North Carolina Concealed Carry Laws
Quick Reference
Laws change without notice. This summary reflects our best understanding of current North Carolina law but may not reflect recent legislative changes, court rulings, or local ordinances. Always verify current law with an attorney or official state source before carrying a firearm. This is not legal advice.
Permit & Carry Requirements
North Carolina is a shall-issue state requiring a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) for concealed carry, issued by county sheriffs. Applicants must be at least 21, complete an approved handgun safety course, pass a background check, and meet all eligibility requirements. Open carry is generally permitted without a permit in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
North Carolina honors concealed carry permits from states that have reciprocity agreements with North Carolina. The North Carolina CHP is recognized by many states. North Carolina has a duty-to-inform law — when stopped by law enforcement, permit holders must disclose that they have a CHP and whether they are carrying.
Prohibited Locations
North Carolina prohibits carry in schools and on educational property, courthouses, law enforcement facilities, correctional facilities, financial institutions, offices of the State or local government, establishments serving alcohol for consumption on the premises, assemblies where admission is charged, parades, funerals, and any posted private property.
NFA Items in North Carolina
North Carolina permits federally-registered NFA items including suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs. North Carolina has no state-level magazine limits or assault weapon ban. The $200 NFA tax stamp elimination effective January 1, 2026 benefits North Carolina residents. Note that North Carolina previously required a pistol purchase permit, which was repealed.
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