To purchase a handgun, any person who does not have a concealed handgun license must present to the seller a safety certificate issued by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).¹ This certificate can be obtained by completing a minimum two-hour basic handgun safety course administered by DEM.²

 See our Licensing policy summary for a comprehensive discussion of this issue. 

1. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-35(a)(1), 11-47-35.1.[↩]
2. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-35(b)-(d).[↩]