State · NE
Nebraska gun laws
Here's a plain-language look at Nebraska's own firearm laws, topic by topic. Federal law applies here too, so it's worth reading the federal page alongside this one. City and county rules aren't covered, and some places have stricter ones.
At a glance: Permitless carry
Recently changed or in flux
- Recently changedSuppressors, SBRs and SBSs: on Oct. 21, 2026 the Nebraska Attorney General posted guidance saying that, after ATF stopped enforcing NFA registration for these items on Oct. 9, 2026, his office believes Nebraskans may presumptively possess them under both federal and Nebraska law without registering, unless they are otherwise barred from having guns (for example, because of a felony conviction). This is the office's view, not a change to the statutes, and the office is also challenging NFA registration in ongoing Missouri litigation.
Permit to purchase#
- Handguns
- Yes. To buy, rent or receive a handgun, from a dealer or in a private sale, you need a handgun purchase certificate from your local police chief or sheriff ($5, issued only at 21 after a criminal history check) unless you hold a Nebraska concealed handgun permit or another exception applies, such as a transfer between close family members (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 69-2403, 69-2404). LB 77 (2023) didn't repeal the certificate.
- Long guns
- No state permit required. Licensed dealers run the federal NICS background check.
Registration#
- No state firearm registration.
Carrying a handgun#
- Permitless carry
- Yes. Adults 21 and older may carry concealed without a permit (since Sept. 2023, under LB 77).
- Concealed carry permit
- Shall-issue (officials must issue a permit to anyone who qualifies), through the Nebraska State Patrol. The permit is optional.
- Open carry
- Legal. LB 77 preempted (overrode) most local carry ordinances.
- Reciprocity
- Before you travel, check the current recognition list on the state's official page, because these lists change.
“Assault weapon” rules#
- None at the state level.
Magazine limits#
- None at the state level.
Waiting period#
- None at the state level. Dealers run the federal NICS background check only.
Background checks and private sales#
- No universal background check law for long guns: private sales of rifles and shotguns between residents of this state don't have to go through a dealer. Handguns are different: the buyer needs a handgun purchase certificate (which comes with a criminal history check) or a concealed handgun permit, unless an exception such as a close-family transfer applies (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2403). Federal law still bans selling to prohibited persons and bans private sales made directly across state lines.
Red flag (ERPO) law#
- No state extreme risk protection order law (also called a red flag law).
Suppressors, SBRs and SBSs#
- Suppressors
- Legal to own under state law if federal requirements are met (see the national NFA note).
- Short-barreled rifles and shotguns
- Legal under state law if federal requirements are met (see the national NFA note).
About the October 2026 federal NFA change
On October 9, 2026, ATF said it will stop enforcing the NFA's approval and registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and AOWs. Where Nebraska allows these items only if federal requirements are met, it isn't settled how state law treats an item that is no longer federally registered. Check with state authorities before relying on ATF's change.
Ammunition#
- No state background check, license or permit for buying ammunition was identified.
Minimum ages#
- Handgun purchase
- 21 for dealer and private sales alike. You need a handgun purchase certificate (issued only at 21) or a Nebraska concealed handgun permit to buy or receive a handgun (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 69-2403, 69-2404). Exceptions include transfers between close family members (§ 69-2403(2)(e)); even then, people under 18 can't possess a handgun, except for military duty or supervised instruction (§ 28-1204).
- Long gun purchase
- 18 from a licensed dealer (federal law). In a private sale, federal law sets no minimum age. Nebraska's under-18 rule covers handguns (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204).
Shipping and buying online#
- We found no notable state shipping restrictions. The usual federal rules apply: firearms ship to a licensed dealer, and handguns must go to a dealer in the buyer's home state. Check city and county rules too.
Buying a firearm online means it ships to a licensed dealer, who completes the transfer. Find one near you in the Dealer Finder. Retailers make the final call on what they'll ship, so always check their policy too.
Pending legislation and litigation#
Bills, ballot measures, rules and court cases that could change the rules in Nebraska. We check this list every week; last scan . See everything we're tracking.
Open (1)
Nebraska Attorney General: NFA registration guidance
Guidance of Oct. 21, 2026 · Nebraska Attorney General's Office
Status:
After ATF stopped enforcing NFA registration for suppressors, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns on Oct. 9, 2026, Nebraska's Attorney General posted guidance saying his office believes Nebraskans may presumptively possess these items under both federal and Nebraska law without registering, unless they're otherwise barred from having guns (for example, by a felony conviction). The office also notes it is challenging NFA registration in ongoing Missouri litigation.
