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 Dakota gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Peace Garden State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in North Dakota?
Open carry of handguns is legal for residents with a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) and for non-residents with a valid resident concealed carry license from a state that North Dakota honors. The minimum age is 18.
Some areas are off-limits, including bars.
North Dakota has constitutional concealed carry for adults who have been residents for at least 30 days and are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm and non-residents with a valid resident concealed carry license from a state that North Dakota honors.
A resident carrying under permitless concealed carry must carry his or her driver’s license or state ID and must inform law enforcement that he or she is in possession of the firearm upon any in-person contact by a law enforcement officer.
North Dakota Concealed Carry Permit
North Dakota issues Class 1 and Class 2 CWLs. Both licenses are equally valid within North Dakota but because of additional testing requirements, the holders of a Class 1 license have reciprocity in more states than those who hold a Class 2 license.
Concealed Weapon Licenses require completion of a state-certified firearms training course. North Dakota issues licenses to residents and full-time active-duty military stationed in North Dakota.
A non-resident can be issued a CWL if he or she has a concealed carry permit from his or her home state (determined by the driver’s license) and his or her home state has reciprocity with North Dakota.
Ready to Protect Your Home Like a Pro?
Choosing the right home-defense firearm is just the first step. With proper training, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to use it effectively as a self-defense tool — empowering you to better protect your home and loved ones.
The USCCA’s expert-led classes cover everything from firearms fundamentals and home-security planning to legal considerations and conflict avoidance — giving you the skills to respond responsibly and decisively.
Over 1 million students have been trained nationwide. Find a USCCA Certified Instructor in your area and take the next step in your protector journey.
Find Home-Defense Classes Near You →
Stand Your Ground
North Dakota has a self-defense law based on the Castle Doctrine. Based on the Governor’s signing of House Bill 1498, the state has a Stand Your Ground law that went into effect on August 1, 2021.
There is no duty to retreat anywhere a person is legally allowed to be. North Dakota law provides immunity from civil liability for an individual who uses force as permitted by state law.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
No permit is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, there is no waiting period and there is no firearms registration in the state. Background checks are not required for private sales, although they are required when purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer.
There is no requirement to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm for anyone with a concealed carry license. However, there is a duty to inform law enforcement for residents constitutionally carrying without a license.
The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in North Dakota is 18 years old. A person under the age of 18 may only possess a handgun while under the direct supervision of an adult for purposes of firearms safety training, target shooting or hunting.
Can a Felon Own a Gun in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, a person who has been convicted anywhere of a felony offense involving violence or intimidation is prohibited from owning a firearm or having one in his or her possession for a period of 10 years from the date of conviction or the date of release from incarceration, parole or probation — whichever is later.
If an individual has been convicted anywhere of any other felony offense not included in the 10-year prohibition — or of a Class A Misdemeanor in North Dakota involving violence or intimidation (or equivalent offense in another state) and a firearm, dangerous weapon or destructive device, he or she is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm for a five-year period.
Additionally, federal law prohibits people from possessing firearms if they have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of violence or have had a domestic violence restraining order against them.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Pepper spray, stun guns and Tasers that only deliver a single application of voltage are legal to purchase and possess without a permit in North Dakota.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in North Dakota?
- In a vehicle for an individual who is not otherwise precluded from possessing a class 2 firearm and dangerous weapon license under chapter 62.1-04 and who has been a resident for at least 30 days with a valid driver’s license or State ID. Non-residents must have a resident concealed carry permit from a state that ND honors
- Roadside rest areas under permitless concealed carry for residents and for non-residents with a resident permit from states that North Dakota recognizes
- State/national parks under permitless concealed carry for residents and for non-residents with a resident permit from states that North Dakota recognizes
- State/national forests under permitless concealed carry for residents and for non-residents with a resident permit from states that North Dakota recognizes
- Wildlife Management Areas under permitless concealed carry for residents and for non-residents with a resident permit from states that North Dakota recognizes
- On a person’s land, or in that individual’s permanent or temporary residence or fixed place of business
- Restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol, under permitless concealed carry for residents and for non-residents with a resident permit from states that North Dakota recognizes, unless posted
- Concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants
Locations where carry is prohibited even for permit holders include:
- Schools or school-sponsored events on school property
- Churches or other places of worship without permission
- Publicly owned or operated buildings
- On the Capitol grounds and in any building on the Capitol
- Any part of a liquor establishment that is set aside for the retail sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Anywhere outside of your home while intoxicated or under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs
- Gaming sites at which bingo is the primary gaming activity
- State game refuges or state game management areas
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in North Dakota?
Yes, for an individual who is not otherwise precluded from possessing a class 2 firearm and dangerous weapon license under chapter 62.1-04 and who has been a resident for at least 30 days with a valid driver’s license or State ID. Non-residents must have a resident concealed carry permit from a state that ND honors.
Ready to Learn More About North Dakota 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 Dakota’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the North Dakota 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 individual 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.
