NORTH CAROLINA FIREARMS LAWS
This publication is only represented to be current as of the revision date on this cover page.
Material in this publication may have been altered, added, or deleted since the revision date.
Information contained in this publication should not be relied upon as legal advice in a
particular scenario. This information is designed as a reference guide only.
ROY COOPER
ATTORNEY GENERAL
JOHN J. ALDRIDGE, III
SPECIAL DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL (Retired)

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
LAW ENFORCEMENT LIAISON SECTION

REVISED September 2014
Publication Website: http://www.ncdoj.com

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.

2

INTRODUCTION

II. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIREARMS
Federal Requirements
A.
North Carolina Requirements
B.
C.
Eligible Persons
Temporary
Transfers of Firearms
D.
Soliciting Unlawful Purchase/Out-of-State Purchase
E.
III. POSSESSING AND CARRYING FIREARMS
Carrying Concealed Weapons
A.
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004
B.
Concealed Handgun Permits
C.
Transporting Weapons
D.
Areas Where Weapons are Prohibited
E.
1. Schools
2. Assemblies and Establishments
3. State Buildings
4, Events Occurring in Public Places
5. Areas of Emergencies and Riots
6. Going Armed To The Terror Of The People
7. Storage of Firearms
Persons Acquitted of a Crime by Reason of Insanity
F.

2
4
4
5
10
11
11
11
13
14
22
23
23
26
26
27
27
28
28
28

IV. RESTRICTED AND PROHIBITED WEAPONS
Ballistic or Projectile Knives
A.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
B.
Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction
C.
Machine Guns
D.
Teflon-Coated Bullets
E.

28
28
29
30
32
33

V. FELONY FIREARMS ACT

34

VI. AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE AND POSSESSION
OF WEAPONS

34

VII. FIREARMS DEALERS

36

VIII. COMMONLY ASKED FIREARMS QUESTIONS

37

IX. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

40

Appendix
Disqualifying Criminal Offenses for Concealed Handgun Permits
Do's and Don'ts of Carrying A Concealed Handgun
(applicable to concealed handgun permittees only)
1

42
44

 . INTRODUCTION
This publication is designed to assemble and present the basic firearms and weapons laws of
North Carolina in an effort to educate and emphasize for the public, the responsibilities and
duties pertaining to the possession and use of firearms and related weapons in North Carolina.
Most of the guidelines regarding the use, possession, and transfer of firearms in this publication
are based upon statutory authority, case law, and Attorney General opinions. As there is an ever
increasing awareness of firearms and their potential for misuse, all gun owners are urged to
carefully evaluate their current methods of using and transporting firearms to ensure compliance
with North Carolina law. In those circumstances where a gun owner is unsure of his or her
compliance, he/she is urged to contact his or her local District Attorney, the Attorney General's
office, or private counsel for guidance.
II. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIREARMS
On February 28, 1994, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act became law. The Brady
Law established numerous procedures to govern purchases of firearms from federally licensed
firearms dealers. On November 30, 1998, the permanent provisions of the Brady Law took
effect. The permanent provisions of the Brady Law provide for the establishment of a National
Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) that federally licensed firearms dealers must
contact before transferring any firearm (handgun or long gun) to individuals. 28 CFR 25.1, The
NICS system is operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Effective December 1, 1995, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF)
concluded that the handgun permitting scheme established in North Carolina complies with the
exceptions provided in the Brady Law. Therefore, North Carolinas handgun purchase permits
will suffice as a suitable alternative method for the purchase of a firearm in North Carolina from
a federally licensed firearms dealer under Brady.
Therefore, all firearm sales from federally licensed dealers after November 30, 1998 must
include a NICS inquiry or a recognized alternative, such as a valid North Carolina-issued pistol
purchase permit. The specifics of NICS and its alternatives are discussed below.
A. Federal Requirements
Unless an alternative is recognized, if an individual wants to purchase a firearm from a
licensed dealer, the dealer must contact the FBI's NICS Operations Center by telephone. 18
U.S.C. 922(t)(1)(A). The dealer will provide pertinent information about the purchaser to the
NICS Center, which will conduct a check of the available data to verify or deny the individual's
eligibility to receive or possess firearms.
The NICS databases will include:
1. Illegal/Unlawful Alien Files
2.

Controlled Substance Abuse Files
2

 3.

Dishonorable Discharge Files

4.

Citizenship Renunciant Files

5.

Mental Commitment Files

6.

Wanted Persons Files

7.

Domestic Violence Protection Order Files

8, Criminal History Files
28 CFR 25.1
Note: Within 48 hours after receiving notice of any of the following judicial determinations,
the clerk of superior court will transmit a record of that determination to the NICS system. These
determinations include:
1. A judicial finding that a person will be involuntarily committed for in-patient mental
health treatment upon a finding that the person is mentally ill and a danger to him/herself
or others.
2. A judicial finding that an individual will be involuntarily committed for out-patient
mental health treatment upon a finding that the person is mentally ill and, based on the
person's treatment history, is in need of treatment to prevent further disability or
deterioration that would result in a danger to him/herself or others.
A
3. judicial finding that an individual will be involuntarily committed for substance abuse
treatment upon a finding that the person is a substance abuser and a danger to himJherself
or others.
4. A finding that an individual is not guilty by reason of insanity.
5. A finding that an individual is mentally incompetent to proceed to trial.
6. A finding that a person lacks the capacity to manage his/her own affairs due to a marked
subnormal intelligence or mental illness, incompetency, condition, or disease.
7. An official determination to grant a petition to a person to remove any disabilities as a
result of an involuntary commitment pursuant to G.S. § 122C-54.1.
These records of in-patient and out-patient treatment are confidential and accessible only by
an entity having proper access to NICS. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 122C-54.
The clerk of superior court will also evaluate any other disqualifying court orders or
information to determine what information can be practically sent to NICS and will transmit this
information within 48 hours of making the determination the information can be sent.
Prior to the sale taking place, the firearms dealer will have the purchaser complete and sign
BATF Form 4473, Firearms Transactions Record. 27 CFR 478.124(a). The dealer will then
verify the identity of the purchaser by examining a government issued photo identification card
(for example, a driver's license). 27 CFR 478.124(c)(3)(I). The dealer will then contact NICS.
The NICS Center will respond to the dealer with either a "proceed," "denied" or "delayed"
response. If a "denied" response is received, the dealer will provide the person with literature on
his/her appellate rights. If a "delayed" response is received and there is no additional response
3

 from the system, the sale can take place after three (3) business days have elapsed. 27 CFR 478.
102(a)(1). Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must keep a copy of each BATF 4473 for which a
NICS check has been initiated, regardless of whether the transfer of the firearm was completed.
If the transfer is not completed, the FFL must keep the Form 4473 for five (5) years after the date
of the NICS inquiry. If the transfer is completed, the FFL must keep the Form 4473 for twenty
(20) years after the date of the sale or disposition. 27 CFR 478.129(b).
The Brady Law recognizes certain alternatives to the NICS checks. Since North Carolina
handgun purchase permits qualify as an alternative to a NICS check, a firearms dealer may
conclude a sale of a handgun or long gun without a NICS check, if the purchaser delivers a valid
North Carolina-issued pistol purchase permit to the dealer.
NOTE: North Carolina law allows for the purchase of a single handgun with a single valid

