We no longer accept handgun permit applications online or by mail. If you wish to complete a handgun permit application, please come in person to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Below are instructions on obtaining and submitting firearm purchase certificate applications. You must be a resident of the county and have a valid Nebraska photo ID or driver’s license. If you live in the city limits of Blair, you will be required to obtain the permit through the Blair Police Department.
Pursuant to Nebraska Statute 69-2403 a firearm purchase certificate is required to purchase, lease, rent, or receive a handgun. The law applies to both retail and private party transactions. The law also prohibits selling, leasing, renting, or transferring a handgun to a person who does not possess a handgun certificate. Individuals possessing a valid Conceal Carry Permit are not required to have a Handgun Purchase Certificate.
Certificate Exceptions
A certificate is not required if:
- The person acquiring the handgun is a licensed firearms dealer;
- The handgun is an antique;
- The person acquiring the handgun is authorized to do so on behalf of a law enforcement agency;
- The transfer is temporary and the transferee remains within the line of sight of the transferor
- Within the premises of an established shooting facility; or
- The transfer is between a person and his or her spouse, sibling, parent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or grandparent.
Documents Required at Time of Application
- Current Nebraska operator’s license or Nebraska state ID card. The Nebraska license or ID must have your correct legal name. The address on your Nebraska license or ID must be a current residential address in Washington County and match the address on the application. Completed permits will only be mailed to the Washington County residential address on the application. The Sheriff’s Office will not accept applications or issue purchase permits to applicants with only a post office box.
- If your only form of ID is a Military ID card (must be active duty and temporarily or permanently stationed in Washington County with military orders), you must also provide two forms of proof of Washington County residency (i.e. utility bill, vehicle registration, pay stub, etc.) with your current address.
- Application fee of $5.
- Applicants born on a United States military base outside the U.S. must provide their birth certificate.
- Applicants that are not U.S. citizens must also provide a copy of their citizenship papers, U.S. Passport, or alien resident card.
Age & Residency Requirements
To obtain a handgun certificate from our office you must be at least 21 years old and a current Washington County Resident.
Disqualifiers
Applications will be denied if the applicant:
- Fails to answer all questions on the application
- Has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year
- Is a fugitive from justice
- Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
- Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution
- Is an alien unlawfully in the United States or an alien admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa
- Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
- Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his or her citizenship
- Is subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner
- Has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
- Is under indictment or information (i.e. charges have been filed in court) for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year
Re-Application Upon Expiration
Certificates are valid, statewide, for three years at which time applicants must re-apply for a certificate. All documentation above is required at the time of application regardless of whether a certificate has been issued to applicants in the past.
What to Do When You Receive Your Firearms Purchase Certificate
Upon receipt of your certificate, please inspect the document and ensure that the personal information is correct and that the Sheriff’s signature appears. In the event of any typographical error or omission, please bring the certificate to the Sheriff’s Office within thirty days for any corrections that may be necessary. Notification of any corrections beyond thirty days after issuance shall require a new application.