North Dakota operates as a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits, with law enforcement possessing discretion in cases involving perceived risks to public safety. The state's attorney general oversees the issuance of concealed carry licenses.
- No permits, registration, or background checks are mandated for private handgun sales in North Dakota.
- Residents with a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) and non-residents with a valid resident concealed carry license from a recognized state can legally open carry handguns. Minimum age requirement is 18, with certain restricted areas such as bars.
- Concealed carry is defined as carrying a weapon in a manner not easily observable by passersby. Permitless concealed carry is permitted for both residents and non-residents as of August 1st, 2023. Individuals must carry their driver’s license or state ID and notify law enforcement of firearm possession during any in-person interactions. Certain restrictions on firearm possession remain applicable.
- North Dakota issues Class 1 and Class 2 CWLs, both valid statewide. Class 1 licenses offer broader reciprocity due to additional training requirements.
- Active duty military stationed in ND and non-residents with valid concealed carry permits from their home states (with reciprocity) are eligible. Reciprocity conditions may vary.
- Force is justified to prevent unlawful entry or trespass onto premises, or to protect property from unlawful damage or theft.
- Immunity from civil liability applies when force causing bodily harm or death is used in justifiable self-defense.
- Self-defense laws allow the use of force to counter imminent bodily harm, sexual assault, or unlawful detention. A Stand Your Ground law, effective from August 1, 2021, eliminates the duty to retreat in places where a person is legally present.
- Deadly force is permissible in self-defense or defense of others against death, serious bodily injury, or violent felonies, provided it's deemed necessary and proportional.
For more detailed information, consulting legal resources or official state websites is recommended.
Does North Dakota allow permitless carry?
Yes, On April 12, 2023, Governor Doug Burgum signed HB 1339, allowing both residents and non-residents the ability to concealed carry under North Dakota's permitless carry laws. It will also remove the 30-day requirement for IDs.
Is open carry permitted in North Dakota?
Yes, with a ND concealed weapon license or a resident permit from a state that ND recognizes. In addition, any person to carry an unloaded handgun.
If North Dakota requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
North Dakota is a shall-issue state.
What is the minimum age in North Dakota to get a concealed carry license?
You must be at least 18 years old to concealed carry in North Dakota.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in North Dakota with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
Yes. Under North Dakota law, “dangerous weapon” includes any switchblade or gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword, dagger, or any knife with a blade 5 inches or longer.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in North Dakota?
Yes. Stun guns are exempt from the definition of “dangerous weapons" and are legal to purchase and possess without a license. A Taser that only delivers a single application of voltage is not considered a dangerous weapon and may be carried without a concealed weapon license. However, if the Taser is capable of delivering multiple applications of voltage, you must have a concealed weapon license. Stun guns and Tasers are not allowed in that part of the establishment that is set aside for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages and the consumption of purchased alcoholic beverages or used as a gaming site at which bingo is the primary gaming activity.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in North Dakota?
Yes, defensive sprays are exempt from the definition of “dangerous weapons" and therefore you do not need a concealed weapon license to carry those items concealed (e.g., in a purse or bag, under clothing, under the vehicle seat or in the vehicle’s glove box) within North Dakota.
Does North Dakota have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. North Dakota imposes no limit on maximum handgun magazine capacity.
Does North Dakota have ammunition restrictions?
No. There are no restricted handgun ammo types in North Dakota.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in North Dakota?
Yes, under permitless concealed carry for residents and for non-residents with a resident permit from states that North Dakota recognizes.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in North Dakota?
You can concealed carry in the 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. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in North Dakota?
North Dakota statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Does North Dakota have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
A public or private employer may not prohibit any customer, employee, or invitee from possessing any legally owned firearm, if the firearm is lawfully possessed and locked inside or locked to a private motor vehicle in a parking lot and if the customer, employee, or invitee is lawfully in the area.
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in North Dakota?
Yes, under permitless concealed carry for residents and for non-residents with a resident permit from states that North Dakota recognizes.
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle 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. If the firearm is not loaded, a person may carry or possess it in a motor vehicle, concealed or unconcealed, even without a license.
Does North Dakota allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No, however, the information is available to the courts.
Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in North Dakota?
Yes/No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm for anyone with a concealed carry license. Yes, for ND residents carrying without a license.
Does North Dakota have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws relating to the purchase, sale, ownership, possession, transfer of ownership, registration, or licensure of firearms and ammunition in North Dakota. Based on the passage of HB 1248 on April 27, 2021, all such existing municipal ordinances are void and an individual may bring a civil action against a political subdivision for damages as a result of an unlawful ordinance.
Is my North Dakota driver’s license linked to my North Dakota carry license?
No. Your North Dakota driver’s license is not linked to your North Dakota concealed weapon license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota does not recognize "No Weapons Allowed" signs.
Does North Dakota have a red flag law?
North Dakota does not have a red flag law.
Does North Dakota issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Yes, for those that have a concealed carry permit from their home state, which must have reciprocity with North Dakota. The process is the same as for residents.
Does North Dakota state law define brandishing?
Based on the passage of HB 1498, as of August 1, 2021, an individual may brandish a dangerous weapon while on property owned or leased by the individual. An individual is guilty of disorderly conduct if, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person or in reckless disregard of the fact that another person is harassed, annoyed or alarmed by the individual's behavior, the individual engages in fighting, or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior; or creates a hazardous, physically offensive or seriously alarming condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose; or engages in harassing conduct by means of intrusive or unwanted acts, words or gestures that are intended to adversely affect the safety, security or privacy of another person. A person is guilty of menacing if he knowingly places or attempts to place another human being in fear by menacing him with imminent serious bodily injury.
Does North Dakota have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
Although in the Game, Fish & Predators section of the ND Century Code, no person may be afield at any time, with a gun or other firearm while intoxicated or under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs. 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 judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in North Dakota?