purchase permit. Multiple long guns may be purchased with a single pistol purchase permit;
however, they must be purchased in a single transaction.
It is the opinion of the United States Department of Justice that a valid North Carolina
Concealed Handgun Permit may be used as an alternative to a NICS check for the purchase of
firearms. Again, multiple long guns may be purchased if they are purchased in a single
transaction.
If the transfer of a firearm is made by a licensed dealer to a person pursuant to the permit
alternative, the purchaser must first complete and sign the BATF Form 4473. As usual, the dealer
will verify the identity of the purchaser by photo identification. The permit must be valid and
issued within the preceding five (5) years. 27 CFR 478.102(d)(1)(ii). If a pistol purchase permit
is used, the dealer will retain the original permit for the transaction. If a concealed handgun
permit is used to buy a long gun, the dealer will either make a copy of the permit and attach it to
the Form 4473, or record the permit number, issuance date and expiration date on the form.
Transfers of firearms to law enforcement officials for their official use are exempt from the
provisions of the Brady Law when the transaction complies with the conditions set forth in the
federal regulations at 27 CFR 478.134. In general, the purchaser must provide a certification on
agency letterhead, signed by a person in authority within the agency (other than the officer
purchasing the firearm), stating that the officer will use the firearm in official duties, and that a
records check reveals that the purchasing officer has no convictions for misdemeanor crimes of
domestic violence. If these conditions are met, the purchasing officer is not required to complete
a Form 4473 or undergo a NICS check. However, the licensee must record the transaction in his
or her permanent records and retain a copy of the certification letter.
B. North Carolina Requirements

North Carolina's pistol permitting and concealed carry permit laws qualify as an alternative
to the requirements of the Brady Law. Therefore, when a person desires to purchase a handgun
from a federally licensed dealer, the person needs to comply solely with North Carolina's pistol
permit laws, and present a valid permit to purchase a handgun or valid North Carolina issued
concealed carry permit. (Please note: Even if a NICS inquiry by a federally licensed dealer was
done in this circumstance, it does not do away with the necessity for a pistol purchase permit.)
4

 As always, any other transfer between private individuals is also governed by North Carolina's
pistol permit laws.
Under North Carolina law, it is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell, give
away, transfer, purchase, or receive, at any place in the State, any pistol, unless the purchaser or
receiver has first obtained a license or permit to receive such a pistol by the sheriff of the county
where the purchaser or receiver resides, or the purchaser or receiver possesses a valid North
Carolina issued concealed carry permit. This requirement to obtain a permit prior to the transfer
of a pistol applies not only to a commercial transaction, typically at a sporting goods store, but
also between private individuals or companies throughout North Carolina. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14402(a).
In addition, this State law has been interpreted to require that a pistol permit be obtained by
the receiver of a handgun when such person inherits a pistol as a result of the death of another
person. The permit should be given to and retained by the seller or donor of the handgun. In such
a case, the permit should be given to the executor or receiver of the estate of the deceased person.
If the purchaser or receiver uses a North Carolina issued concealed carry permit for the transfer,
the seller should reference such permit on a bill of sale.
Further, it is unlawful for any person to receive from any postmaster, postal clerk, employee
in the parcel post department, rural mail carrier, express agent or employee, or railroad agent or
employee, within the State of North Carolina, any pistol without having in his or her possession,
such a pistol purchase permit or North Carolina concealed carry permit.
A violation of this pistol permit law is a Class 2 misdemeanor under North Carolina law.
Specifically exempted from the provisions of this permit requirement are the transfer of antique
firearms or historic-edged weapons. An "antique firearm" is one that was manufactured on or
before 1898 and includes any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar
ignition system. It also includes a replica thereof if the replica is not designed or redesigned for
using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition. It also includes any muzzle loading
rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol, which is designed to use black powder
substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-409(a). However, the
term "antique firearm" does not include any weapon which incorporates a firearm frame or
receiver; is converted into a muzzle loading weapon; or is a muzzle loading weapon that can be
readily convened to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechlock, or any
combination thereof. A "historic-edged weapon" is defined to be a bayonet, trench knife, sword,
or dagger manufactured during or prior to World War II, but no later than January 1, 1946. N.C.
Gen. Stat. § 14-409.12. The requirement of obtaining a permit prior to the receipt of a handgun
does not apply to the purchase and receipt of "long guns," such as shotguns and rifles.
C. Eligible Persons
1. Federal Law Requirements

As a general rule, the following categories of persons are ineligible to receive or
possess a firearm under federal law:
5

 a.

Persons under indictment or information in any court for "a crime punishable by
imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year";'

b.

Persons convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a
term exceeding one (1) year. A person would not be ineligible under this criteria
if the person has been pardoned for the crime or conviction, the crime or
conviction has been expunged or set aside, or the person has had his/her civil
rights restored, and under the law where the conviction occurred, the person is
not prohibited from receiving or possessing any firearm;

c.

The person is a fugitive from justice;

d.

The person is an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, or any depressant,
stimulant, or narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance;

e.

The person has been adjudicated mentally defective or has been committed to a
mental institution. To be prohibiting, a commitment to a mental institution must
be involuntary and it must result in the person being committed to either inpatient or out-patient treatment;

f.

The person has been discharged from the U.S. armed forces under dishonorable
conditions;

g.

The person is illegally in the United States; or

h,

The person, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his or her
citizenship.

Effective September 30, 1996, 18 U.S.C. § 921(a) was modified in the "Lautenburg
Amendment" to prohibit the possession of firearms and ammunition by anyone convicted of a
"domestic violence" misdemeanor under federal or state law which has, as an element, the use or
attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a
current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim
shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabited with the victim
as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian
of the victim.
A person is not considered convicted unless the person was represented by counsel in the
case, or knowingly and intelligently waived the right to counsel in the case; and if the person was
entitled to a jury trial, the person was tried by a jury or waived his/her right to such trial.

1 "A crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year", as discussed in C. 1.
above, excludes state misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment for 2 years or less. Domestic violence
misdemeanors discussed herein are however disqualifying misdemeanors under federal law. 18 USC §
922(d).

6

 Further, the person is not considered convicted if the conviction has been expunged or set
aside, or is an offense for which the person has been pardoned or has had their civil rights
restored (if the law of the applicable jurisdiction provides for the loss of civil rights under such
an offense) unless the pardon, expungement, or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that
the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms. 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(33) and 18
U.S.C. § 922(g)(9).
2.

North Carolina Requirements

A county sheriff is only authorized under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-402 to issue a
permit to receive or purchase a handgun when an application is submitted by a person
who is a resident of his or her particular county. The sole exception is that the sheriff
may issue a permit to a non-resident when the purpose of the permit is for collecting.
Prior to issuing a permit, the sheriff must fully satisfy him/herself by affidavits, oral
evidence, or otherwise, that the applicant is of good moral character and that the
person, firm, or corporation wants to possess the weapon for one of the following
purposes:
a.

The protection of the applicant's home, business, person, family, or
property;

b.

Target shooting;

c.

Collecting; or

d.

Hunting.

Additionally, the sheriff must verify by a criminal history background
investigation that it is not a violation of State or federal law for the applicant to
purchase, transfer, receive or possess a handgun. The sheriff shall determine the
criminal history of any applicant by accessing computerized criminal history records as
maintained by the State and Federal Bureaus of Investigation, by conducting a national
criminal history records check, and by conducting a criminal history check through the
Administrative Office of the Courts. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-404.
North Carolina law further specifies that a permit shall not be issued to the
following:
a.

An applicant who is under an indictment, or information for, or has been
convicted in any state, or in any court of the United States, of a felony
(other than an offense pertaining to anti-trust violations, unfair trade
practices, or restraints of trade). However, a person who has been
convicted of a felony and is later pardoned may obtain a permit, if the
purchase or receipt of the pistol does not violate the conditions of the
pardon;
7

 b.

The applicant is a fugitive from justice;

c.

The applicant is an unlawful user of or addicted to marijuana, any
depressant, stimulant, or narcotic drug;

d.

