Prohibited Locations
• 5. What are the penalties?
• 6. Forgetting to Carry a CCW
• 7. Defenses
• 8. Out-of-State CCWs
• 9. Exemptions
• 10. Non-Firearms
• 11. Record Sealing
• 12. Immigration
• 13. Getting a CCW
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Full Text of NRS 202.350

1. Elements of NRS 202.350

For you to be convicted in Nevada of carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW permit, prosecutors have the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt these four elements:

1. You carried a pistol, revolver, or other firearm;
2. You carried the firearm on your person;
3. The firearm was concealed from ordinary observation; and
4. You did not have a valid concealed firearm permit or another applicable legal exemption.

NRS 202.350 also applies to certain weapons other than firearms, including machetes, explosive substances other than ammunition, pneumatic guns, and certain other dangerous or deadly weapons. As discussed below, the penalties are not the same for every type of weapon.¹

2. “Concealed” Meaning

NRS 202.350 defines a “concealed weapon” as a covered weapon that is carried upon a person “in such a manner as not to be discernible by ordinary observation.” Examples can include carrying a firearm:

• beneath a jacket or other clothing,
• inside a pocket,
• inside a purse or backpack being carried on your person, or
• in another manner that prevents it from being discerned through ordinary observation.

Nevada generally allows open carry by people who may lawfully possess firearms. However, an openly carried gun can potentially become concealed if clothing covers it from ordinary observation.

For example, you might begin the day with a handgun openly visible in a belt holster. If you later put on a jacket that covers the gun, it suddenly becomes concealed.²

3. Vehicle Carry

If you have a handgun concealed on your body while driving in Nevada—for example, underneath your clothing—you generally need a valid CCW permit. If you are not carrying it on your body, you do not need a CCW permit.

Nevada also has a special rule for rifles and shotguns in vehicles. Under NRS 503.165, you may not carry a loaded rifle or shotgun in or on a vehicle that is standing on or being driven on a public highway or other way open to the public. A rifle or shotgun is considered loaded when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell in the firing chamber. Ammunition may generally remain in the magazine as long as there is no cartridge or shell in the chamber.

Therefore, merely transporting a firearm inside a vehicle does not necessarily require a Nevada CCW permit. However, different rules can apply depending on the type of firearm, whether it is concealed on your person, where the vehicle is located, and whether you are otherwise legally permitted to possess the firearm.³

Learn more about vehicle carry laws in Nevada.

4. Prohibited Locations

NRS 202.3673 generally allows CCW-holders to carry concealed firearms on the premises of a public building, but there are exceptions such as:

• public airports,
• public schools,
• child care facilities, or
• the Nevada System of Higher Education.

To carry concealed in these locations, you would need written permission as required by Nevada law.

CCW-holders are also generally prohibited from carrying concealed firearms in a public building that has:

• a metal detector at each public entrance or
• a sign at each public entrance stating that firearms are prohibited.

Carrying a concealed firearm in a prohibited public building in violation of NRS 202.3673 is a misdemeanor, punishable by:

• up to 6 months in jail and/or
• up to $1,000 in fines.

Separate Nevada and federal laws impose firearm restrictions at other locations, which can include courthouses, detention facilities, certain government facilities, post offices, and other restricted property.⁴

Private Property

Private property, such as a Las Vegas casino, is not a statutory gun-free zone. However, owners can establish rules against firearms and can direct gun-toting patrons to leave.

If casino security or another property owner tells you to exit the premises because you have a firearm, refusing to do so makes you vulnerable to criminal trespass charges. It does not matter if you broke no firearm laws.

5. Penalties

NRS 202.350 makes it a category C felony in Nevada to carry a concealed firearm (or explosive substance other than ammunition). The sentence is:

• 1 to 5 years in Nevada State Prison and
• up to $10,000 in fines.

A felony conviction also strips you of your gun rights for life. It can also affect your employment, professional licensing, and immigration status.

Note that a first offense of unlawfully carrying a concealed machete is a gross misdemeanor, carrying up to:

• 364 days in jail and/or
• $2,000 in fines.

A subsequent offense is a category D felony, carrying:

• 1 to 4 years in prison and
• up to $5,000 in fines.⁵

6. Forgetting to Carry a CCW

NRS 202.3667 requires you to carry your CCW permit and identification whenever you are carrying a concealed firearm in Nevada. You must also present both to a peace officer upon request.

