Purchasing Firearms in North Carolina

North Carolina gun laws are considered permissive with a “Shall Issue” policy. There are no restrictions on calibers or magazine size and limited restrictions on open carry. See more information below on the specifics of purchasing firearms in North Carolina.

Gun Sales in North Carolina

Purchasing A Gun from An FFL Dealer

In order to purchase a long gun you must have a valid NC Drivers License/NC ID, NC Concealed Handgun Permit or a Valid Driver’s License/ID from another Free State, and a NICS background check.

Military Personnel can purchase a long gun with a Military ID/DOD ID in conjunction with supplemental documentation to prove residency and a NICS background check.

Types of supplemental documentation are listed below:

Year or longer NC Fishing/Hunting License
NC Vehicle Registration
MOL/BIR that shows physical address

In order to purchase a handgun you must have a valid NC Drivers License/NC ID, NC Concealed Handgun Permit. Military Personnel can purchase a Handgun with a Military ID/DOD ID. Law Enforcement with credentials from the state of North Carolina can purchase a Handgun with an NICS background check.

You must be at least 21 years old to buy a Handgun from a licensed dealer.
You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a rifle or shotgun from a licensed dealer.

Keep scrolling for information on how to obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit.

View North Carolina Permit Application Guide for more information.

North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit

Minimum Requirements for A North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit

You must be at least 21 years old.
Completed an approved firearms training class, (minimum 8 hours).
Been a resident of North Carolina for 30 days preceding the filing of the application.
Be a resident of the County your application is filed in.
Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident alien.
Not suffer from a physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun.
Not been convicted of an impaired driving offense within three years prior to the date on which the application is submitted.
Not had judgment continued for or free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a disqualifying criminal offense.
Is not currently nor has not been adjudicated or administratively determined to be lacking mental capacity or mentally ill.
Federal Law Requirements must be met.

How To Apply for A North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit

Complete your firearm training course if required.
Download the application from online. Some counties offer an online application.
You will need the following documents:
• The original certificate of completion from a firearms course.
• Valid photographic identification and proof of residence (NC Driver’s License or ID card).
• Military personnel must bring forms 1380E (active duty) or DD-214 (discharged).
• Naturalized citizens must bring your Naturalization Certificate or a valid U.S. Passport.
• U.S. citizens born outside of the U.S.A. to U.S. parent(s) must bring your documentation from the
Department of State (Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certification of Report of Birth).
• Lawful permanent resident aliens must bring a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card.
Take the application to your local Sheriffs office and complete under oath.
The Sheriff will take two sets of fingerprints.
Sign a release authorizing disclosure to the Sheriff of any records relating to your mental health.
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

An NICS background check is required for all new applications and renewals. North Carolina does not issue concealed carry permits to non-residents.

North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit Renewals

Concealed Handgun Permits must be renewed within 90 days before the expiry date but not before.
If the permit has expired but for not more than 60 days you will need to apply for a new permit, however there is no training course required.
If the permit has expired for more than 60 days you will be required to complete a training course and make a new application.

All renewal applications require a NICS background check.

North Carolina Permit FAQs

Who issues a permit?

Concealed carry permits/licenses are issued by the Sheriff of the county the applicant resides in.

What’s the processing time?

Once the application is received it will take about 45 days to complete all the necessary checks.

What if my application is denied?

If your CCW permit is denied you can appeal the decision to the District Court.

How do I appeal?

Section 14-415.15(c) states that any person denied a CCW permit has the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be in written format and filed with the District Court citing the reasons for the appeal. In general appeals are considered without a hearing with the decision being sent to the appellant in writing.

How do I get a purchase permit?

Permits to purchase a handgun are issued by the sheriff in your county. You can only apply for a permit in your county of residence.

How old do I need to be to purchase a firearm?

For a handgun you need to be 21, and for a long gun or shotgun you must be 18, to buy from a licensed dealer. If you have a purchase permit and are 18 years or older you can buy a handgun from a private seller.

How long do I need to be a resident before applying?

There is no law in North Carolina that states how long you need to be a resident in your county before making an application. However, the Sheriff in each county can set minimum residency requirements.

Do I need to register my gun?

For now as of 3/31/2022, The only guns that need to be registered are NFA guns.

Can a non-resident of county get a purchase permit?

Yes, under statute 14-404 a person not residing in the county of application can get a Pistol Purchase Permit but it is limited to collecting firearms.