The applicant has been adjudicated incompetent or has been committed to
any mental institution;

e.

The applicant is an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States;

f.

The applicant has been discharged from the U.S. armed forces under
dishonorable conditions;

g.

The applicant, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced
his/her citizenship;

h.

The applicant is subject to a court order that:
(1)

Was issued after a hearing of which the applicant received actual
notice, and at which the applicant had an opportunity to participate;

(2)

Restrains the person from harassing, stalking or threatening an
intimate partner of the person or child of the intimate partner of the
person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate
partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; and

(3)

Includes a finding that the person represents a credible threat to the
physical safety of the intimate partner or child; or by its terms
explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of
physical force against the intimate partner or child that would
reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury.

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-404.
As previously mentioned, federal law prohibits aliens who are illegally in the United States
from receiving or possessing firearms. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, aliens who are
in a non-immigrant status are prohibited from possessing or receiving firearms. 18 U.S.C. §
922(d)(5). Therefore, sheriffs must make additional inquiries of applicants for pistol purchase
permits to determine their alien status. The sheriff must first determine if the applicant is a
citizen. If the applicant is not a citizen, the sheriff must obtain additional information on the
person to include his/her country of citizenship; place of birth; and alien or admission number. If
applicable, the sheriff may have to determine the basis of any claimed exemption from the nonimmigrant alien prohibition. For example, a non-immigrant alien could possess or receive a
firearm if he/she is in possession of a valid hunting license issued in the United States; is an
official representative of a foreign government accredited to the United States; or has received a
waiver by the United States Attorney General. 18 U.S.C. § 922(y).
8

 The requirement for obtaining a permit before purchasing or receiving a handgun does not
apply to law enforcement officers of North Carolina, who are authorized by law to carry
firearms. To use such an exemption, however, the law enforcement officer must identify
him/herself to the seller of the handgun as being a law enforcement officer authorized to carry
firearms, and provide any of the following:
1.

A letter signed by the officer's superior officer stating the officer is authorized to carry
a firearm;

2.

A current photographic identification card issued by the officer's employer;

3.

A current photographic identification card issued by a State agency that identifies the
officer as State law enforcement; or

4.

A current identification card from the officer's employer and one other form of
photographic identification.

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-404(d).
NOTE: If the officer is purchasing or receiving a handgun from a federally licensed firearms
dealer, federal law may nonetheless require a NICS check be conducted.
Each applicant for a permit should be informed by the sheriff within fourteen (14) days of
the date of his or her application whether the permit will be granted or denied. When a sheriff is
not fully satisfied with the applicant's good moral character or eligibility to receive a permit,
he/she should notify the applicant of the reasons for his/her refusal to issue a permit within seven
(7) days of his/her decision. Notification must cite the specific facts and law upon which the
sheriff concluded that the applicant was not qualified for the permit. An applicant refused a
permit has a right to appeal such refusal to the Chief District Court Judge for the district in which
the application was filed. A judicial determination upholding the denial will be forwarded to
NICS by the Clerk of Superior Court within forty-eight (48) hours. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-404.
A permit issued under the standards of State law is valid for a period of five (5) years. N.C.
Gen. Stat. § 14-403. A sheriff is required to keep a list of all permits issued. This list should
include the date of issuance, name, age, place of residence, and former place of residence of each
person, firm, or corporation to whom a permit has been issued. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-405.
The sheriff must also keep a list of all permit denials, which includes the specific reasons for
the denial; however, the list cannot contain any information that would identify the applicant.
Unlike the list of issued permits which is not public record, this list of denied permits is
public record.
There is no limit to the number or frequency of permit applications and the sheriff will
charge $5.00 for each permit requested.
9

 The sheriff must revoke a purchase permit upon the occurrence of any event or condition
that occurs after the issuance of the permit which would render the individual unable to lawfully
receive a purchase permit. The sheriff will provide written notice to the permittee that the permit
is revoked. This notice will also provide the permittee with information on how to appeal the
revocation. Upon receipt of this written notice, the permittee must surrender the permit to the
sheriff. Any law enforcement officer serving the notice is authorized to take immediate
possession of the permit. If the notice was served on the permittee by means other than a law
enforcement officer, the permittee must surrender his permit to the sheriff no later than fortyeight (48) hours after service of the notice. Any permittee who fails to do so is guilty of a Class 2
misdemeanor. The permittee may appeal the revocation by petitioning a district court judge of
the district where the permittee lives.
The list of issued permits will also include the date that a permit was revoked, the date the
permittee received notice of the revocation, whether the permit was surrendered, as well as the
reason for the revocation. This list is updated upon each revocation so that any potential
transferor may check on the status of a permit. These records are confidential and are not a
public record. They may however be made available upon request to any federal, State, and local
law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the sheriff will make the records available to a court if
required to be released by court order.
A court in any domestic violence protective order can prohibit a party from possessing,
purchasing or receiving a firearm for a time fixed in the order. Any person purchasing or
attempting to purchase any firearm in violation of such an order is guilty of a Class H felony.
N. C . Gen. Stat. § 50B-3.l.

D.

Temporary Transfers of Firearms

The transfer of a pawned firearm from a licensed pawnbroker back to the owner of the
firearm is subject to the requirements of the Brady Law. A NICS inquiry, or an alternative, must
therefore be accomplished prior to the redemption of a pawned firearm. North Carolina law does
not require the owner to procure a handgun permit when redeeming the firearm.
It is the opinion of the BATF that a consigned handgun which is not sold by the licensed
dealer and is subsequently returned to its true owner, is subject to the Brady Law.
A handgun which is delivered to a licensed dealer by an unlicensed person for the purposes
of repair is not subject to the requirements of the Brady Law.
If the firearm is loaned or rented for use on the licensee's premises, the transaction is not
subject to the Brady Law. However, if the firearm is loaned or rented for use off the premises,
the licensee must comply with the Brady Law. 27 C.F.R. 478.97.

E.

Soliciting Unlawful Purchase

Any person who knowingly solicits, persuades, encourages, or entices a licensed dealer or
private seller of firearms or ammunition to transfer a firearm or ammunition under circumstances
that the person knows would violate the laws of this State or the United States is guilty of a Class
10

 F felony.
Any person who provides to a licensed dealer or private seller of firearms or ammunition
information that the person knows to be materially false information with the intent to deceive
the dealer or seller about the legality of a transfer of a firearm or ammunition is guilty of a Class
F felony.
Any person who willfully procures another to engage in conduct prohibited by this section
shall be held accountable as a principal to the crime.
This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity
or to a person acting at the direction of the law enforcement officer. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-408.1.
F. Out of State Purchase
-

-

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a citizen of this State may purchase a firearm in another
state if the citizen undergoes a background check that satisfies the law of the state of purchase
and that includes an inquiry of the National Instant Background Check System. N.C. Gen. Stat. §
14-409.10.
III. POSSESSING AND CARRYING FIREARMS
A.

Carrying Concealed Weapons

North Carolina law strictly controls the ability of individuals to carry weapons concealed.
Except under the limited concealed handgun permit provisions of State law, described in
Sections III. B. and III. C. of this publication, and the exemptions set out below, it is unlawful for
any person in North Carolina, except when on his or her own premises, to willfully and
intentionally carry concealed, either on or about his or her person, any "Bowie Knife, dirk,
dagger, slungshot, loaded cane, metallic knuckles, razor, shurikin, stungun, or other deadly
weapon of like kind." Specifically exempted from the requirements of this law are ordinary
pocket knives carried in a closed position. An ordinary pocket knife is defined as being "a small
knife, that is designed to be carried in a pocket or purse, which has its cutting edge and point
entirely enclosed by its handle. The knife must not be capable of being opened by a throwing,
explosive, or spring action." N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.
Whether, in a given case, a weapon is concealed from the public is a question of fact. By
using the phrase "concealed about his or her person," this law makes it illegal to have a weapon
concealed not only on a person, but also within a person's convenient control and easy reach.
Only certain categories of persons in North Carolina are allowed, in particular
circumstances, to carry concealed weapons. Concealed handgun permits will be discussed in
detail later in the publication. The following categories of persons are generally exempt from the
restriction of North Carolina's concealed weapons laws:
1.

