North Carolina carry status overview
North Carolina requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry a concealed handgun. The CHP is issued by the county sheriff on a shall-issue basis — the sheriff must issue the permit if the applicant meets all legal requirements. An 8-hour certified training course is required.
Open carry (carrying a handgun visibly) is generally permitted without a permit in North Carolina. A CHP is required only for concealed carry.
| Concealed carry | Permit required — NC CHP |
| Governing law | N.C.G.S. § 14-415.10 through § 14-415.24 |
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Open carry | Permitted without a license in most places |
| Vehicle carry | Open carry in vehicle permitted; CHP required for concealed in vehicle |
| Permit type | Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) |
| Issuing authority | Sheriff of applicant's county of residence |
| Process | Shall-issue — sheriff must issue if requirements are met |
Legislative watch: permitless carry bill pending
North Carolina may be close to becoming the 30th permitless carry state — but it has not happened yet. SB 50 (“Freedom to Carry NC”) passed both chambers in 2025 and would allow eligible adults 18+ to carry concealed without a permit. Governor Josh Stein vetoed it on June 20, 2025; the Senate voted to override in July 2025, and the House override vote — which requires a three-fifths majority — has been scheduled and postponed repeatedly. As of July 2026 the override remains pending and North Carolina still requires a CHP for concealed carry. Everything on this page reflects current law. We will update this page if the House completes the override.
North Carolina CHP — permit details
| Issuing agency | County sheriff of applicant's residence |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Fee | $90 (initial) / $75 (renewal)Fees may vary slightly by county |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Training required | Yes — 8-hour certified handgun safety course with live-fire component |
| Background check | Yes — fingerprint-based SBI and FBI NICS check |
| Processing time | 45 days maximum by law; most sheriffs process within 30–45 days |
| Application info | ncsbi.gov — NC SBI ↗ |
Pistol Purchase Permit: North Carolina also requires a Pistol Purchase Permit (PPP) to purchase a handgun from a private seller. This is separate from the CHP. CHP holders are exempt from the PPP requirement when purchasing. Verify current PPP requirements with your county sheriff as this law has been subject to legislative changes.
Prohibited locations in North Carolina
- K–12 school buildings and grounds
- School buses
- Courthouses
- State and federal government buildings
- Law enforcement and correctional facilities
- Establishments where alcohol is sold and consumed (if posted)
- Parades and funeral processions
- Demonstrations and protests on public property
- State Capitol grounds
- Anywhere prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
Frequently asked questions — North Carolina
How do I get a North Carolina CHP?
Apply at your county sheriff's office. You will need to: complete an application, provide proof of citizenship/residency, submit fingerprints, complete an 8-hour certified handgun safety course, and pay the fee. The sheriff has 45 days by law to issue or deny. Most applicants receive their CHP within 30–45 days if there are no background check issues.
Is North Carolina a shall-issue state?
Yes. North Carolina is shall-issue — the county sheriff must issue the CHP if you meet all statutory requirements. The sheriff cannot deny based on subjective criteria like "need" or "good cause." If you are legally eligible, you will receive the permit.
Can I open carry in North Carolina without a permit?
Generally yes. North Carolina permits open carry of handguns without a license in most public places. Notable exceptions include schools, courthouses, and establishments that post prohibition signs. Open carry in a motor vehicle is also generally permitted without a CHP (though be aware that reaching for or handling a concealed firearm in a vehicle without a CHP may create legal issues).
Does North Carolina honor out-of-state CHPs?
Yes. North Carolina honors valid concealed carry permits and licenses from all other states and jurisdictions (N.C.G.S. § 14-415.24). If you have a valid carry permit from your home state, you may carry concealed in North Carolina. Verify the current reciprocity list with the NC Attorney General's office as it may change.