What it would change: This is the office's reading of the law, not a new statute or court ruling. If federal policy or court rulings change, the guidance could change too.
Status history (1)
- :
Added · Last checked
Sources and official links#
- Nebraska State Patrol - Concealed Handgun Permits · Officialhttps://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/services/concealed-handgun-permits
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 69-2433 · Officialhttps://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=69-2433
- Nebraska Attorney General - NFA registration guidance (Oct. 21, 2026) · Officialhttps://ago.nebraska.gov/recent-developments-affecting-nfa-registration-requirements
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2403 (Nebraska Legislature) · Officialhttps://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=69-2403
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2404 (Nebraska Legislature) · Officialhttps://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=69-2404
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204 (Nebraska Legislature) · Officialhttps://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-1204
Nebraska entry last reviewed . Official state sites can move or change; if a link stops working, search the agency's site for the same title.
Notes that apply everywhere
Federal NFA change (suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, AOWs)
Congress set the federal NFA making and transfer tax to $0 for suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) and 'any other weapons' effective January 1, 2026 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025). After a federal district court ruling (Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, N.D. Tex., Aug. 5, 2026), ATF published an open letter from Director Robert Cekada, a press release, a fact sheet and an FAQ saying that as of October 9, 2026 it will not enforce the NFA's approval, registration, tax-stamp and related requirements for those four items, for everyone. Machine guns and destructive devices remain fully regulated. The Gun Control Act still applies, including dealer background checks, the prohibited-person rules, and an approved Form 20 to take an SBR or SBS across state lines, and dealers still may not sell in violation of state or local law. ATF says this does not override state or local law. A state that bans these items still bans them. Many state laws make these items legal only if they are 'registered' or 'lawful under federal law', and how those state laws apply to unregistered items is currently unclear. ATF also warns that enforcement could resume if the law, the ruling or DOJ policy changes. Keep this note in mind whenever you read a state's suppressor, SBR or SBS entry.
U.S. Supreme Court 'assault weapon' cases
The Supreme Court granted review (June 30, 2026) in Viramontes v. Cook County (No. 25-238, a Cook County, IL ordinance) and Grant v. Higgins (No. 25-566, Connecticut). The question is whether the Second Amendment protects possession of AR-15-platform rifles. The cases are scheduled for oral argument on December 2, 2026 (not yet argued as of October 15, 2026), and a decision is expected by mid-2027. Magazine-limit petitions (for example Duncan v. Bonta from CA and NAGR v. Lamont from CT) and New Jersey's petition (No. 26-452) were pending as of mid-October 2026. Every state 'assault weapon' and magazine entry could change as a result.
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Wolford v. Lopez (U.S. Supreme Court, June 25, 2026)
The Court struck down Hawaii's rule that licensed carriers may not carry on private property open to the public without the owner's express permission. Similar 'default no-carry on private property' rules in some other states (for example CA, NY, NJ and MD) may be affected. This guide hasn't verified how each state has responded.
Federal minimum ages
Under federal law, licensed dealers may sell handguns only to buyers 21 and older, and long guns only to buyers 18 and older. Federal courts have split on whether the 18-20 handgun-sale restriction is constitutional, and this guide doesn't try to resolve that litigation. State rules on how old minors must be to possess guns aren't fully covered here.
Local ordinances
Many cities and counties (for example Chicago and Cook County, IL; Denver and Boulder, CO; Philadelphia, PA; and New York City) have rules stricter than state law. This guide covers state-level law only.
All states, DC and territories · Federal law
Disclaimer
The firearm law information in Firearms Almanac's Laws & Regulations guide (federal, state and territory) is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Firearm laws change frequently, differ by city and county, and are often affected by court decisions that can take effect with little notice. We try to keep this guide accurate and cite official sources, but we make no guarantee that any entry is complete, current, or correct, and we are not responsible for actions taken based on it. Before buying, selling, carrying, transporting, or shipping any firearm, ammunition, magazine, or accessory, check the current law with the official federal, state or territory source linked on each page and, where appropriate, a qualified attorney. Retailers listed on this site set their own shipping and sales policies and are responsible for complying with the law. Each entry shows the date it was last checked. See also our site Disclaimer.