Officers and enlisted personnel of the armed forces of the United States when in
11

 the discharge of their official duties as such and when acting under orders
requiring them to carry arms and weapons;
2.

Civil and law enforcement officers of the United States;

3.

Officers and soldiers of the Militia and the National Guard when called to actual
service;

4.

Officers of the State, or of any county, city, or town, charged with the execution
of the laws of the State, when acting in the discharge of their official duties;

5.

Any person who is a district attorney, an assistant district attorney, or an
investigator employed by the office of a district attorney and who has a
concealed handgun permit issued in accordance with Article 54B of this Chapter
or considered valid under G.S. 14-415.24; provided that the person shall not
carry a concealed weapon at any time while in a courtroom or while consuming
alcohol or an unlawful controlled substance or while alcohol or an unlawful
controlled substance remains in the person's body. The district attorney,
assistant district attorney, or investigator must secure the weapon in a locked
compartment when it is not carried on his/her person;

6.

Any person who is a qualified retired law enforcement officer as defined in G.S.
§ 14- 415.10 and meets any one (1) of the following conditions:
a. Is the holder of a concealed handgun permit issued in
accordance with Article 54B of Chapter 14.
b. Is exempt from obtaining a permit pursuant to G.S. § 14415.25.
c. Is certified by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education
and Training Standards Commission pursuant to G.S. § 14415.26;

7.

Detention personnel or correctional officers employed by the State or a unit of
local government who park a vehicle in a space that is authorized for their use in
the course of their duties may transport a firearm to the parking space and store
that firearm in the vehicle parked in the parking space, provided that: (i) the
firearm is in a closed compartment or container within the locked vehicle; or (ii)
the firearm is in a locked container securely affixed to the vehicle;

8.

State probation or parole certified officers, when off-duty, provided that an
officer does not carry a concealed weapon while consuming alcohol or an
unlawful controlled substance or while alcohol or an unlawful controlled
substance remains in the officer's body;

9.

Sworn law enforcement officers, when off duty, provided that an officer does
not carry a concealed weapon while consuming alcohol or an unlawful
controlled substance or while alcohol or an unlawful controlled substance
12

 remains in the officer's body;
10.

Any person who is a North Carolina district court judge, North Carolina
superior court judge, or North Carolina magistrate who has a concealed handgun
permit, provided that the person cannot carry a concealed weapon at any time
while consuming alcohol or an unlawful controlled substance or while alcohol
or an unlawful controlled substance remains in the person's body. The judge or
magistrate shall secure the weapon in a locked compartment when the weapon is
not on his/her person;

11.

Any person who is serving as a clerk of court or register of deeds and has a valid
concealed handgun permit, provided that the person cannot carry a concealed
weapon at any time while consuming alcohol or an unlawful controlled
substance or while alcohol or an unlawful controlled substance remains in
his/her body. The clerk of court or register of deeds must secure the weapon in a
locked compartment when the weapon is not on his/her person. This allowance
does not apply to assistants, deputies or other employees of the clerk or register
of deeds;

12.

Any individual with a valid concealed handgun permit (under either North
Carolina law or the law of issuance) provided the weapon is a handgun, is in a
closed compartment or container within the person's locked vehicle, and the
vehicle is in a parking area that is owned or leased by State government.

It is worth noting that while the law expressed in this publication is geared toward firearms,
the limitations and cautions expressed for carrying concealed weapons apply to any other deadly
weapon as well.

B. Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004
Out-of-state sworn law enforcement officers may carry concealed handguns in certain areas
of North Carolina, if the officer meets all the criteria set forth under the federal law known as the
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (18 U.S.C. 926B). A qualified officer would be
one who is an employee of a governmental agency; is authorized by law to enforce criminal laws
with the statutory powers of arrest; is authorized to carry firearms by his/her agency; regularly
qualifies with his/her firearm; is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and is not prohibited
by federal law from receiving a firearm. The officer must carry valid photographic identification
as an officer. While carrying in North Carolina, the out-of-state officer may not carry in either
public or private areas where the possession of firearms is prohibited.
Also, pursuant to the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (18 U.S.C. 926C),
certain qualified retired officers may be eligible to carry concealed handguns in North Carolina.
A qualified retired officer is one who separated in good standing from a public agency as a law
enforcement officer; had statutory powers of arrest; had an aggregate of ten (10) years or more
service (unless separated due to a service-connected disability); qualified annually with his/her
handgun; is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and is not prohibited by federal law from
receiving a firearm. While carrying in North Carolina, the qualified retired officer may not carry
13

 in either public or private areas where the possession of firearms is prohibited. A person meeting
the definition of a qualified retired law enforcement officer may carry a concealed handgun in
North Carolina, if he/she is carrying photographic credentials identifying him/herself as a
separated qualified law enforcement officer, and the person has qualified with his/her handgun
annually, either with the agency from which he/she retired, or as certified by the North Carolina
Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission (the Commission). To gain such
qualification from the Commission, the qualified retired officer must make application to the
Commission by submitting a verification of firearms qualification, conducted by a firearms
instructor who is certified by the Commission as a Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor. The
qualified retired officer must also submit a copy of his/her photographic identification showing
his/her separated status, and other information required by the Commission. A person making
any intentional misrepresentation on this form is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and may have
his/her firearms qualification revoked. This status does not exempt the person from any other
registration or training requirements necessary in the private protective services profession.
Forms for this process may be obtained from the Criminal Justice Standards Division staff. N.C.
Gen. Stat. § 14-415.26.
C. Concealed Handgun Permit

Certain residents of North Carolina may be eligible to obtain a permit which would allow
them to carry a concealed handgun under certain conditions. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.11. No
other weapons may be carried concealed pursuant to such permit.
North Carolina also allows out-of-state concealed handgun permittees to carry concealed
handguns, pursuant to such permits, in North Carolina. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.24(a). While
carrying a handgun pursuant to such permit, qualified out-of-state permittees are held to the same
standards as North Carolina permittees. Consequently, there are a number of areas where
concealed handguns cannot be carried in North Carolina, regardless of the individual having a
permit to carry a concealed weapon. Included on the N.C. Department of Justice website is a list
of "Do's and Don'ts" for carrying a concealed handgun in North Carolina. In order to acquire a
North Carolina permit, an individual must apply to the sheriff's office in the county in which
he/she resides. As part of the application process, the applicant must accomplish the following:
1.

Complete an application, under oath, on a form provided by the sheriff's office;

2.

Pay a non-refundable fee of $80.00;

3.

Allow the sheriff's office to take two (2) full sets of fingerprints, which may cost
up to $10.00;
Provide an original certificate of completion of an approved handgun safety
course; and

4.

5.

Provide a release authorizing disclosure to the sheriff of any record concerning the
applicant's mental health or capacity.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.13.
14

 Any person or entity who is given an original or photocopied release form as described
in N.C.G.S. § 14-415.13(a)(5), must promptly disclose to the sheriff any records concerning the
mental health or capacity of the applicant who signed the form and authorized the release of the
records. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.14(c).
NOTE: Permit fees for a N.C. retired, sworn law enforcement officer can be reduced. The
retired North Carolina officer must provide a copy of the officer's letter of retirement from either
the North Carolina Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System or the North Carolina
Local Governmental Employees' Retirement Systems, and written documentation from the head
of the agency where the person was previously employed, indicating that the person was neither
involuntarily terminated nor under administrative or criminal investigation within six (6) months
of retirement. Once presented, the fees are $45.00 for an initial application and $40.00 for a
renewal application. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.19(a1)(1-2).