Forgetting to bring your CCW permit with you is not a crime. It is only a civil penalty carrying a $25 fine.

If police arrest you for carrying without a CCW when you actually have one, we would simply present your CCW to prosecutors. This should result in the charges getting dismissed.⁶

7. Defenses

Here at Las Vegas Defense Group, we have represented thousands of people charged with gun crimes, including concealed-weapon cases. In our experience, the following three defenses have proven very effective with prosecutors, judges, and juries at getting NRS 202.350 charges reduced or dismissed.

1) The Firearm Was Not Concealed

Perhaps the police were mistaken that the gun was concealed on your person. Evidence we ordinarily rely on to show that your gun was openly carried includes:

• body-camera footage,
• surveillance video,
• photographs,
• eyewitness testimony, and
• the clothing and holster involved.

Example: Police claim that a handgun on your belt was concealed by your shirt. Surveillance footage shows that the handgun and holster were readily visible while you were walking through the property. That evidence could create reasonable doubt about whether the gun was actually concealed.

2) You Had a Valid CCW Permit

If you have a current and valid CCW permit, it is not a crime if you forget to carry it or fail to present it to the officer when asked. It is only a civil penalty.

Records from the issuing agency are typically sufficient to establish that your permit was valid on the date of the alleged offense.

Example: You are arrested after being unable to produce your CCW card during a police encounter. Records later show that your Nevada permit was current. The criminal charge would get dismissed, and you would face only a civil penalty of $25.

3) The Government’s Records Were Wrong

Government databases and records are often riddled with errors. A permit can potentially be incorrectly listed as expired, missing, or invalid because of a clerical or database error.

If the police falsely claim your permit was invalid, we can seek records from the issuing sheriff’s office to establish your actual permit status.

Recent Concealed Carry Case

It is not a valid defense to NRS 202.350 charges to argue that Nevada’s concealed carry law is unconstitutional. In the 2025 Nevada Supreme Court case Cocking v. State, the court upheld NRS 202.350(1)(d)(3) against a Second Amendment challenge.

The court reasoned that Nevada can regulate the manner in which a firearm is carried without completely prohibiting a person’s right to carry a firearm publicly. In particular, the court emphasized that Nevada law did not prevent the defendant from openly carrying a firearm.

Therefore, Cocking confirms that Nevada may require a permit to carry a firearm concealed even though Nevada generally allows lawful open carry.⁷

8. Out-of-State CCWs

Nevada recognizes concealed firearm permits issued by states that appear on the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s current reciprocity list. If you have one of these qualifying out-of-state permits, you remain subject to Nevada’s gun laws while you are here.

The reciprocity list changes every year, so be sure to check before traveling to Nevada. As of July 2026, Nevada has reciprocity with:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Idaho Enhanced Permit
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Mississippi (Enhanced permits only)
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota (Class 1 only)
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• South Dakota (Enhanced permits only)
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

If you move to Nevada while holding a reciprocal out-of-state permit, it remains valid for only the first 60 days of your residency. To continue to carry concealed firearms, you would need a new CCW from the Nevada county where you reside.

Visitors should also remember that reciprocity works state by state. The fact that Nevada recognizes your home-state permit does not necessarily mean California or another neighboring state does.⁸

9. Exemptions

Depending on the circumstances, Nevada’s concealed carry provisions under NRS 202.350 do not apply to certain:

• sheriffs, constables, marshals, peace officers, correctional officers, special police officers, and other covered officers;
• people summoned by a peace officer to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while actually providing that assistance;
• qualifying full-time federal, out-of-state, or political-subdivision peace officers carrying out official duties in Nevada; and
• members of the United States Armed Forces while on duty.

Federal law also provides concealed carry protections for certain qualified active and retired law-enforcement officers.

These exemptions are limited, though. For example, being a member of the military does not create a blanket right to carry concealed while off duty and acting in a private capacity.⁹

10. Non-Firearms

NRS 202.350 regulates the concealed carry of not only firearms but also:

• explosive substances other than ammunition or ammunition components;
• machetes;
• pneumatic guns; and
• other covered dangerous or deadly weapons.

NRS 202.350 additionally contains separate provisions concerning weapons such as machine guns and silencers.

