RI CCW Permit Process

[TommyJ1912]

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I was interested in applying to the AG's office for a non-resident RI pistol permit. However, I just took a look at the application - http://www.riag.state.ri.us/documents/criminalidentification/pistol_renewal_form.pdf - and I'm having second thoughts.

According to the form, I'm required to (amongst other things):

(1) obtain a signature from my local police chief;
(2) perform an extensive "slow fire" shooting qualification; and
(3) submit a typed letter with "details and specific reasons" on why I "need" a RI permit.

Not to mention the fact that I'm required to pay for and pick up the permit IN PERSON! (Kind of hard to do since I live in AZ...)

I assume that "my natural right to self-defense" is not an acceptable answer for the last requirement. Anyone have any advice as to what to put down/how to phrase the letter so I'll actually get approved? Plus, if I am approved, do I really have to travel to RI to get the darn thing?

 

[Gunslinger]

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Much worse than MA. I had no problem with a non-res in MA, just needed to send a copy of my VA res CCW and $100--plus get fingerprints from the Billerica police--where I was living at the time and who were very friendly about the process. Handled by the State Police and they have no ax to grind, unlike local yocal cops that are anti-gun. RI is one of the most unfriendly states that will issue, but at least they do have non-res permits.

 

[Jared]

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You do not need your chief to sign off on the application. Your town clerk can sign as well. The slow fire course is very easy, it's an Army-L target at 75 feet. You have to fire 30 shots and score at least a 195. The NRA certified person signs off on your application and that's it for training. The Attorney General Permit is may-issue as it was upheld by the state supreme court since a permit issued by a police chief is shall-issue (you may have to sue, but you could collect 42 USC 1983).

The AG will make you pick up the permit in person at 125 South Main Street in Providence at the BCI office, they put your thumbprint on the permit when you pick it up.

Unless you travel to Rhode Island, getting a pistol permit is not worth it.

 

[TommyJ1912]

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Jared,

Thanks for the response. I'm currently in the process of applying for permits in MA and CT, so I thought it'd be convenient to do RI at the same time. Since none of these states offer reciprocity with any other state , I'm required to seek their approval to have the capability of defending myself as I travel throughout the New England area.

However, you didn't answer my first question: given the stringent requirement of the may-issue AG non-resident permit to show "need" and the fact that no one has made threats against me/I don't have an order of protection against anyone, is there any possible reason I can put down in my letter to get approved? I suppose the best I can come up with is, "When I travel cross-country, I only pay for things in cash and carry huge sums on my person." Is anything enough?

- Mike S.

 

[Jared]

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TommyJ1912 wrote:

Jared,

Thanks for the response. I'm currently in the process of applying for permits in MA and CT, so I thought it'd be convenient to do RI at the same time. Since none of these states offer reciprocity with any other state , I'm required to seek their approval to have the capability of defending myself as I travel throughout the New England area.

However, you didn't answer my first question: given the stringent requirement of the may-issue AG non-resident permit to show "need" and the fact that no one has made threats against me/I don't have an order of protection against anyone, is there any possible reason I can put down in my letter to get approved? I suppose the best I can come up with is, "When I travel cross-country, I only pay for things in cash and carry huge sums on my person." Is anything enough?

- Mike S.

Proper showing of need can not be defined as per the Mosby Case (Mosby v. DeVine 851 a2d RI Supreme Court 2004). Each application is considered differently. If you are denied a permit, you are entitled to see all evidence and documents that were used by them to deny you a license. This is also spelt out in the Mosby case. If you are denied, request to see all evidence used against you in your denial. The current administration at the Attorney General's office are reasonable.

Keep in mind that if you are not planning on spending anytime in RI, you can still carry if you are passing through the state with any other LTC.

 

[gregwa]

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It's also worth noting that whatever reason you give for needing a carry permit, that reason will be stated as a condition of use on the permit itself. I stated that I need to carry for my work sometimes, and my permit now states "Work Purposes Only" on the back. I'm not sure how that would pan out in court if I ever used my weapon for self-defense--the term "work purposes only" is pretty vague. Nevertheless, whatever reason you give will become your only legitimate purpose for carrying in RI.

The entire process in RI is convoluted and difficult, designed primarily to discourage people from applying in the first place.

 

[SlackwareRobert]

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"Work Purpose Only"

Wouldn't being alive to go to work tomorrow qualify as work purpose?
Can't work if you can't breath I would think.

Wonder what the AG would think about a reason to stop the homeland security
from producing child porn when I take my children through airport screening.
It looks like the NE areas are getting the new strip you naked model x-rays soon.