The sheriff has forty-five (45) days from the time all application materials, to include receipt
of mental health records, are received to either issue or deny a permit. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14415.15(a). In order for an applicant to be approved, he/she must:
1.

Be a citizen of the United States;

2.

Have been a resident of the State of North Carolina for not less than thirty (30)
days immediately preceding the filing of the application;

3.

Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age;

4.

Not suffer from any physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of
a handgun; and

5.

Have successfully completed an approved firearms training course (unless
specifically exempted from the course by State law).

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.12(a)(1-5).
The sheriff must deny the permit if certain prohibitions exist. The application must be
denied if the applicant:
1.

Is ineligible to possess or receive a firearm under federal or State law;

2.

Is under indictment or against whom a finding of probable cause exists for a
felony, or has ever been adjudicated guilty in any court of a felony;

3.

Is a fugitive from justice;

4.

Is an unlawful user of or addicted to marijuana, alcohol, or any depressant,
stimulant or narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance;
15

 5.

Is currently, or has previously been adjudicated by a court, or administratively
determined by a governmental agency whose decisions are subject to judicial
review, to be lacking mental capacity or mentally ill. Receipt of previous
consultative services or outpatient treatment alone shall not disqualify an
applicant;

6.

Has been discharged from the U.S. armed forces under conditions other than
honorable;

7.

Has been convicted of an impaired driving offense under N.C.G.S. § 20-138.1,
20-138.2 or 20-138.3 within three (3) years prior to the date of application
submission;

8.

Has had an entry of prayer for judgment continued for a criminal offense which
would disqualify the applicant from obtaining a concealed handgun permit;

9.

Is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for
a crime which would disqualify him/her from obtaining a concealed handgun
permit; or

10.

Has been adjudicated guilty of, or received prayer for judgment continued or
suspended sentence for:
a. A crime of violence constituting a misdemeanor, including, but not limited
to, a violation of an offense under Article 8 of Chapter 14 of the North
Carolina General Statutes (This encompasses most assault offenses); or
b. A misdemeanor under the following provisions of the North Carolina
General Statutes: G.S. §§ 14-225.2, 14-226.1, 14-258.1, 14-269.2, 14-269.3,
14-269.4, 14-269.6, 14-276.1, 14-277, 14-277.1, 14-277.2, 14-277.3, 14281.1, 14-283, 14-288.2, 14-288.4(a)(1) or (2), 14-288.6, 14-288.9, 14288,12, 14-288.13, 14-288.14, 14-3182, 14-415.21(b), or 14-415.26(d). (see
Appendix for a brief description of these disqualifying offenses).

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.12(b)(1-11).
NOTE: The Appendix of this publication also contains a list of Do's and Don'ts for those
lawfully possessing permits to carry concealed handguns.
Once the applicant is issued the permit to carry a concealed weapon, he/she must renew the
permit every five (5) years. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.11(b). In order to renew the permit, the
holder must file an application for renewal with the sheriff's office in the county in which he/she
resides at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the original permit. Along with this
application, the applicant must also submit to the sheriff, a notarized affidavit stating that he/she
remains qualified, the renewal fee of $75.00, and a newly administered set of fingerprints. Prior
16

 to determining if an individual remains qualified, a sheriff must update the applicant's criminal
history and make another inquiry into the NICS database. The sheriff may require the permittee
to take another firearms safety and training course prior to renewal. No fingerprints shall be
required for a renewal permit if the applicant's fingerprints were submitted to the State Bureau of
Investigation (SBI) after June 30, 2001, on the Automated Fingerprint Information System
(AFIS), as prescribed by the SBI. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.16.
At least forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration date of a concealed carry permit, the
sheriff will send a written notice to the permittee explaining that the permit is about to expire.
The holder of the permit shall apply to renew the permit within the ninety-day (90) period prior
to its expiration. The permit of a permittee who complies with this requirement will remain valid
beyond the expiration date of the permit until the permittee either receives a renewal permit or is
denied a renewal permit by the sheriff. If the permittee does not apply to renew the permit prior
to its expiration date, but does apply to renew the permit within sixty (60) days after the permit
expires, the sheriff may waive the requirement of taking another firearms safety course;
however, the person may not carry a concealed handgun under this expired permit.
A concealed carry holder who is or will be deployed for military service is allowed to
apply with the sheriff for an extension of the concealed carry permit up to an additional ninety
(90) days after the permittee's scheduled deployment is to end. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.16A.
In emergencies, a sheriff may issue a temporary permit to an individual when the sheriff
has reasonable belief that the individual's safety, or the safety of his or her property, or family is
in immediate danger. In order to obtain this emergency permit, the applicant must first establish
with the sheriff that an emergency situation exists. The individual must also submit an
application, two (2) sets of fingerprints, and the non-refundable fee of $80.00. The temporary
permit is valid for a maximum of forty five (45) days, is non-renewable, and may be revoked by
the sheriff at any time without a hearing. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.15(b).
The law specifically exempts from the firearms safety and training course certain
qualified individuals. These persons include:
1.

An individual who retired from service as a law enforcement officer with a
local, State, or company police agency in North Carolina, other than for
reasons of mental disability, who has been retired as a sworn law
enforcement officer two (2) years or less from the date of the permit
application, and has a non-forfeitable right to benefits under the retirement
plan to the local, State, or company police agency as a law enforcement
officer, or has twenty (20) or more aggregate years of law enforcement
service, and has retired from a company police agency that does not have a
retirement plan;

2.

A current law enforcement officer employed by a local, State, or company
police agency in North Carolina who:
a.

Is authorized by the agency to carry a handgun in the course of duty;
17

 b.

Is not the subject of a disciplinary action by the agency that prevents
the carrying of a handgun; and

c.

Meets the requirements established by the agency regarding
handguns;

3.

A person who is licensed or registered by the North Carolina Private
Protective Services Board as an armed security guard who also has a
firearm registration permit issued by the Board;

4.

An individual who retired from service as a State probation or parole
certified officer, or as a State correctional officer, other than for reasons of
mental disability, who has been retired as a probation or parole certified
officer or State correctional officer two (2) years or less from the date of
the permit application and who meets all of the following criteria:
a.

Immediately before retirement, the individual met firearms training
standards of the Department of Adult Correction and was
authorized by the Department of Adult Correction to carry a
handgun in the course of duty;

b.

The individual retired in good standing and was never the subject
of a disciplinary action by the Department of Adult Correction that
would have prevented the individual from carrying a handgun;

c.

The individual has a vested right to benefits under the Teachers'
and State Employees' Retirement System of North Carolina
established under Article 1 of Chapter 135 of the General Statutes;
and

d.

The individual is not prohibited by State or federal law from
receiving a firearm.

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.12A.
Any individual who has applied for and has been issued a concealed handgun permit
must follow certain regulations concerning its use. Not only must the individual carry the permit
along with proper identification whenever the handgun is being carried concealed, but he/she
must also inform any law enforcement officer who approaches him/her that he/she is in
possession of a permit and a concealed handgun. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.11(a). Failure to do so
is an infraction. However, in lieu of paying a fine for the first offense, the individual may choose
to surrender his/her permit. However, anybody who has been issued a valid concealed handgun
permit and is found carrying a concealed handgun in any area where conspicuous notice has been
posted prohibiting a person from carrying on that premises, or who is carrying a concealed
handgun while consuming alcohol or has had alcohol or controlled substances remaining in
his/her system will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any individual who violates any other
18

 standards for the carrying of a concealed handgun with a permit is guilty of a Class 2
misdemeanor. Any person who has not been issued a valid permit but carries a concealed
handgun unlawfully, is guilty of committing a Class 2 misdemeanor for the first offense, and any
subsequent offenses are Class H felonies. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.21(a) .(b).
Although a person may have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, permittees are not
authorized to carry the permitted weapon anywhere they desire. The weapon may not be carried
in the following:
1.

