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
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes, Governor Doug Burgum passed HB 1339 on April 12, 2023, allowing non-residents the ability to concealed carry under North Dakota's permitless carry laws. It will also abolish the 30-day requirement for IDs. The new regulation will become effective on August 1, 2023. |
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. |
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. |
North Dakota CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with North Dakota
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
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.
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, 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, Governor Doug Burgum passed HB 1339 on April 12, 2023, allowing non-residents the ability to concealed carry under North Dakota's permitless carry laws. It will also abolish the 30-day requirement for IDs. The new regulation will become effective on August 1, 2023.
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, 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