"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?

Yes. A permit does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun on any private premises that are posted prohibiting firearms. [N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 14-415.11 and 14-415.21]

Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?

Not while consuming alcohol or at any time while the person has remaining in the person's body any alcohol or in the person's blood a controlled substance previously consumed, but a person does not violate this condition if a controlled substance in the person's blood was lawfully obtained and taken in therapeutically appropriate amounts or if the person is on the person's own property. [N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-415.11(c2)] As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

No definition of brandishing was found in North Carolina law. However, if any person shall point any gun or pistol at any person, either in fun or otherwise, whether such gun or pistol be loaded or not loaded, he shall be guilty of a crime. [N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-34] A person who engages in fighting or other violent conduct or in conduct creating the threat of imminent fighting or other violence has committed the crime of disorderly conduct. [N.C. Gen Stat. Ann. § 14-288.4]

DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry Permit?

Yes. Your North Carolina driver’s license is linked to your North Carolina concealed handgun permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?

No, however the information is available for law enforcement.

Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?

Yes. You have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm upon initial contact. [N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-415.21]

Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in North Carolina, except a unit of local government may post recreational areas such as playgrounds, athletic facilities and swimming pools. [N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-415.23][N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-409.40]

North Carolina does not have a red flag law.

WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?

Per § 14-12.7 and § 14-12,8, it is illegal for anyone over 16 years old to wear a mask, hood or disguise that conceals the identity of the wearer, on any public way or on public property in the State. However, a law was enacted during the pandemic to create an exemption. SB 704/SESSION LAW 2020-3(6) Any person wearing a mask for the purpose of ensuring the physical health or safety of the wearer or others is exempt from the provisions of G.S. 14-12.7, 14-12.8, 14-12.9, 14-12.10 and 14-12.14.

WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN NORTH CAROLINA?

It is illegal to own a spring-loaded projectile knife, ballistic knife or any similar weapon. The open carry of any legal weapon is allowed, so long as you are not carrying it in order to terrify or alarm the public. The concealed carry of Bowie knives, dirks, daggers, razors or butcher’s knives is illegal, except when on the person's own premises. It is illegal to open or concealed carry any knife on a school campus, state property or into a courthouse. Dangerous weapons are also banned from parades, funeral processions, picket lines, or demonstration upon any private health care facilities. [NCGSA §§ 14-269, 14-269.4 & 14-277.2]

HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?

Yes. It is unlawful for a person to interfere intentionally with the lawful taking of wildlife resources or to drive, harass, or intentionally disturb any wildlife resources for the purpose of disrupting the lawful taking of wildlife resources. [N.C.Gen. Stat. Ann. § 113-295]

CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?

Yes. On State-owned game lands, and all other lands unless prohibited by the landowner, persons may lawfully carry any firearm openly that they are otherwise lawfully entitled to possess, and may also carry a concealed handgun if they possess a current and valid concealed handgun permit issued to them. However, persons may not hunt with any firearm being carried unless such firearm is authorized as a lawful method of take for that open season. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission maintains a list of exempted game lands where concealed carry is prohibited. [NC Wildlife Resources Commission]

North Carolina gun laws & concealed carry reciprocity map

North Carolina is a shall-issue state with concealed handgun permits issued at the county level by the local sheriff’s office.

Open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit. Counties may regulate the display of firearms on public roads, sidewalks, alleys or other public property. The minimum age is 18 years old. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and the State Capitol grounds.

Concealed carry is legal for residents with a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and for non-residents with any valid license/permit. North Carolina CHP’s are issued to residents and members of the military permanently posted in North Carolina and require a firearms training course that has been approved by the state. The minimum age is 21 years old. In terms of reciprocity, North Carolina recognizes permits from all states, regardless of the age of the permit holder.

Where can I carry with my North Carolina permit?

Yes

Yes, Constitutional Carry

Yes, Other Restrictions

48 States Honored | 39 Reciprocating States

Switch State:

North Carolina Concealed Carry Reciprocity Details

Select State to View Reciprocity with North Carolina:

Key Gun Laws

Concealed Carry FAQ

Concealed Carry License

Concealed Carry Locations

Self-Defense Laws

Recent Law Changes



Key Gun Laws	GO
Concealed Carry FAQ	GO
Concealed Carry License	GO
Concealed Carry Locations	GO
Self-Defense Laws	GO
Recent Law Changes	GO

North Carolina Concealed Carry License Information

Requirements:

An applicant must:

Be at least 21 years old;
Have completed an approved firearms training class (there are exemptions for law enforcement);
Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident alien;
Be a resident of North Carolina for 30 days preceding the filing of the application;
Be a resident of the county in which the application is filed;
Not be under indictment for a felony or against whom a finding of probable cause exists for a felony;
Not have been adjudicated guilty of a felony in any court, unless: the felony is an offense that pertains to antitrust violations, unfair trade practices or restraints of trade, or the person’s firearm rights have been restored pursuant to state law;
Not be a fugitive from justice;
Not suffer from a physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun;
Not have been discharged from the Armed Forces under conditions other than honorable;
Not be an unlawful user of or addicted to marijuana, alcohol or any depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug or other controlled substance;
Not have been adjudicated guilty of or received a prayer for judgment continued or suspended sentence for one or more specified crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor within 3 years of the date of application;
Not have been adjudicated guilty of or received a prayer for judgment continued or suspended sentence for one or more crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor for certain types of assault and battery, stalking, child abuse and domestic criminal trespass crimes, and a violation of a protective order;
Not have been adjudicated guilty of or received a prayer for judgment continued or suspended sentence for one or more crimes involving an assault or a threat to assault a law enforcement officer, probation or parole officer, person employed at a State or local detention facility, firefighter, emergency medical technician, medical responder or emergency department personnel;
Not have been convicted of an impaired driving offense within 3 years prior to the date on which the application is submitted;
Not have had judgment continued for or free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal or sentencing for a disqualifying criminal offense;
Not currently be or has not been adjudicated or administratively determined to be lacking mental capacity or mentally ill; and
Meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of North Carolina.