Areas prohibited by G.S. § 14-277.2 (Picket lines or demonstrations);

2.

Areas prohibited by G.S. § 14-269.4 (Certain State properties such as
courthouses);

3.

Areas prohibited by rules adopted under G.S. § 120-32.1 (Legislative
buildings);

4.

Areas prohibited by 18 USC § 922 or any other federal law;

5.

Any law enforcement agency or correctional facility;

6.

Areas housing only State or federal offices;

7.

An office of the State or federal government that is not located in a
building exclusively occupied by the State or federal government;

8.

Any premises where notice that carrying a concealed handgun is
prohibited by the posting of a conspicuous notice, or statement by the
person in legal possession or control of the premises; or

9.

School grounds under G.S. § 14-269.2, except permittees can secure their
handguns in their vehicle on school grounds. (Note: Private schools
reserve the right to prohibit firearms altogether.)

Permittees are specifically allowed to carry a concealed handgun in the following areas:
1.

Premises where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed unless the
premises is posted to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms. Of
course, the permittee may not consume any alcohol while carrying in this
area. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.3;

2.

Premises where a fee is charged for admission unless the premises is
posted to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms. N.C. Gen. Stat. §
14-269.3;
19

 3.

Parades and funerals unless the area is posted to prohibit the possession or
carrying of firearms. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-277.2; and

4.

Grounds or waters of a park within the State Parks System as defined in
G.S. § 113-44.9.

As provided in G.S. § 14-269.4(5), it is lawful for any person to carry a firearm openly,
or to carry a concealed handgun with a concealed carry permit, at any State-owned rest area, at
any State-owned rest stop along the highways, and at any State-owned hunting and fishing
reservation. N. C . Gen. Stat. § 14-415.11(c).
Those individuals exempted from the prohibitions of carrying concealed weapons as set
forth in Paragraph III. A. of this publication, are not prohibited from carrying a concealed
weapon or handgun on property wherein a notice is posted prohibiting the carrying of a
concealed handgun, unless otherwise prohibited by statute.
Any of the following persons who have a concealed handgun permit are not subject to
the area restrictions set out in subparagraphs 1-9 above and may carry a concealed handgun in
those areas unless otherwise prohibited by federal law. These persons are:
1. A district attorney;
2. An assistant district attorney;
3. An investigator employed by the office of a district attorney;
4. A North Carolina district or superior court judge;
5. A North Carolina magistrate;
6. A person who is elected and serving as a North Carolina clerk of court; and
7. A person who is elected and serving as a North Carolina register of deeds.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.27.
North Carolina General Statute § 14-415.23 provides that no political subdivisions,
boards, or agencies of the State nor any county, city, municipality, municipal corporation, town,
township, village, nor any department or agency thereof, may enact ordinances, rules, or
regulations concerning legally carrying a concealed handgun. A unit of local government may,
however, adopt an ordinance to permit the posting of a prohibition against carrying a concealed
handgun in local government buildings and their appurtenant premises. A unit of local
government may adopt an ordinance to prohibit, by posting, the carrying of a concealed handgun
on municipal and county recreational facilities that are specifically identified by the unit of local
government. If a unit of local government adopts such an ordinance with regard to recreational
facilities, then the concealed handgun permittee may, nevertheless, secure the handgun in a
locked vehicle within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or area within or on
the motor vehicle. For purposes of this section, the term "recreational facilities" includes only the
following:
1. An athletic field, any appurtenant facilities such as restrooms, during an organized
athletic event if the field has been scheduled for use with the city or county office
20

 responsible for operation of the park or recreational area;
2. A swimming pool, including any appurtenant facilities used for dressing, storage of
personal items, or other uses related to the swimming pool; and
3. A facility used for athletic events, including but not limited to, a gymnasium.
The term "recreational facilities" does not include any greenway, designated biking or walking
path, an area that is customarily used as a walkway or bike path although not specifically
designated for such use, open areas or fields where athletic events may occur unless the area
qualifies as an athletic field.
Article 53B of Chapter 14 of our General Statutes provides that with certain exceptions,
the field of firearms regulation is preempted from regulation by local governments. A county or
municipality may regulate or prohibit the sale of firearms at a location only if there is a lawful,
general, similar regulation or prohibition of other commercial activities at that location. A county
or municipality may also regulate the transport, carrying, or possession of firearms by employees
of the local unit of government in the course of their employment with that local unit of
government. Municipalities or counties retain their authority to prohibit the possession of
firearms in publicly-owned buildings or grounds, except that nothing would prohibit a person
from storing a firearm within a motor vehicle while the vehicle is on these grounds or areas. N.C.
Gen. Stat. § 14-409.40.
Any individual who has been issued a valid permit must notify the issuing sheriff of any
permanent change of address within thirty (30) days. If the permit is lost or destroyed, he/she
must notify the issuing sheriff of such loss. The permittee is then eligible to obtain a duplicate
permit by submitting to the sheriff a notarized statement that the permit was lost or destroyed and
by paying the required duplicate permit fee. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.11(d).
It is unlawful for the permittee to carry a concealed handgun while consuming alcohol,
or at any time while the permittee has remaining in his or her body any alcohol or controlled
substance previously consumed. However, a permittee does not violate this law if a controlled
substance in his or her blood was lawfully obtained and taken in therapeutically appropriate
amounts. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.11(c).
The sheriff of the county where the permit was issued or the sheriff of the county where
the individual resides may revoke a permit, subsequent to a hearing, for any of the following
reasons:
1.

Fraud, intentional and material misrepresentation in obtaining a permit;

2.

Misuse of a permit, including lending or giving a permit or a duplicate
permit to another person, materially altering a permit, or using a permit
with the intent to unlawfully cause harm to a person or property (It is not
misuse to give a duplicate of the permit to a vendor for record keeping
purposes);
21

 3.

The doing of an act or existence of a condition which would have been
grounds for the denial of the permit by the sheriff; or

4.

Violation of any terms governing the carrying of concealed handguns.

Either the sheriff of the county where the permit was issued or the sheriff of the county
where the person currently resides must revoke a permit for any individual who was adjudicated
guilty of or receives a prayer for judgment continued for a crime that would have disqualified the
person from initially receiving a permit. On the occurrence of this condition, the sheriff must,
without a prior hearing, provide written notice to the permittee, pursuant to G. S. § 1A-1, rule 4
(j), that the permit is revoked effective upon the service of that notice. This notice must give the
permittee information on how to appeal the revocation. Upon receipt of this written notice, the
permittee must then surrender the permit to the sheriff. Any law enforcement officer who serves
that notice is authorized by law to take immediate possession of the permit from the permittee. If
the notice is served on the permittee by means other than a law enforcement officer, the
permittee has an affirmative obligation to surrender the permit to the sheriff no later than fortyeight (48) hours after service of the notice. A permittee can appeal the revocation by petitioning
a district court judge in the district where the permittee resides. The determination by the court
will be limited to whether the permittee was adjudicated guilty of or received a prayer for
judgment continued for a crime that would have disqualified him/her from initially receiving the
permit. The revocation of the permit is not stayed pending that appeal. N.C. Gen. Stat § 14415.18.
The sheriff of the county is required to maintain a listing of all persons who are issued a
concealed handgun permit. This list however, and the information collected by the sheriff
pursuant to the application, is confidential and is not a public record. This information is
available upon request to all State and local law enforcement agencies. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14415.17 (c).
D.

