GLS Tactical

North Dakota Gun Laws

North Dakota operates as a “Shall Issue” state and there are 2 types of permits.

Class 1 & 2 permits where the latter allows for travel outside the state. Applications are processed by a state agency called the Bureau of Criminal Investigation which is completed after you’ve submitted your application to the local sheriff’s office.

You must pass a written test and firearms course for Class 1 & 2 permits

North Dakota Gun Laws Quick Facts

Open Carry Permitted?Yes – North Dakota does allow for open carry for individuals with a CWL or if you’re a resident with a license/permit from a reciprocal state. There is also language that any individual may carry unloaded firearms (including handguns).
Carry In Vehicle?Yes – North Dakota allows for concealed carry within vehicles for residents without a permit so long as they have a valid photo ID issued within the past 30 days and are allowed to own a handgun. If you’re out-of-state then you must have a permit from your home state and North Dakota must recognize it with a reciprocal relationship. Additionally, any individual may transport a firearm in their vehicle so long as it’s unloaded and stored in a container (even if you don’t have a permit).
Carry In State Park?Yes – North Dakota allows for concealed carry without a permit for residents in their state parks. Non-residents must have a permit from a recognized state.
Carry In Restaurants?Yes – North Dakota allows for concealed carry within restaurants under the permit-less carry code for residents. Non-residents can concealed carry if they have a valid permit from a reciprocal state. You may not conceal carry into bar or a bar section within a restaurant.
Constitutional Carry?Yes/No – North Dakota is the only state we list as a Yes/No for constitutional carry. North Dakota does recognize that RESIDENTS (with a valid ID) are allowed to concealed carry without a permit. They have some language making it seem very similar to other constitutional carry states, but then other language with restrictions.
No Weapon Sign Enforced?No – We could not find specific code giving no weapons signs the force of law.
Must Notify Officer?Yes/No – If you’re a resident with a ND concealed carry permit you do not need to inform a LEO you’re concealed carry upon interaction.

However, there is a duty to inform law for individuals who are permit-less concealed carrying where you must inform a LEO upon first interaction. This includes non-residents with a permit from another state.

North Dakota CCW Reciprocity List

States Honoring CCW

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

States NOT Honoring CCW

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • District of Columbia
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Washington

Honors These States CCW Permits

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

How Reciprocity Works In North Dakota

Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in North Dakota. During their time in North Dakota, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.

Reciprocity Agreements In North Dakota

North Dakota: Where Is CCW Allowed?

Places Allowed

  • State parks
  • State and national forests
  • Road side rest areas
  • Vehicle
  • All areas of the state – except those listed below

Places Not Allowed

  • Public school grounds which are composed of K-12 grades
  • School bus used for K-12 grades
  • Demonstrations at public places
  • University of Alabama
  • Building of a highway patrol station, sheriff, or police
  • Inside any area hosting a professional athletic event not related to firearms which is sponsored by a private or public elementary or secondary school or any private or public institution of post secondary education.
  • Inside a facility which provides inpatient or custodial care of those with psychiatric, mental, or emotional disorders.
  • Inside a courthouse or courthouse annex
  • Prison, jail, halfway house, community corrections facility, or other detention facility for those who have been charged with or convicted of a criminal or juvenile offense.
  • Building in which a District Attorney’s office is located
  • Building in which a county commission or city council is currently having a meeting
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

North Dakota: Conceal Carry Laws

Open Carry

Yes

Without a Permit/License

North Dakota does allow for open carry for individuals with a CWL or if you’re a resident with a license/permit from a reciprocal state. There is also language that any individual may carry unloaded firearms (including handguns).

Carry In Vehicle

Yes

North Dakota allows for concealed carry within vehicles for residents without a permit so long as they have a valid photo ID issued within the past 30 days and are allowed to own a handgun. If you’re out-of-state then you must have a permit from your home state and North Dakota must recognize it with a reciprocal relationship. Additionally, any individual may transport a firearm in their vehicle so long as it’s unloaded and stored in a container (even if you don’t have a permit).

Carry In State Parks

Yes

You are permitted to carry in state parks, state forests, WMA’s and roadside rest areas.

Carry In Restaurants

Yes

In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol Allowed in any part of a restaurant were a person under 21 years of age is permitted. “Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.

Constitutional Carry

Yes/No

Yes/No – North Dakota is the only state we list as a Yes/No for constitutional carry. North Dakota does recognize that RESIDENTS (with a valid ID) are allowed to concealed carry without a permit. They have some language making it seem very similar to other constitutional carry states, but then other language with restrictions.

No Weapon Signs Enforced

No

“No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in North Dakota gun laws. There are no legal penalties for lawfully entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off limits.

Must Notify Officer

Yes/No

Must Inform Officer on Contact By Law

If you’re a resident with a ND concealed carry permit you do not need to inform a LEO you’re concealed carry upon interaction.

However, there is a duty to inform law for individuals who are permit-less concealed carrying where you must inform a LEO upon first interaction. This includes non-residents with a permit from another state.

But you are legally obligated to carry your permit/license at all times you have a firearm on your person and to hand the permit over if requested by law enforcement.

Additional Resources

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