Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
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 CHPs are issued to residents and members of the military permanently posted in North Carolina and require a state-approved firearms training course. The minimum age is 21 years old. North Carolina recognizes permits from all states, regardless of the age of the permit holder.
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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 themselves or another against the imminent use of unlawful force.
Force intended or likely to cause death or bodily injury is immune from civil or criminal liability if the use of such force was justified.
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 they have the lawful right to be if they reasonably believe that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another. Additionally, if a person is in their home, vehicle, or workplace and the person against whom the defensive force was used was an unlawful intruder or was attempting to forcibly and unlawfully enter, the use of deadly force is justified.
A person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat in any place they have 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 themselves 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 themselves 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.
- 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.
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Tasers or Stun Guns?
- Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in North Carolina? Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal for anyone at least 18 years old to purchase without a permit. Concealed carry is legal only on an individual’s own premises. The state also specifically prohibits carrying a stun gun on school property, or helping a minor do so.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
- Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in North Carolina? Yes, possession and use of self-defense sprays is lawful for use by individuals who have not been convicted of a felony, for self-defense purposes only. No permit is required. The capacity of any tear gas device or container may not exceed 150cc. Tear gas cartridges or shells must not exceed 50cc, and tear gas devices or containers may not have the capability of discharging any cartridge, shell or container larger than 50cc.
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?
- Does North Carolina have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? No. North Carolina does not impose a maximum magazine capacity for handguns.
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?
- Does North Carolina have ammunition restrictions? Yes. The possession and sale of teflon-coated bullets is prohibited.
Constitutional Carry?
- Does North Carolina allow constitutional carry? No. North Carolina does not allow constitutional carry.
Open Carry Permitted?
- Is open carry permitted in North Carolina? Yes, without a permit. However, counties may regulate the display of firearms on public roads, sidewalks, alleys or other public property.
Gun Permit Licensure?
- If North Carolina requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? North Carolina is a shall-issue state.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
- What is the minimum age in North Carolina to get a concealed carry permit? You must be 21 to apply for a concealed carry permit in North Carolina.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
- Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in North Carolina with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? No. A North Carolina CHP does not allow the concealed carry of non-handgun weapons.
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CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in North Carolina? Yes. Anyone with a permit may carry at roadside rest areas in North Carolina.
CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in North Carolina? 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.
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in North Carolina? Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit, unless posted and provided you do not consume any alcohol or have any alcohol in your system.
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in North Carolina? 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 its concealed carry policy.
CARRY IN VEHICLE?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in North Carolina? 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.
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?
Does North Carolina have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? 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.
Duty to Inform Officer You’re Carrying?
- Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in North Carolina?
- Answer: Yes. You have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm upon initial contact.
Red Flag Law?
- Does North Carolina have a red flag law?
- Answer: North Carolina does not have a red flag law.
Driver’s License Linked to Carry Permit?
- Is my North Carolina driver’s license linked to my North Carolina carry permit?
- Answer: 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.
Brandishing?
- Does North Carolina state law define brandishing?
- Answer: 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. Additionally, disorderly conduct laws may apply.
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?
- Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in North Carolina?
- Answer: Yes. A permit does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun on any private premises that are posted prohibiting firearms.
Non-Resident Permitting?
- Does North Carolina issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
- Answer: Only for members of the military permanently posted in North Carolina.
Preemption?
- Does North Carolina have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
- Answer: 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.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
- Does North Carolina allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
- Answer: No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?
- Does North Carolina have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or Controlled Substances?
- Answer: 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.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in North Carolina? No.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in North Carolina? You must be 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in North Carolina.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? Yes. A concealed carry permit is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a handgun on the person’s own premises.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in North Carolina? No.
NORTH CAROLINA PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my current North Carolina concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? Yes.
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in North Carolina? No. 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.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in North Carolina? No.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida (handguns only)
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
New York City
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
North Carolina recognizes all states concealed carry permits/licenses regardless of the age of the permit holder. Residents must have a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) in order to carry in the state.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana
Minnesota
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (resident permits only)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Processing Time: The sheriff has 45 days from the time mental health records are received to either issue or deny a permit.
Residency Changes: Moving to North Carolina and interested in applying for a resident permit? 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 with a North Carolina resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? 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.
Requirements: An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Have completed an approved firearms training class (exemptions for law enforcement apply);
- Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident alien;
- Be a resident of North Carolina for 30 days preceding the application;
- Be a resident of the county where the application is filed;
- Meet various legal criteria including no felony indictments, not being a fugitive, and more detailed conditions.
Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility.
Fees: Initial Permit: $90 (varies by county) Renewals: $75 (varies by county)
Valid For: 5 years
Application: Link to application
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.
Name/Address Changes: You will need to check with your local sheriff’s office as requirements may vary. Some counties may allow changes for free.
Lost/Stolen Permits: You will need to check with your local sheriff’s office as requirements may vary. There is a $15 duplicate permit fee.
Step 1: Complete a firearms training course.
Step 2: Download the application. Some counties offer 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;
- 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.
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Download an application.
Step 3: 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;
- The renewal fee.
Step 4: You will be notified if your application has been approved.
Carry in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, unless posted and provided you do not consume any alcohol or have any alcohol in your system.
Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? No, only with a permit. Without a permit, a concealed handgun must not be readily accessible. Storage in a locked glove box, locked console or in the trunk is lawful. An openly displayed handgun is also allowed.
Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes.
Carry in places of worship? Yes. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms. Furthermore, carrying at places of worship that are attached to school properties is now legal (with a concealed handgun permit) so long as school is not in session or children are not present for any school or extracurricular activities. [N.C. Gen. Stat. Section 1.(b)]
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- Schools, public or private, all levels including universities (gun can remain in a locked container or a locked firearm rack in vehicle, if you have a permit; however private schools can prohibit this) [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–269.2(k)];
- School buses, campuses, grounds, recreation areas, athletic fields and other property used or owned by an educational institution [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–269.2(a)(1)];
- Any activity sponsored by a school [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–269.2(b)];
- Law enforcement offices, detention and correctional facilities [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–415.11(c)(5)];
- State and federal buildings or offices of the state or federal government [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–415.11(c)(6)];
- Any private premises bearing a notice that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–415.11(c)(8)];
- State Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, the Western Residence of the Governor or on the grounds of any of these buildings (gun can remain locked in vehicle, if you have a permit) [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–269.4];
- Any posted municipal or county playground, athletic field, swimming pool or athletic facility [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–415.23];
- State fairgrounds (except a handgun in a closed compartment or container within the person’s locked vehicle or in a locked container securely affixed to the person’s vehicle) [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 106–503.2];
- 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 [36 C.F.R. § 327.13];
- Any place alcohol beverages are consumed (except by the owner or lessee of the premises or establishment), if posted, or if consuming or under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–269.3] and [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14–415.11(c2)];
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in North Carolina?
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.
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in North Carolina?
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.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in North Carolina?
Yes.
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.
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in North Carolina, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
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) states that 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.