Fees:

Initial Permit $90, but varies by county

Renewals $75, but varies by county

Name/Address Changes:

You will need to check with your local sheriff’s office as the requirements may vary. This can be done for free in some counties.

Application:

Link to application

Processing Time:

The sheriff has 45 days from the time mental health records are received to either issue or deny a permit.

Lost/Stolen Permits:

You will need to check with your local sheriff’s office as the requirements may vary. There is a $15 duplicate permit fee.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:

North Carolina only issues non-resident permits to members of the military permanently posted in North Carolina. The process is the same as for residents.

Valid For:

5 years

Residency Changes:

Moving to North Carolina and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?North Carolina issues permits to residents and members of the military permanently posted in North Carolina only. You can apply for your permit to the sheriff of your county once you have been a resident of North Carolina for 30 days.

Moving from North Carolina and have a North Carolina resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your North Carolina permit remains valid?If a person with a North Carolina concealed handgun permit establishes residency in another state, the permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.

How to get a North Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit

Step 1:

Complete a firearms training course.

Step 2:

Download the application. Some counties have online applications.

Step 3:

Take the application to your local sheriff’s office and complete it under oath. You will need the following documents:

The original certificate of completion from a firearms course;
NC driver’s license or ID card and proof of residence;
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; and
Lawful permanent resident aliens must bring a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card.

The sheriff will take 2 sets of fingerprints. Sign a release authorizing disclosure to the sheriff of any records relating to your mental health. Pay the fee.

Step 4:

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Concealed Carry Locations FAQ

store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?

Yes

North Carolina statutes address specific employees only.

Detention personnel or correctional officers and legislators or legislative employees employed by the State or a unit of local government who park a vehicle in a space that is authorized for their use in the course of their duties may transport a firearm to the parking space and store that firearm in the vehicle parked in the parking space, provided that:

(i) the firearm is in a closed compartment or container within the locked vehicle, or (ii) the firearm is in a locked container securely affixed to the vehicle.

[N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-269][N.C.Gen. Stat. Ann. § 120-32.1]

carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?

Yes

Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit, unless posted and provided you do not consume any alcohol or have any alcohol in your system.

[N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-269.3]

carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?

Yes

Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit, although firearms are prohibited in state park visitor centers and park offices. In addition, firearms are prohibited on lands and waters at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake state recreation areas managed by the state parks system but owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in North Carolina.

[N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-415.11(c1) and (C3) and 36 C.F.R. § 327.13]

carry at roadside rest areas?

Yes

Yes. Anyone with a permit may carry at roadside rest areas in North Carolina.

[N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-415.11(c3)]

carry/possess at a hotel?

See details

It is a crime for any person to knowingly carry concealed on or about his person on any private premises where notice that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited by the posting of a conspicuous notice or statement by the person in legal possession or control of the premises. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

[N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-415.11(c)(8)]

tribal lands

See details

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - Statute is not clear. It states that you may concealed carry with a valid North Carolina permit; however, explicit permission from tribal leaders are needed. Calling beforehand is recommended.

carry in vehicle?

Yes

Yes, with a permit. 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, locked console or in the trunk. A handgun under the front seat or in an unlocked glove box or console is illegal.

[N.C. Dept. of Public Safety FAQs]

North Carolina Self-Defense Laws

Self-Defense

North Carolina is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” statute.

A person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat in any place a person has the lawful right to be if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another; or if a person is in one’s home, vehicle or workplace and provided that the person against whom the defensive force was used was an unlawful intruder or was attempting to forcibly and unlawfully enter.

Immunity from Liability

Force which is intended or likely to cause death or bodily injury is immune from civil or criminal liability or the wrongful death of a person against whom such force was used if the use of such force was justified.

[N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 14-51.2 and 14-51.3]

Use of Deadly Force

However, 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 if either of the following applies:

The person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another.

The lawful occupant of a home, motor vehicle or workplace is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm to himself or herself or another when using defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily harm to another if both of the following apply:

The person against whom the defensive force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering or had unlawfully and forcibly entered a home, motor vehicle or workplace, or that person had removed or was attempting to remove another against that person’s will from the home, motor vehicle or workplace; and
The person who uses defensive force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act was occurring or had occurred.

“Home” is defined as a building or conveyance of any kind, including its curtilage, whether the building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it, including a tent, and is designed as a temporary or permanent residence.

Use of Force

A person is justified in using force, except deadly force, when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that the conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force.

North Carolina Gun Law Updates

DateDetails

2025-04-08

Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.

2024-12-23

Added tribal land information to Carry Location Sections.

2024-01-01

Updated Places I Can Carry Section to reflect new law on places of worship/schools.

2023-03-30

Permit to purchase no longer required

2021-05-19

Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table

Yes, Selected State:	North Carolina
Yes, Constitutional Carry:	Vermont, Florida, Indiana, Alaska, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Maine, Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota, Alabama, Arizona, West Virginia, Louisiana, Ohio, Arkansas, North Dakota, Utah, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Iowa, Mississippi, Georgia
Yes, Allowed to Carry:	Washington, Virginia, Wisconsin, Delaware, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico
Yes, With Restrictions:	Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan
No, Carry Not Allowed	District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, California, Maryland, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, New York City