To possess firearms in North Dakota, you must have a pistol license.

The state will only issue you a license if you meet all requirements for its application.

North Dakota Gun Permit Summary

North Dakota is a shall-issue state for the application of firearms processed at the local law enforcement agency.

The state does not issue a purchase permit to buy firearms.

How To Get A Gun Permit In North Dakota?

You can apply for either class one or class two gun permits in North Dakota. The age requirements are twenty-one years old and eighteen years old, respectively.

The permit is for both open and concealed carry in the state.

North Dakota Gun Permit Laws

North Dakota allows the open carry of firearms for anyone with a gun license issued in the state or a license from any state that it recognizes.

However, some places are still defined as off-limits for the possession of firearms, even if you are a pistol permit holder in the state.

In North Dakota, it is a felony to buy, sell or manufacture machine guns, automatic firearms, gun silencers, or bombs that contain explosives.

Only federally licensed individuals, law enforcement officers, and military members can possess such weapons in the state.

North Dakota Pistol Permit Requirements

To possess firearms in North Dakota, you must meet all requirements for the application of pistol license, and they include the following:

• You must be at least eighteen years old before applying for a class two license, and twenty-one years old before you apply for a class one license.
• You must be a citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States.
• You must not be illegally unable to possess a firearm or any other weapon.
• You must be a resident of North Dakota or a member of the military posted to the state.
• You must complete a North Dakota concealed carry permit class for firearm training according to the state’s requirements.
• You must not have a court order prohibiting you from the possession of firearms.
• You must pass the criminal background check conducted by the FBI.
• You must not be a convict of a felony.
• You must not be a convict to any crime that is violent related.
• You must not be a convict for any crime that has to do with alcohol use at least ten years before the New Dakota concealed carry permit application.
• You must not be a convict for any misdemeanor charge that has to do with the use of drugs or any substance controlled by The Drug Enforcement Agency, for ten years before application.
• You must not be a convict for any domestic assault violence.
• You must not be mentally impaired according to any court, except you have a canceled verdict.
• You must meet all other federal law that has to so with CCW permit application.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In North Dakota

A summary of firearms permits in North Dakota includes the following:

• State permit to purchase long guns: North Dakota does not issue a state permit to purchase long guns.
• State permits to purchase handguns: North Dakota does not issue a state permit to purchase handguns.
• State permit to open carry: North Dakota is a licensed open carry state requiring permits for open carry.
• State permits to conceal carry long guns: North Dakota does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
• State permits to conceal carry handguns: North Dakota issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In North Dakota?

The process to apply for a gun permit in North Dakota pistol license include the following:

Complete Firearm Training

Make sure that you complete a North Dakota firearm training class before you proceed with the application.

Decide On Which Permit You Are Applying For

Decide if you want a class one permit or a class two permit. Note that you must meet the age requirement for the license you wish to apply for.

Download the application, complete it, and either mail it to the testing site or submit it physically.

Sit For Open Test

If you are applying for the first time, you have to sit for a test.

The test is an open-book test, with questions based on the Concealed Weapon License Manual.

Note that you must pass this test.

If you are a class one applicant, you will undergo further classroom teaching, demonstrate firearm familiarity, and complete a shooting test.

Submit Necessary Documents

After passing the test, you have one month to submit the required documents to the Bureau of Criminal Inspection.

The documents include the following:

• A photocopy of your state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
• Two copies of your colored passports.
• Two fingerprints cards
• A payment check.

You can also send the documents via mail.

Receive Notification

You will get mail to notify you of an approved or denied permit.

For the permit renewal process, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation will send a reminder to your last known address.

You can begin the application at least one hundred and eighty days before the expiration of your current permit.

Note that you have to complete the application before the expiry date, there are no late or incomplete applications.

If your license expires, it becomes invalid, and you have to apply for a new one all over again.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In North Dakota?

The price for an initial and renewal permit application in North Dakota is sixty dollars.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With North Dakota

North Dakota will only accept gun permits from states that recognize its gun permit.

Other aspects of its reciprocity include the following:

States That Recognize North Dakota Pistol Permit

If you are a North Dakota gun licensee, you can possess firearms in these states and according to their gun laws. They are:

• Alabama
• Indiana
• Montana

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With North Dakota

These states accept pistol permits from North Dakota, but regardless, you must meet some individual requirements before you can open or concealed carry, as the case may be. The states are:

• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming
• Puerto Rico

States That Have Permitless Policy

You can possess firearms in these states without a pistol license because most of them are permitless states with a constitutional carry policy. They include the following:

• Arizona
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In North Dakota

Some of the most frequently asked questions about pistol permit in North Dakota include the following:

Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In North Dakota?

