Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of North Carolina gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Tar Heel State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in North Carolina
Open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit. Concealed carry is legal with a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) or a concealed carry permit from any state.
North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit
North Carolina CHPs are issued to residents and members of the military permanently posted in North Carolina. Permits require a firearms training course that has been approved by the state. The minimum age is 21 years old.
Once you have provided all required materials to your local sheriff’s office, the processing time to obtain a CHP set by statute is 45 days. A complete CHP application includes the certificate showing completion of a state-approved handgun safety training course, a completed application form, an ID card and proof of residence.
Open Carry Gun Laws in North Carolina
It is legal to open carry firearms on your person without a permit in North Carolina. Some areas are off-limits, including schools, state or federal buildings, offices of the state or federal government, and the State Capitol grounds.
Stand Your Ground vs. Duty to Retreat
A person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat in any place he or she has the lawful right to be. Force is legal if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
On March 29, 2023, the General Assembly of North Carolina voted to override the governor’s veto of SB 41. A permit to purchase is no longer required. There is no firearms registration, waiting period or maximum magazine capacity for handguns. A purchaser must be at least 18 years old to purchase a handgun.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Stun guns and Tasers are legal for anyone at least 18 years old to purchase without a permit. However, concealed carry of these devices is legal only on an individual’s own premises. The state also specifically prohibits carrying a stun gun on school property. Possession and use of self-defense sprays is lawful for use by individuals who have not been convicted of a felony and for self-defense purposes only.
Can a Felon Own a Gun in North Carolina?
Many factors need to be considered in order to determine whether someone with a felony conviction may be able to own or possess firearms. North Carolina has expungement statutes which allow some people who have been convicted to have certain felonies expunged from their records. Felons can also try to have firearm rights restored by petitioning the court. The best way to determine if either of these options might be an option for you is to consult an experienced attorney in your area.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in North Carolina?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with North Carolina’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
Locations where a concealed handgun may be carried include:
- Restaurants that serve alcohol, unless posted
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Roadside rest areas
- Places of worship (unless posted)
Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:
- Schools, public or private, including universities
- Any public or private school building, premises or bus
- Any activity sponsored by a school
- Law enforcement office, detention or correctional facility
- A state or federal building or office of the state or federal government
- On any private premises bearing a notice that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited
- State Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, the Governor’s Western Residence or on the grounds of any of these buildings
- Any posted municipal or county playground, athletic field, swimming pool or athletic facility
- State fairgrounds
- Any place alcohol beverages are consumed, if posted, and the individual is consuming or under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in North Carolina?
Anyone with a valid concealed carry permit can carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in North Carolina. Without a permit, a weapon cannot be both concealed and readily accessible to a person. Therefore, a handgun would need to be either openly displayed or in a locked glove box, a locked console or the trunk. Carriers are required to inform a law enforcement officer upon contact when carrying a concealed firearm.
Ready to Learn More About North Carolina Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about North Carolina’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the North Carolina gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. Members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each particular case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
