How To Get Your North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing North Carolina's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CHP varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit below.

Steps To Get A North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit

COMPLETE a firearms training course

DOWNLOAD the application. Some counties have online applications.

VISIT your local sheriff's office and complete the application under oath. You will need the following documents:

The original certificate of completion from a firearms course
North Carolina 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
S. citizens born outside of the USA to U.S. parent(s) must bring your documentation from the Department of State
Lawful permanent resident aliens must bring a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card

The sheriff will take two sets of fingerprints.

Sign a release authorizing disclosure to the sheriff of any records relating to your mental health.

Pay the fee.

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Find a CCW Training Class

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in North Carolina?

Applicants must complete a state-approved training course given by a state-certified trainer.

The concealed carry handgun safety class is regulated to be a minimum of eight hours long and must include a written test on state laws pertaining to the use of deadly force and restrictions on the locations a handgun may be carried in a concealed fashion. In addition, the applicant must shoot a designated course of fire and obtain a passing score.

What Are the North Carolina License to Carry a Handgun 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.

What are the Fees and Terms?

~$90 for Initial Permit, Varies by County

Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue

45 Day Processing from Date Mental Health Records are Received

~$75 for Permit Renewals, Varies by County

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

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 Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in North Carolina?

Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. At least 45 days prior to the expiration date of a concealed carry permit, the sheriff will send a written notice to the permittee explaining that the permit is about to expire. If the holder of the permit applies to renew the permit before it expires, the permit will remain valid beyond the expiration date of the permit until the permittee either receives a renewal permit or is denied a renewal permit by the sheriff. If the permittee does not apply to renew the permit prior to its expiration date, but does apply to renew the permit within 60 days after the permit expires, the sheriff may waive the requirement of taking another firearms safety course; however, the person may not carry a concealed handgun under this expired permit. You should begin filing an application for renewal with your county sheriff’s office at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the original permit.

A concealed handgun permit holder who is or will be deployed for military service is allowed to apply with the sheriff for an extension of the concealed handgun permit up to an additional 90 days after the permittee’s scheduled deployment is to end.

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

At least 45 days prior to the expiration date of a concealed carry permit, the sheriff will send a written notice to the permittee explaining that the permit is about to expire.

DOWNLOAD an application

SUBMIT your completed application to your local sheriff's office along with the following:

A notarized affidavit stating that you remain qualified;
A newly administered set of fingerprints, if they are not already on file with the State Bureau of Investigation; and
The renewal fee.

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

The USCCA has the CCW Permit Resources You Need

Become a member

Learn the Skills You Need to Protect You & Your Family

Find a USCCA Class

Do Your Homework!

Make sure you understand North Carolina Gun Laws and North Carolina concealed carry reciprocity with other states.

Read North Carolina Gun Laws