The classification and punishment depend on the particular weapon and conduct involved. As discussed above, a first offense of carrying a concealed machete is generally a gross misdemeanor, while unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm is a category C felony.¹⁰

11. Record Sealing

Nevada allows concealed-weapon cases to be sealed after the applicable waiting period, as the following table shows:

Nevada CCW Case	Record Seal Waiting Period
Category C felony for carrying a concealed firearm without a valid permit	5 years after the case closes
First concealed-machete offense (gross misdemeanor)	2 years after the case closes
Subsequent concealed-machete offense (category D felony)	5 years after the case closes
Misdemeanor prohibited-location offense	1 year after the case closes
Charge dismissed without a conviction	No conviction waiting period

See our article on Nevada record sealing for eligibility and the petition process.¹¹

12. Immigration

Firearm convictions can create serious immigration consequences for non-U.S. citizens. Federal immigration law makes certain firearm offenses grounds for deportability.

Therefore, a non-citizen charged with violating NRS 202.350 should have the potential immigration consequences evaluated before accepting a plea agreement.

Depending on the facts and available defenses, defense counsel may be able to pursue dismissal or negotiate a resolution that creates no immigration consequences.¹²

13. Getting a CCW

Nevada is a shall-issue state. This generally means that a sheriff must issue a concealed firearm permit when the applicant satisfies Nevada’s statutory requirements and is not subject to a disqualification.

Nevada residents apply through the sheriff in their county of residence. Nonresidents may apply in Nevada subject to the state’s nonresident application and training requirements.

Applicants generally must:

• satisfy the applicable age requirement (21 or older, or at least 18 for qualifying current or honorably discharged military members);
• be legally permitted to possess a firearm (no felony convictions, etc.);
• complete an approved firearm-safety course;
• submit the required application;
• be fingerprinted and photographed; and
• pass the required background investigation.

Nevada law also specifies circumstances that can disqualify an applicant, including certain criminal convictions, outstanding warrants, probation or parole status, and other statutory conditions.

In Clark County, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department processes concealed firearm permit applications. Check LVMPD’s current CCW requirements before applying because fees and application procedures can change.¹³

Also see our article on how to get a CCW permit in Nevada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists carry guns in Las Vegas?

Yes, in many circumstances. Nevada generally does not require a permit merely to openly carry a firearm, although state and federal laws restrict firearms in certain locations and prohibit possession by certain people.

To carry a handgun concealed in Nevada, however, a visitor generally needs a concealed firearm permit that Nevada recognizes or a Nevada nonresident permit. Tourists should not assume that a concealed carry permit from their home state is valid in Nevada.

In our experience, visitors can get into trouble because they assume the gun laws back home follow them to Las Vegas. Before carrying here, we recommend checking Nevada’s rules separately—even if you have carried legally for years in your home state.

Does Nevada recognize concealed carry permits from other states?

Nevada recognizes concealed firearm permits from states included on the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s current reciprocity list.

Under NRS 202.3688, a person with a permit issued by a state on Nevada’s recognition list may carry a concealed firearm in Nevada subject to Nevada’s concealed carry laws.

Because the list can change, visitors should check Nevada’s current recognition list before carrying concealed rather than relying on an old list found online.

Can a nonresident get a Nevada concealed firearm permit?

Yes. NRS 202.3657 allows nonresidents to apply for Nevada concealed firearm permits subject to Nevada’s application, eligibility, and training requirements.

For people who regularly travel to Nevada, obtaining a Nevada permit may remove some uncertainty associated with relying on another state’s reciprocity status. Plan ahead rather than expecting to obtain a permit immediately before a trip.

Do I have to carry my CCW permit and identification with me?

Yes. Under NRS 202.3667, you must carry your concealed firearm permit and proper identification whenever you are actually carrying a concealed firearm.

You must present both to a peace officer upon request. Failure to comply carries a $25 civil penalty.

Practically speaking, we recommend treating your permit and ID as essential equipment whenever you carry concealed.

Can I openly carry a gun in Las Vegas without a CCW permit?

Nevada generally allows lawful open carry without a CCW permit, provided you are legally permitted to possess the firearm and are not in a location where firearms are prohibited.

However, covering an openly carried firearm can create a concealed carry issue. NRS 202.350 defines a concealed weapon by whether it is discernible through ordinary observation.