No. A special permit is not required for buying a handgun in North Dakota.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in North Dakota?
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Does my current North Dakota concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Yes.
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota does not have a waiting period for handgun purchases.
Do handguns need to be registered in North Dakota?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in North Dakota.
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in North Dakota?
18 years old is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in North Dakota. A person under the age of 18 may only possess a handgun while under the direct supervision of an adult for purposes of firearm safety training, target shooting, or hunting.
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?
Yes. A concealed carry license is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a handgun on the person's land, or in that individual's permanent or temporary residence, or fixed place of business.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 18 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 18 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
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)
Louisiana (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)
Minnesota (Class 1 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)
New Mexico (Class 1 permits only)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (Class 1 permits only and at least 21 years old and 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)
Virginia (Class 1 permits only )
Washington (Class 1 permits only)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (Class 1 permits only )
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)
Louisiana (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)
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)
An applicant must be at least 18 years old for a Class 2 license or 21 years old for a Class 1 license.
Applicants must be residents of North Dakota, on full-time active military duty stationed in ND, or residents of states with reciprocity.
Applicants must successfully complete specified training requirements.
Applicants must not be individuals specified in Section 62.1-02-01, including certain criminal convictions and other disqualifying factors under state and federal law.
Applicants must pass a criminal history records check conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and FBI.
Applicants must provide authorizations for disclosure of mental health and substance abuse evaluation and treatment records.
Applicants must be qualified to purchase and possess a firearm under federal law.
Residents moving to North Dakota can apply for a concealed carry license at any time.
Residents moving out of North Dakota must notify the BCI of their change of address.
$60 for initial licenses and renewals.
Licenses are valid for 5 years.
Applications typically take 60 days to process.
Applications can be submitted online through the North Dakota Attorney General's website.
Class 1 licenses have reciprocity in more states due to additional testing requirements.
North Dakota issues licenses to full-time active military duty stationed in ND and residents of states with reciprocity.
License holders must notify the BCI of any change of address by mail.
To replace a lost or stolen license, applicants must submit a written request to the BCI.
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All new applicants must complete the required training before submitting an application. Contact a test administrator to schedule your training and testing. Check with the test administrator for facilities to complete the application.
Decide whether you want a Class 1 or Class 2 license. You can:
- Complete the online application and print the generated form.
- Download the application, complete it, and print a copy to mail.
- Complete the application at the testing site if available.
Make an appointment with a test administrator and bring a printed copy of the application. Testing must occur within North Dakota and cannot be combined with testing for another state. Submit your application to the BCI within 30 days of testing.
Applicants for a Class 1 license must complete classroom instruction, demonstrate weapon familiarity, and pass a firearms proficiency shooting test.
Gather the following documents and submit them to the Bureau of Criminal Inspection (BCI) within 30 days of testing:
- Cashier's check or money order for $60 payable to "North Dakota Attorney General."
- Photocopy of driver's license or state ID.
- Two official color passport photos.
- Two fingerprint cards (for new applicants).
- Non-residents must include a copy of a valid concealed carry license from their home state, or if active military, a copy of PCS orders to ND.
- Applicants born outside the U.S. must provide legal residency documentation.
Mail all documents to: BCI-CWL P.O. Box 1054 Bismarck ND 58502
BCI does not accept applications by fax, email, or hand delivery.
You will receive notification regarding the status of your application.
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Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. The BCI sends a renewal reminder to your last known address. You can start the renewal process up to 180 days before the expiration date. The application must be postmarked on or before the expiration date. Expired licenses cannot be renewed; you must reapply as a new applicant if your license has expired. DO NOT CARRY CONCEALED if your license has expired.
Review the requirements for renewal. To renew a Class 1 license, you must complete the full testing process. You can downgrade to a Class 2 license without retesting by indicating your preference on the application. To upgrade an expiring Class 2 license to a Class 1 license, complete the Class 1 application process including testing, documents, and fees.
Make an appointment with a test administrator and bring a printed copy of the application. First-time applicants must pass a written, open-book test based on the Concealed Weapon License Manual.
Applicants for a Class 1 license must complete classroom instruction, demonstrate weapon familiarity, and pass a firearms proficiency shooting test.
Complete the Online Application or print a blank application to fill out and submit to the BCI. Handwritten applications take longer to process, potentially delaying your license issuance. The BCI recommends completing the Online Application if possible.
You will receive notification regarding the approval status of your application.
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I can legally carry a concealed firearm in North Dakota, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
Yes, there is no known statute in North Dakota making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. Although there is a state statute regarding concealing identity with intent to commit illegal acts or intimidate, it does not specifically address wearing a mask while legally carrying a concealed firearm. [NDCC § 12.1-31-15(1)]
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in North Dakota?
Yes.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in North Dakota?
Yes, but only if you are carrying for your gun license. No firearms, except handguns, may be in the hunter’s possession while hunting with a deer bow license. A handgun may not be used in any manner to assist in the harvest of a deer with an archery license. [ND Game & Fish FAQ]
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in North Dakota?
Yes, it is illegal to intentionally interfere with lawful wildlife taking or harass wildlife on public or private land to disrupt a lawful hunt. [N.D. Cent. Code § 20.1-01-31]
It is legal to own any type of knife in North Dakota. Open carry of any type of knife is legal. Concealed carry of dangerous weapons requires a concealed carry license; permitless carry does not extend to knives. Dangerous weapons include switchblades, gravity knives, machetes, and knives with blades 5 inches or longer. Restrictions apply at certain public events, schools, and school functions. Municipalities may have additional restrictions. [NDCC §§ 62.1-01-01, 62.1-02-04, 62.1-02-05, 62.1-04-01, 62.1-04-02]
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