Transporting Weapons

Given this general prohibition of carrying concealed weapons, individuals must be ever
vigilant to ensure their particular situation cannot be construed as concealing a weapon, either on
or about them, without being properly authorized to do so with a valid North Carolina, or
recognized out-of-state concealed handgun permit. Therefore, the permittee's accessibility to the
weapon is of prime importance. It is unlawful to transport a weapon (absent a proper permit) that
is BOTH concealed and readily accessible to a person. It is for these reasons, that when
transporting a weapon in a vehicle, even greater care must be exercised to ensure that the weapon
is not concealed and within the ready access to an occupant of the vehicle. North Carolina law
does not specifically address how to transport a weapon in an automobile. Therefore, the central
question becomes: when is the weapon concealed and readily accessible to an occupant of an
automobile? Obviously, a weapon would be concealed and readily accessible, and therefore in
violation of North Carolina law, if it were placed in such areas of a vehicle as under the seat of
the automobile; in a bag in the back seat; or in some other manner is covered or hidden within
the easy reach of an occupant of the vehicle. It is our recommendation that firearms should not
be carried in a glove compartment regardless of whether the compartment is locked or not.
22

 While a weapon carried openly in an automobile would not be concealed, there are other
problems specific to this method of carrying a weapon. The principal drawback, of course, is in
the event of an individual being stopped by a law enforcement official, the officer may not
readily know that individual's purpose and intent for carrying a weapon. As such, it is imperative
that an individual immediately notify an officer of the presence of any weapon in the automobile,
for the officer's and the vehicle's occupants' safety. Another obvious drawback is that a valuable
weapon may be in plain view for potential thieves to see. The prohibition to carrying concealed
weapons applies not only to handguns and other weapons commonly thought of as being easily
hidden, but also to "long guns" as well. Therefore, shotguns and rifles concealed behind the seat
of pickup trucks, and elsewhere in other vehicles, could similarly violate North Carolina law.
As to those vehicles with no easily discernible trunk area (e.g., SUVs, vans, etc.), it
becomes a factual determination of when the weapon is within ready and easy access to an
occupant of the vehicle. If the weapon is concealed near, in close proximity to, or within the
convenient control and access of an occupant, which would allow him/her to use the weapon
quickly, then a fair probability exists that the occupant is in violation of the law. Therefore, care
must be exercised by any occupant of any vehicle to ensure that weapons are securely locked
away in as remote an area as possible, in relation to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It
is important to emphasize that these prohibitions apply to passengers, as well as drivers of any
vehicle,
E.

Areas Where Weapons Are Prohibited

1. Schools

North Carolina General Statute § 14-269.2 provides that it is a Class I felony for any
person to knowingly possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or
other firearm of any kind, on educational property or to a curricular or extracurricular activity
sponsored by a school. It is a Class F felony to willfully discharge a firearm on school grounds. It
is also a Class I felony, for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a person who is less than
eighteen (18) years old to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or
other firearm of any kind, on educational property. This particular violation does not apply to BB
guns, stun guns, air rifles, or air pistols.
It is a Class G felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed,
any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive, on educational property, or
to a curricular or extra-curricular activity sponsored by a school. This particular prohibition does
not apply to fireworks. It is also a violation, punishable as a Class G felony, for any person to
cause, encourage, or aid a person who is less than eighteen (18) years old to possess or carry,
whether openly or concealed, any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful
explosive, on educational property. Again, this particular violation does not apply to fireworks.
It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or
concealed on educational property, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, Bowie Knife, dirk,
dagger, slungshot, loaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor
blades (except solely for personal shaving), fireworks, or any sharp pointed or edged instrument
(except instructional supplies, un-altered nail files and clips, and tools used solely for the
23

 preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance on educational property). It is also a Class 1
misdemeanor for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a person who is less than eighteen (18)
years old to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any of these items on educational
property.
These prohibitions will apply in/on any school building or bus, school campus, grounds,
recreational area, athletic field, or other property owned, used, or operated by any board of
education or school board of trustees, or directors for the administration of any school.
It is a misdemeanor, rather than a Class I felony, for any person to possess or carry,
whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind, on educational
property or to a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by a school if:
a.

The person is not a student attending school on the educational property, or an
employee employed by the school working on the educational property;

b.

The person is not a student attending a curricular or extra-curricular activity
sponsored by the school at which the student is enrolled, or an employee attending a
curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by the school at which the employee
is working; and

c.

The firearm is not loaded, is in a motor vehicle, and is in a locked container or a
locked firearm rack.

The aforementioned prohibitions will not apply to:
a.

A weapon used solely for educational or school sanctioned ceremonial purposes, or
used in a school approved program conducted under the supervision of an adult,
whose supervision has been approved by the school authority;

b.

Fire fighters, emergency service personnel, North Carolina Forest Service
personnel, detention officers employed by and authorized by the sheriff to carry
firearms and any private police employed by an educational institution, when acting
in the discharge of their official duties;

c.

Those persons exempted by N.C.G.S. § 14-269(b), as set forth in Paragraph III. A.
of this publication;

d.

Home schools;

e.

A person registered under Chapter 74C of the North Carolina General Statutes as an
armed armored car service guard; or an armed, courier service guard, when acting in
the discharge of the guard's duties and with the permission of the college or
university;

f.

A person registered under Chapter 74C of the North Carolina General Statutes as an
armed security guard while on the premises of a hospital or health care facility,
24

 located on educational property, when acting in the discharge of the guard's duties
with the permission of the college or university;
g.

An employee of an institution of higher education or a non-public post-secondary
educational institution who lives on the campus at which the person is employed,
provided all of the following criteria are met:
(1) The employee's residence is a detached single family dwelling where
only the employee and the employee's family resides.
(2) The institution is either an institution of higher education as defined by
G. S. §116-143.1 or a non-public post-secondary educational institution
that has not specifically prohibited the possession of a handgun.
(3) The weapon is a handgun.
(4) The employee has a valid concealed handgun permit or is exempt from
having to have a permit, in which case the handgun may be on the
premises of the employee's residence or in a closed compartment or
container in the employee's locked vehicle. If the employee is not
authorized to carry a concealed handgun, the handgun may be on the
premises of the employee's residence and may only be in the
employee's vehicle when the vehicle is occupied by the employee and
the employee is immediately leaving the campus or is driving directly
to their residence from off campus;

h.

An employee of a public or non-public school who resides on the campus of the
school when all of the following criteria are met:
(1) The employee's residence is a detached, single family dwelling where
only the employee and his family reside.
(2) The school is either a public school which provides residential housing
for enrolled students or the school is a non-public school which
provides residential housing for enrolled students and has not
specifically prohibited the possession of a handgun.
(3) The weapon is a handgun.
(4) The employee has a valid concealed handgun permit, or is exempt
from obtaining a permit, in which case the employee may possess the
handgun on their residence or in a closed compartment or container
within their locked vehicle that is located in a parking area of the
educational property. If the employee is not authorized to carry a
concealed handgun the handgun may only be in the employee's
vehicle when the vehicle is occupied by the employee and the
employee is immediately leaving the campus or is driving directly to
25

 their residence from off campus;
A person who has a valid concealed handgun permit, or is exempt from obtaining a
permit, who has a handgun in a closed compartment or container within the person's
locked vehicle or the handgun is in a locked container securely affixed to the person's
vehicle. This individual may unlock the vehicle to enter or exit the vehicle provided
the firearm remains in the closed compartment at all times and the vehicle is locked
immediately following the entrance or exit of the vehicle; or
A volunteer school safety resource officer when acting in the discharge of official
duties.
No person is guilty of a criminal violation of this section so long as both of the following apply:
a.