One practical problem we caution people about is accidentally turning open carry into concealed carry. A jacket, untucked shirt, or other clothing that covers the firearm can change the legal situation.

Can I carry a gun in a Las Vegas casino?

Nevada law does not automatically make every privately owned casino a statutory gun-free zone simply because it is a casino. However, casinos and other private-property owners may establish policies prohibiting firearms.

If casino security tells you that firearms are prohibited or directs you to leave, refusing to comply can potentially lead to removal and trespass issues.

This distinction matters in Las Vegas because visitors spend so much time on private casino property. A property’s right to exclude you is a separate issue from whether possessing the firearm itself violates NRS 202.350.

Can I possess a firearm after drinking alcohol in Nevada?

Nevada law prohibits having a firearm in your actual physical possession when your blood or breath alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher.

NRS 202.257 also prohibits actual physical possession when you are under the influence of a controlled substance, or the combined influence of alcohol and a controlled substance, to a degree that makes you incapable of safely exercising actual physical control of the firearm.

A violation is a misdemeanor. The statute contains a limited exception involving possession in a personal residence solely for self-defense.

From a practical standpoint, the safest approach is to secure and store the firearm before you begin drinking rather than trying to determine whether you are approaching the statutory limit.

Learn more in our article about possessing a firearm under the influence.

Can I carry a concealed firearm at a Las Vegas airport?

A CCW permit does not authorize you to carry a concealed firearm inside a public building located on the property of a public airport. NRS 202.3673 makes violating this restriction a misdemeanor.

Separate federal and TSA rules govern transporting firearms on commercial flights. Firearms transported by air generally must be unloaded, secured in a locked hard-sided container, transported in checked baggage, and declared to the airline.

Airport firearm issues can involve Nevada law, federal law, TSA rules, and airline policies at the same time. Check the current requirements before arriving at the airport.

Can I travel to Las Vegas with a firearm in checked baggage?

Potentially, yes, provided you comply with federal law, TSA requirements, airline rules, and the laws at your origin and destination.

For commercial air travel, firearms generally must be unloaded, secured in a locked hard-sided container, placed in checked baggage, and declared to the airline at check-in.

Once you arrive in Nevada, Nevada’s firearm possession and carrying laws apply.

A common practical mistake is focusing only on whether the firearm is legal in Nevada. Travelers also need to consider how it is packed, their ammunition, and their airline’s requirements.

What happens if I drive from Nevada into California with my gun?

If you drive from Nevada into California with a firearm, you must comply with California firearm laws upon entering California.

California generally requires a handgun transported in a motor vehicle to be unloaded and locked in the vehicle’s trunk or a qualifying locked container. Under California Penal Code 16850, a locked container must be fully enclosed and secured by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. A glove compartment or utility compartment does not qualify.

California also generally prohibits importing large-capacity magazines capable of accepting more than 10 rounds, subject to statutory exceptions. California has additional restrictions involving assault weapons and other firearms that may be lawful in Nevada.

Therefore, do not assume that a firearm, magazine, or manner of carrying that is lawful in Nevada remains lawful after crossing into California.

We see the Nevada-California border as a particularly easy place for otherwise law-abiding gun owners to make mistakes. A short drive across the state line can substantially change the laws governing the firearm and how it must be transported.

Are schools and childcare facilities restricted even if I have a CCW permit?

Yes. A Nevada CCW permit does not provide blanket authorization to carry at schools or childcare facilities.

NRS 202.3673 restricts concealed firearms in public buildings located on public-school, childcare-facility, and Nevada System of Higher Education property unless the permit holder has the required written permission. NRS 202.265 imposes additional firearm restrictions involving school and childcare property.

We advise permit holders not to think of a CCW as an all-access pass. Check the specific restrictions before bringing a firearm onto educational or childcare property.

Can military personnel carry concealed firearms in Nevada without following Nevada CCW laws?

NRS 202.350 contains an exemption for members of the U.S. Armed Forces when on duty. Military installations can also have their own rules concerning privately owned firearms.

Service members should distinguish between carrying as part of their official duties and personally carrying while off duty. Being stationed at or visiting Nellis or Creech does not by itself eliminate Nevada’s ordinary concealed carry requirements.

Is carrying a concealed gun without a CCW just a misdemeanor in Nevada?

Generally, no.

