Nebraska is an open-carry and concealed-carry state. This means gun owners may openly carry their firearms in certain places and conceal their guns, and are not required to register a firearm in Nebraska.
However, Nebraska’s firearm laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with the enactment of several new Legislative Bills and another set to take effect in July 2025.
These legislative updates have reshaped the landscape of gun ownership and carrying rights within the state. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a new Nebraskan, or simply passing through, it’s crucial to understand these changes to ensure compliance and safeguard your rights.
Do You Have to Register a Firearm in Nebraska?
You do not have to register a firearm in Nebraska. Nebraska now allows permitless concealed carry for most eligible adults. This law means that if you’re at least 18 years old and legally allowed to own a gun under state and federal law, you may carry a concealed handgun without needing a concealed carry permit.
This shift, established through LB77, took effect on September 2, 2023, and aligns Nebraska with numerous other states that recognize the right to carry concealed firearms without mandatory permits or training.
Do You Still Have to Register a Firearm in Omaha?
The new law includes a state preemption clause that prohibits local governments from enforcing gun laws that are more restrictive than those passed by the state legislature. So, even if the City of Omaha previously required firearm registration, that requirement has now been voided under state law.
What If I Still Want a Concealed Handgun Permit?
You can still apply for a concealed handgun permit if you choose. Some people do this to qualify for reciprocity in other states or to take advantage of the streamlined background check process when purchasing a gun.
However, you are no longer required to have a permit to carry a concealed handgun in Nebraska. You also do not need to take a training course unless you’re applying for the optional Concealed Carry Permit. Many people still obtain a CCW if they travel outside of Nebraska.
If you do apply, you must meet eligibility requirements, which include being:
- At least 21 years old,
- A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident,
- Not a felon or otherwise prohibited from owning a gun, and
- Free from certain mental health or substance abuse conditions.
Even under constitutional carry, applying for a permit can offer practical benefits, especially if you plan to travel across state lines.
What Laws Still Apply to Concealed Carry?
Whether you have a permit or not, you still have responsibilities as a gun owner. Under Nebraska’s revised statutes, particularly § 28-1202.03, individuals carrying concealed weapons must:
- Immediately inform law enforcement that they are carrying a concealed weapon when approached or contacted; and
- Always carry a valid ID when carrying the gun.
Failing to follow these requirements can result in criminal charges, even if you’re otherwise permitted to carry.
Can I Carry a Gun Anywhere Now?
Even with constitutional carry, there are still numerous prohibited locations where carrying a firearm remains illegal.
You may not carry a concealed firearm in:
- Police or sheriff’s offices;
- Detention centers or prisons;
- Courtrooms or buildings containing courtrooms;
- Polling places during elections;
- Meetings of city councils, school boards, or other public bodies;
- Bars or establishments that derive more than 50% of revenue from alcohol sales;
- Churches or places of worship;
- Hospitals and emergency rooms;
- Schools and college campuses; and
- Sporting events, parades, or political rallies.
These location-based restrictions apply regardless of whether you have a permit, and violating them can result in criminal charges.
Can I Carry While Drinking?
Nebraska law prohibits anyone from carrying a concealed firearm while consuming alcohol or while having any alcohol or an unlawful controlled substance in their system. Even if you’re not legally intoxicated, you may face charges if you’re carrying and have been drinking. The standard is strict: any amount of alcohol can trigger an arrest if you’re armed.
What Does LB1329 Change in 2025?
LB1329, which goes into effect in July 2025, will update school security provisions. It allows school boards to authorize armed personnel, such as off-duty officers or qualified employees, on school grounds under strict policies and training requirements. It does not change general concealed carry rights for the public, but the update is worth knowing for families, educators, and professionals in school environments.
Can I Still Be Disqualified From Carrying?
Despite the more permissive framework under constitutional carry, the law still prohibits some individuals from possessing or carrying firearms under state or federal law. Disqualifying factors include:
- Felony convictions,
- Domestic violence or protection orders,
- Recent mental health commitments,
- Active drug use or addiction, and
- Dishonorable discharge from the U.S. military.
If any of these apply to you, possessing a firearm could result in felony charges, even if you otherwise qualify for constitutional carry.
Need Legal Help? Speak with an Omaha Criminal Attorney Today
For additional information on legally possessing and registering a firearm in Nebraska, contact the Petersen Law Office.
Our group of attorneys has over 25 years of experience working with clients in Omaha, Nebraska, and the surrounding areas.
We are well-versed in the legal processes to register your firearm, so reach out to us today for assistance.
Attorney Petersen was invited to join the National Advocacy for DUI Defense (NAFDD) organization in 2013. NAFDD vets thousands of lawyers and only chooses those who have achieved stellar results in DUI defense cases. Attorney Petersen was named one of the Top 50 defense attorneys in Nebraska out of more than 5,000.
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