The information concerning North Carolina law is for reference only — NOT legal advice. We expressly disclaim any liability for the accuracy of this information; use at your own risk. Concealed Handgun Carry, Inc. recommends that you consult a qualified NC attorney if you have questions or concerns. Statutes change; this page was last reviewed in October 2026 — always confirm current requirements with your county sheriff and the NC Department of Justice.
North Carolina’s concealed handgun law
On December 1, 1995 the North Carolina General Assembly enacted a concealed handgun law that allows qualifying citizens of North Carolina to obtain a permit to carry a concealed handgun. This law requires that the permit be secured from the sheriff of the permittee’s county of residence. Once issued, the permit is valid throughout the state for a period of five years unless it has been revoked. One of our goals at Concealed Handgun Carry, Inc. is to provide the required training that meets the North Carolina state requirements so that you can apply for your Concealed Handgun Permit.
The North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit program has been extremely successful. The NC State Bureau of Investigation maintains statistics by county on the number of permits applied for, issued, denied and revoked since December 1, 1995.
Steps to get your concealed handgun permit (N.C.G.S. 14-415.13)
- Complete an approved concealed handgun carry course — our NC Concealed Handgun Carry Class — and receive your certificate.
- Present your original certificate to the sheriff of your county of residence and complete the permit application under oath.
- Pay the non-refundable permit fee of $80.00.
- Provide a full set of fingerprints administered by the sheriff (the sheriff may charge up to $10.00).
- Provide a release that authorizes and requires disclosure to the sheriff of any record concerning the mental health or capacity of the applicant.
- By law, the sheriff has 45 days to approve or deny the permit.
- Qualified sworn law enforcement officers may be exempt from the firearms safety and training course.
- Retired sworn law enforcement officers from the North Carolina Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System or the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System who meet certain qualifications pay a reduced application fee ($45.00) and renewal fee ($40.00).
- You must renew the permit every 5 years. File for renewal at least 30 days prior to expiration and submit the renewal fee of $75.00.
- You must notify the sheriff within 30 days after a permanent change of address.
- If the permit is lost or destroyed, a duplicate may be obtained from the sheriff.
Emergency issue of a concealed handgun permit
The general statutes of NC allow the sheriff of a county to issue an emergency permit to carry a concealed handgun provided certain requirements are met. N.C.G.S. 14-415.15(b): upon presentment to the sheriff of the items required under G.S. 14-415.13(a)(1), (2) and (3) — the application under oath, the non-refundable fee and a full set of fingerprints — the sheriff may issue a temporary permit for a period not to exceed 90 days to a person who the sheriff reasonably believes is in an emergency situation that may constitute a risk of safety to the person, the person’s family or property. The temporary permit may not be renewed and may be revoked by the sheriff without a hearing.
Buying a handgun with your permit
For many years a North Carolina concealed handgun permit also served in place of the sheriff’s pistol purchase permit when buying a handgun (N.C.G.S. 14-402, rewritten in 2004). Update: the North Carolina pistol purchase permit requirement was repealed in March 2023, so a purchase permit is no longer required from the sheriff; licensed dealers still run the federal background check. A valid NC concealed handgun permit continues to be accepted by dealers as an alternative to the NICS check. Confirm current procedure with your dealer.
Reciprocity: carrying in other states
North Carolina first began honoring other states’ permits on August 14, 2003, under agreements with individual states. Update: since December 1, 2011 (N.C.G.S. 14-415.24), North Carolina honors a valid concealed handgun permit or license issued by any other state, so visitors with a valid permit from their home state may carry a concealed handgun in North Carolina — subject to all of North Carolina’s laws governing concealed carry.
The reverse is not automatic. North Carolinians who travel are subject to each state’s own laws, and the list of states that honor the NC permit changes. You are responsible for educating yourself about the law of every state you carry in. The NC Department of Justice publishes the current reciprocity list; the NRA-ILA maintains firearms law summaries for every state. You should also check with the Department of Justice or Attorney General in each state you visit.
Attention North Carolina retired law enforcement officers — LEOSA (H.R. 218)
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (H.R. 218) was signed into law on July 22, 2004. Section 2 exempts qualified law enforcement officers, and Section 3 exempts qualified retired law enforcement officers, from state laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms.
HOWEVER, the catch for retired officers is that you must hold a current annual firearms qualification recognized by the state. If you do not maintain that qualification and you plan on carrying your handgun concealed outside your jurisdiction, TO BE LEGAL you will need an NC concealed handgun permit or a permit from the state you are visiting. North Carolina now offers a retired-officer LEOSA qualification process through the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission — check with them for current requirements.
Ready to start?
The first step is the class. See the NC Concealed Handgun Carry Class or call 252-937-8198.