| title |
|---|
North Carolina Concealed Carry Laws |
North Carolina is a shall-issue state with concealed handgun permits issued at the county level by the local sheriff’s office.
Open Carry
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
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.
Use of Force
A person in North Carolina is justified in using force, except deadly force, when reasonably necessary to defend themselves or another against imminent unlawful force.
Immunity from Liability
Use of force likely to cause death or bodily injury is immune from civil or criminal liability if justified under North Carolina law.
Self-Defense
North Carolina adheres to Castle Doctrine principles and has a "stand your ground" statute. Deadly force is justified without a duty to retreat in any place a person has the lawful right to be if they reasonably believe it's necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.
Use of Deadly Force
Deadly force is justified without retreat in locations where the person has a lawful right to be if there's a reasonable belief it's necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm. The lawful occupant of a home, motor vehicle, or workplace is presumed to have a reasonable fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm under specified conditions.
"Home" is broadly defined to include any structure with a roof designed for temporary or permanent residence, including its curtilage.
[N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 14-51.2 and 14-51.3]
Tasers or Stun Guns?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in North Carolina?
Yes, it is legal to own a taser or stun gun in North Carolina. Individuals who are at least 18 years old can purchase them without a permit. However, concealed carry is only legal on one's own premises. It's also prohibited to carry a stun gun on school property or to assist a minor in doing so.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in North Carolina?
Yes, possession and use of chemical spray or pepper spray for self-defense purposes are legal in North Carolina. No permit is required for their possession, provided the individual has not been convicted of a felony. There are specific limitations on the capacity of tear gas devices and containers.
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, North Carolina prohibits the possession and sale of teflon-coated bullets.
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, open carry is permitted in North Carolina without a permit. However, counties may regulate the display of firearms on 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 for concealed carry permits.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in North Carolina to get a concealed carry permit?
You must be 21 years old 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 Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) does not allow the concealed carry of non-handgun weapons.
Is there anything else you'd like to know about North Carolina gun laws or any other state? Let me know how I can assist you further!
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. Firearms are also 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 their person on any private premises where notice that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited is posted by the person in legal possession or control of the premises. Check with the individual hotel for their 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 handgun 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. Certain employees, such as detention personnel or correctional officers, and legislators or legislative employees employed by the State or a unit of local government, may transport and store a firearm in their vehicle parked in a designated parking space for their use in the course of their duties, provided the firearm is secured in a closed compartment, container, or locked container securely affixed to the vehicle.
Is there anything else you'd like to know about North Carolina gun laws or any other state? Let me know how I can assist you further!
Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in North Carolina?
Yes. You have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm upon initial contact.
Does North Carolina have a red flag law?
North Carolina does not have a red flag law.
Is my North Carolina driver’s license linked to my North Carolina 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.
Does North Carolina state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in North Carolina law. However, pointing any gun or pistol at any person, whether such gun or pistol be loaded or not loaded, is considered a crime.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in North Carolina?
Yes. A permit does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun on any private premises that are posted prohibiting firearms.
Does North Carolina issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
Only for members of the military permanently posted in North Carolina.
Does North Carolina have preemption laws related to concealed carry?
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.
Does North Carolina allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
Does North Carolina have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances?
Not while consuming alcohol or at any time while the person has remaining in their body any alcohol or in their blood a controlled substance previously consumed.
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.
[N.C.Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14‐269.7]
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.
[N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. §14-269]
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.
[SB 41]
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
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
The sheriff has 45 days from the time mental health records are received to either issue or deny a permit.
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.
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.
- Initial Permit $90, but varies by county
- Renewals $75, but varies by county
5 years
Link to application
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.
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.
You will need to check with your local sheriff’s office as the requirements may vary. There is a $15 duplicate permit fee.
- 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. [NC Wildlife Resources Commission]
- 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. [N.C.Gen. Stat. Ann. § 113-295]
- 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. [NCGSA §§ 14-269, 14-269.4 & 14-277.2]
- I can legally carry a concealed firearm in North Carolina, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
- Yes. 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) exempts any person wearing a mask for the purpose of ensuring the physical health or safety of the wearer or others from these provisions.