North Carolina

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• You have completed an approved firearms training class, (minimum 8 hours).
• Be a resident of North Carolina for 30 days preceding the filing of the application.
• Be a resident of the County application is filed in.
• Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident alien.
• Does not suffer from a physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun.
• Has not been convicted of an impaired driving offense within three years prior to the date on which the application is submitted.
• Has not had judgment continued for or free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a disqualifying criminal offense.
• Is not currently or has not been adjudicated or administratively determined to be lacking mental capacity or mentally ill.
• Federal Law Requirements

APPLICATION

Follow these steps to obtain a concealed carry permit;

1. Complete your firearm training course if required.
2. Download the application from the forms section. Some counties offer an online application.
3. You will need the following documents;
   • The original certificate of completion from a firearms course
   • Valid photographic identification and proof of residence (NC Driver’s License or ID card).
   • 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 (Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certification of Report of Birth)
   • Lawful permanent resident aliens must bring a valid US Permanent Resident Card.
4. Take the application to your local Sheriffs office and complete under oath.
5. The Sheriff will take two sets of fingerprints.
6. Sign a release authorizing disclosure to the Sheriff of any records relating to your mental health.
7. You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

A NICS background check is required for all new applications and renewals.

Non-Residents
North Carolina does not issue concealed carry permits to non-residents.

RENEWALS

• Concealed Handgun Permits must be renewed within 90 days before the expiry date but not before.
• If the permit has expired but for not more than 60 days you will need to apply for a new permit, however there is no training course required.
• If the permit has expired for more than 60 days you will be required to complete a training course and make a new application.

All renewal applications require a NICS background check.

FEES

Accepted forms of payment
Accepted forms of payment are Certified check, Cashiers check, or Money order.

NOTE
An additional fee of $10 may be charged for processing your fingerprints. Fees vary between counties.