Pistol Licenses

On February 22, 2017, Governor Christopher Sununu signed into law Senate Bill 12 repealing the requirement for residents and non-residents to obtain a concealed carry license, making it voluntary for qualified persons*. The new law does not abolish the license; it removes the requirement for a license to carry a pistol/revolver concealed.

Bedford residents who voluntarily wish to obtain a Concealed Pistol License can have one issued through the police department in the community where they reside. The cost of the license is $10.00 and is valid for five years, expiring within the month of the license holder's birthday.

Applicant must provide his/her driver's license with Bedford as the primary address. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have a criminal record check free of felony convictions*.

*Applications are approved unless the applicant is "prohibited by New Hampshire or Federal statute from possessing a firearm" (RSA 159:6(a) as amended). Prohibited persons would fall into any of the following categories:

• convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
• who is a fugitive from justice;
• who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, codified at 21 U.S.C. § 802);
• who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution;
• who is an illegal alien;
• who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
• who has renounced his or her United States citizenship;
• who is subject to a court order restraining the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of the intimate partner; or
• who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Pistol License Applications

P istol license applications can be obtained in the lobby of the Bedford Police Department or you may print the form found on our FORMS & FEES page. Completed forms can be dropped off in the lobby of the Safety Complex. The application process takes approximately two weeks and we will call when it is ready. The pistol license must be picked up in person by the applicant. A valid photo ID is required and payment is expected upon pick-up. We accept checks and cash only. If you are renewing your license, it can only be renewed in the month in which it is expiring so please hold your applications until that month arrives.