Yes, you must have any of North Dakota pistol licenses to concealed carry firearms in the state.

How Many Type Of Pistol Permit Does North Dakota Issue?

North Dakota issues class one and class two pistol licenses. Class one licenses allow you to use the permit in more states than class two licenses.

For How Long Is North Dakota Pistol Permit Valid?

The validity period for North Dakota pistol license is five years after which you have to apply for a renewal.

Can Non-Residents Apply For North Dakota Gun Permits?

North Dakota issues gun licenses to residents of the state, members of the military stationed in the state, and non-residents that have a permit from states that North Dakota Recognizes.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My North Dakota Pistol License?

For a change of name, address, or any other information on your North Dakota Pistol license, send a mail to the Bureau of criminal investigations, and this must contain your new and old names or your new and old addresses.

What Can I Do If I Lost My North Dakota Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For missing or stolen permits, you will need a replacement permit, and to obtain this, send a mail to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

How Soon Can I Apply For North Dakota Gun Permit After Moving To The State?

For new residents who want to apply for a North Dakota gun license, as soon as you obtain a driver’s license or state identification card, you can apply for the permit.

Can I Make Use Of North Dakota Gun Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

After moving to another state, your pistol permit becomes invalid, except you inform the appropriate authority about your change of address, in which case the license will be valid until its expiry date.

Do I Need A North Dakota Permit To Open Carry In The State?

To open carry in North Dakota, you need its gun license or anyone from a state that it recognizes.

North Dakota is a licensed open carry state, and if you meet all requirements to apply for the pistol license, you can open carry in permitted places.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For North Dakota Weapon Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply for a class-one gun license and eighteen years old to apply for class two gun licenses in North Dakota.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In North Dakota?

No, North Dakota does not issue purchase permits to buy firearms in the state.

Does My Firearm Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In North Dakota?

Yes, pistol permit holders do not need to complete a criminal record check to buy firearms in North Dakota.

Do I Need A North Dakota Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, you do not need a pistol permit to possess firearms in your home, workplace, or personal property.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For North Dakota Gun Permit?

Yes, for class one licenses, you must complete a firearm training, and for class two license, you must undergo an open book test.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In North Dakota?

The processing period for firearm permits in North Dakota is sixty days.

Is North Dakota A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, the state government reserves all authority to regulate the use of firearms in all political subdivisions.

What Is The Age Requirement To Apply For Pistol License In North Dakota?

You must be at least eighteen years old to apply for a gun license in North Dakota.

Relevant Gun Permit Laws And Legislature In North Dakota

Some North Dakota gun permit laws relating to the possession of firearms in the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In private Vehicles

You can possess firearms in a private car if you have a North Dakota pistol license. Non-residents that carry guns in cars must have a pistol license from a state that North Dakota recognizes. [AG Opinion 2017-L-07]

Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas

According to the statute, [N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-02-05.2.k], you can possess firearms in North Dakota with a pistol license from the state or any of the states that it recognizes.

Possession Of Firearms In State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Areas

If you have a North Dakota pistol license or anyone from a state that it recognizes, you can possess firearms in parks, forests, and wildlife management areas.

[State Forest Guide]

[N.D.Admin. Code § 30-04-02-05]

[N. D. Cent. Code § 62.1-02-05.2.i]

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurant And Bar Areas That Serve Alcohol

Suppose you are a North Dakota permit licensee or a holder of any out of state permit that it recognizes. In that case, you can conceal carry firearms in the eatery area of a restaurant, and bar venture, except there is signage prohibiting such.

North Dakota prohibits concealed carry of firearms in bar areas.

N.D.Cent. Code § 62.1-02-04.2.f]

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

North Dakota does not have gun laws restricting the possession of firearms in the hotels.

Hotel management can develop policies for the regulation of firearms on their premises. Therefore, you can visit hotel websites for more information about their rules and regulations.

Possession Of Firearms In Employee Parking Lots

It is prohibited for an employer to prevent employees, customers, or any visitor from legally possessing firearms in a private vehicle in a parking lot, especially if the invitee is lawfully liable to be on the premises.

However, this does not include parking areas of schools, correctional facilities, and premises of homeland and national defense.

[N.D.Cent. Code § 62.1-02-13]

Additional Resources

North Dakota Gun Laws
North Dakota Concealed Carry Laws
North Dakota Open Carry Laws