Carrying a concealed pistol, revolver, or other firearm without legal authorization under NRS 202.350 is a category C felony, punishable by:

• one to five years in Nevada State Prison, and
• potentially up to $10,000 in fines.

Clients are often surprised by how serious a concealed-weapon allegation can become. What someone views as a permit misunderstanding can expose them to a felony charge, which is why getting legal advice quickly after an arrest can be important.

Full Text of NRS 202.350

Manufacture, importation, possession or use of dangerous weapon or silencer; carrying concealed weapon without permit; penalties; issuance of permit to carry concealed weapon; exceptions.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section and NRS 202.3653 to 202.369, inclusive, a person within this State shall not:

(a) Manufacture or cause to be manufactured, or import into the State, or keep, offer or expose for sale, or give, lend or possess any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slungshot, billy, sand-club, sandbag or metal knuckles;

(b) Manufacture or cause to be manufactured, or import into the State, or keep, offer or expose for sale, or give, lend, possess or use a machine gun or a silencer, unless authorized by federal law;

(c) With the intent to inflict harm upon the person of another, possess or use a nunchaku or trefoil; or

(d) Carry concealed upon his or her person any:

(1) Explosive substance, other than ammunition or any components thereof;

(2) Machete; or

(3) Pistol, revolver or other firearm, other dangerous or deadly weapon or pneumatic gun.

2. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 202.275 and 212.185, a person who violates any of the provisions of:

(a) Paragraph (a) or (c) of subsection 1 or subparagraph (2) of paragraph (d) of subsection 1 is guilty:

(1) For the first offense, of a gross misdemeanor.

(2) For any subsequent offense, of a category D felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

(b) Paragraph (b) of subsection 1 or subparagraph (1) or (3) of paragraph (d) of subsection 1 is guilty of a category C felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

3. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the sheriff of any county may, upon written application by a resident of that county showing the reason or the purpose for which a concealed weapon is to be carried, issue a permit authorizing the applicant to carry in this State the concealed weapon described in the permit. This subsection does not authorize the sheriff to issue a permit to a person to carry a pistol, revolver or other firearm.

4. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, this section does not apply to:

(a) Sheriffs, constables, marshals, peace officers, correctional officers employed by the Department of Corrections, special police officers, police officers of this State, whether active or honorably retired, or other appointed officers.

(b) Any person summoned by any peace officer to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while the person so summoned is actually engaged in assisting such an officer.

(c) Any full-time paid peace officer of an agency of the United States or another state or political subdivision thereof when carrying out official duties in the State of Nevada.

(d) Members of the Armed Forces of the United States when on duty.

5. The exemptions provided in subsection 4 do not include a former peace officer who is retired for disability unless his or her former employer has approved his or her fitness to carry a concealed weapon.

6. The provisions of paragraph (b) of subsection 1 do not apply to any person who is licensed, authorized or permitted to possess or use a machine gun or silencer pursuant to federal law. The burden of establishing federal licensure, authorization or permission is upon the person possessing the license, authorization or permission.

7. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a qualified law enforcement officer or a qualified retired law enforcement officer from carrying a concealed weapon in this State if he or she is authorized to do so pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 926B or 926C.

8. As used in this section:

(a) “Concealed weapon” means a weapon described in this section that is carried upon a person in such a manner as not to be discernible by ordinary observation.

(b) “Honorably retired” means retired in Nevada after completion of 10 years of creditable service as a member of the Public Employees’ Retirement System. A former peace officer is not “honorably retired” if he or she was discharged for cause or resigned before the final disposition of allegations of serious misconduct.

(c) “Nunchaku” means an instrument consisting of two or more sticks, clubs, bars or rods connected by a rope, cord, wire or chain used as a weapon in forms of Oriental combat.

(d) “Pneumatic gun” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 202.265.

(e) “Qualified law enforcement officer” has the meaning ascribed to it in 18 U.S.C. § 926B(c).

(f) “Qualified retired law enforcement officer” has the meaning ascribed to it in 18 U.S.C. § 926C(c).

(g) “Silencer” means any device for silencing, muffling or diminishing the report of a firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a silencer or muffler, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.

(h) “Trefoil” means an instrument consisting of a metal plate having three or more radiating points with sharp edges, designed in the shape of a star, cross or other geometric figure and used as a weapon for throwing.

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