Gun Permit Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. If I give a handgun away to someone, such as a family member, does that person need to have a valid Handgun Purchase Certificate?

A. Not in the case of a close family member. Nebraska State Statute 69-2403 specifies that a handgun purchase certificate is not necessary if “the transfer is between a person and his or her spouse, sibling, parent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or grandparent”. Any other transfer of ownership however, does require that the person taking ownership have a Certificate.

 

Q. Is a Handgun Purchase Certificate equivalent to a permit to carry a concealed weapon?

A. NO. There is no such thing as a permit to carry a concealed weapon in the State of Nebraska. Additionally, if you obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon in another state, it is not valid in Nebraska.

 

Q. What is the definition of a concealed weapon?

A. If a law enforcement officer can see the handgun, either carried on your person or in your car, it is not concealed. If the officer can not see the handgun, or portions of it are not visible at any point, it is concealed. If you carry a weapon on or about your person concealed, you are in violation of Nebraska State Statute 28-1202.

 

Q.     Is it permissible to transport a firearm under the seat or in the glove box of a vehicle?

A. NO. In both instances the firearm is concealed because it is not in plain sight and is easily accessible.

 

Q.     If my firearm is lying on the front seat or on the dash is it okay?

YES. If it is in plain view. However, carrying a weapon that is accessible to passengers in a vehicle is not recommended. If you are stopped by a police officer and a weapon is visible, cooperate fully with the officer’s commands and do not make any sudden moves or touch the weapon for any reason

 

Q.     What is the best way to transport a firearm?

A.      Locked in its case, unloaded and in the trunk. If you are in a pick-up, the weapon should be unloaded and locked in its case and placed behind the seat where it is not readily accessible to the occupants.

 

 

Q.     How often do I need to get a Handgun Purchase Certificate to purchase a handgun?

A.      A Handgun Purchase Certificate is necessary before one buys or transfers ownership of a handgun. Possession in itself does not require a permit. The permit should be renewed every three years in the county in which you reside.

 

Q.     If I live out of state, can I purchase a handgun in Nebraska and take it back to my home state?

A.      NO. In order to obtain a Handgun Purchase Certificate, you must have a valid Nebraska driver’s license, State ID card, or Military ID. A Handgun Purchase Certificate must be obtained from the county of residence.

 

Q.     Where do I register my firearm?

A. HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF

Troy M Kaiser
612 Indian #13
St. Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-5433
Fax:(308) 754-5517
Email: hcso@howardcountyso.org

 

Q. What are the requirements to register my firearm with the Howard County Sheriff Department?

A. A. Valid personal identification and the paperwork from the place where the firearm was purchased. If you

purchased the gun from a private owner or already possess the firearm, you must have the previous

owner’s name and last known address, the unloaded gun (preferably in a case), and the bill of sale.

For more information contact;

HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF

Troy M Kaiser
612 Indian #13
St. Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-5433
Fax:(308) 754-5517
Email: hcso@howardcountyso.org