The person comes into possession of a weapon by taking or receiving the weapon
from another person, or by finding the weapon; and

b.

The person delivers the weapon, directly or indirectly, as soon as practical to law
enforcement authorities.

2. Assemblies and Establishments
North Carolina law also prohibits any person carrying a gun, rifle, or pistol into any
assembly where a fee has been charged for admission or into any establishment where alcoholic
beverages are both sold and consumed. Again, the individuals exempted from carrying concealed
weapons cited in paragraph III. A. of this publication are similarly exempted under this law. The
following may also carry a firearm in these areas:
a.

The owner or lessee of the premises or business;

b.

A person participating in the event, if he/she is carrying a gun, rifle, or pistol with
the permission of the owner, lessee, person, or organization sponsoring the event;

c.

A person registered or hired as a security guard by the owner, lessee, person, or
organization sponsoring the event; or

d.

A person carrying a concealed handgun if the person has a valid concealed
handgun permit or is exempt from obtaining a permit pursuant to G.S. § 14415.25. Note: this allowance does not allow a person to carry a handgun on any
premises where the person in legal possession or control has posted a notice
prohibiting the carrying of a firearm on the premises, nor does it allow the
permittee to consume alcohol while carrying a handgun.

NC. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.3.

26

 3.

State Buildings

It is also unlawful under State law, for any person to possess or carry a weapon not used for
instructional or officially sanctioned ceremonial purposes, in the State Capitol Building,
Executive Mansion, Western Residence of the Governor, or on the grounds of these buildings,
including any building used to house any court of the General Court of Justice. Possessing or
carrying a weapon in these areas is a misdemeanor. Persons exempted by the provisions of
N.C.G.S. § 14-269(b) are not bound by this prohibition. These persons are set forth in Paragraph
III. A. of this publication.
Also exempt are persons in possession of weapons for evidentiary purposes, or who are
delivering the weapon to a law enforcement agency, or for purposes of registration. Additionally,
this prohibition does not apply to firearms carried in courthouses by detention officers employed
by, and authorized by the sheriff to carry firearms. District and Superior Court Judges may also
possess firearms in courthouses when in the performance of their duties and the Judge has a valid
North Carolina concealed carry permit. Also, any magistrate may possess a concealed handgun
in any courthouse if the magistrate (i) is in the building to discharge the magistrate's official
duties, (ii) has a North Carolina concealed handgun permit, (iii) has successfully completed a
one-time weapons retention training substantially similar to that provided to certified law
enforcement officers in North Carolina, and (iv) secures the weapon in a locked compartment
when the weapon is not on the magistrate's person.
This prohibition further does not apply to State-owned rest areas, rest stops along the
highways, and State-owned hunting and fishing reservations. Additionally, this prohibition does
not apply to a person with a permit issued in accordance with Article 54B of this Chapter,
considered valid under G.S. § 14-415.24, or who is exempt from obtaining a permit pursuant to
G.S. § 14-415.25, who has a firearm in a closed compartment or container within the person's
locked vehicle or in a locked container securely affixed to the person's vehicle. A person may
unlock the vehicle to enter or exit the vehicle provided the firearm remains in the closed
compartment at all times and the vehicle is locked immediately following the entrance or exit.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.4 and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.11(c).
4.

Events Occurring In Public Places

North Carolina law further makes it unlawful for any person participating in, affiliated with,
or present as a spectator at any parade, funeral procession, picket line, or demonstration upon any
public place, owned or under the control of the State of North Carolina, or any of its political
subdivisions, to willfully or intentionally possess, or have immediate access to any dangerous
weapon. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-277.2. Persons exempted from the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 14269(b) are not bound by this prohibition. These persons are set forth in Paragraph III. A. of this
publication.
This prohibition also does not apply to the concealed carry of a handgun at a parade or
funeral procession by a person with a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun, or by someone
who is exempt from obtaining a permit pursuant to G.S. § 14-415.25. However, no person,
irrespective of a permit or ability to carry without a permit, may carry a concealed handgun on
27

 any premises where the person in legal possession or control has posted a conspicuous notice
prohibiting the carrying of a concealed handgun.
5.

Areas of Emergency and Riots

Pursuant to North Carolina's Emergency Management Act (Chapter 166A of the General
Statutes) local governments may impose restrictions on dangerous weapons such as explosives,
incendiary devices, and radioactive materials and devices when a state of emergency is declared
but may not impose restrictions on lawfully possessed firearms.
6.

Going Armed To The Terror Of The People

By common law in North Carolina, it is unlawful for a person to arm himself/herself with
any unusual and dangerous weapon, for the purpose of terrifying others, and go about on public
highways in a marmer to cause terror to others. The N.C. Supreme Court states that any gun is an
unusual and dangerous weapon for purposes of this offense. Therefore, persons are cautioned as
to the areas they frequent with firearms.
7. Storage of Firearms
Any individual who resides with a minor, who owns or possesses a firearm, and stores or
leaves that firearm in a condition that the firearm can be discharged, and in a manner that the
individual knew, or should have known, that an unsupervised minor would be able to gain access
to the firearm, is guilty of a misdemeanor if such minor gains access to the firearm without the
lawful permission of the minor's parents or a person having charge of the minor, and the minor
in turn possesses that weapon unlawfully on any campus or educational property in North
Carolina; exhibits the weapon in a public place in a careless, angry, or threatening manner;
causes personal injury or death with the weapon not in self-defense; or uses the weapon in the
commission of a crime. A minor is defined in this law as anyone under the age of eighteen (18)
who is not emancipated.
This law goes on to provide that it shall not prohibit an individual from carrying a firearm
on his or her body, or placed in such close proximity that it can be used as easily and quickly as
if carried on the body. This provision of the law should not be interpreted, however, to modify
the previously recited law on carrying concealed weapons in North Carolina. Additionally, this
law does not apply if the minor obtained the weapon as a result of an unlawful entry by an
individual.
A written copy of this firearms storage law, found in N.C.G.S. § 14-315.1, is required to be
delivered by the transferor in any retail commercial sale or transfer of a firearm to the purchaser,
or transferee of such weapon. All such transferors should take appropriate steps to have a
verbatim copy of this law available at the time of any transfer of a weapon. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14315.2.
F. Persons Acquitted of a Crime by Reason of Insanity
It is a Class H felony for an individual to purchase, own, possess or have control of a
28

 firearm or any weapon of mass death and destruction, when that person has, by reason of
insanity, been acquitted of, or who has been determined under G.S. § 15A-1002 to lack the
capacity to proceed in those crimes enumerated in the N.C. Felony Firearms Acts (see section V.
of this publication) and other assaults under North Carolina law. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.3.
IV. RESTRICTED AND PROHIBITED WEAPONS
A. Ballistic or Projectile Knives
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 14-269.6, it is unlawful for any person,
including North Carolina law enforcement officers, or of any county, city, or town, to possess,
offer for sale, hold for sale, sell, give, loan, deliver, transport, manufacture, or go armed with any
spring-loaded projectile knife, a ballistic knife, or any weapon of similar character. The sole
exception to this law is that a law enforcement agency may possess such a weapon solely for
evidentiary, educational, or training purposes. Basically, a projectile or ballistic knife is one
which propels or shoots its blade from the handle.
B.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

North Carolina General Statute § 14-288.8 provides that it is unlawful for any person to
manufacture, assemble, possess, store, transport, sell, offer to sell, purchase, offer to purchase,
deliver, give to another, or acquire any weapon of mass death and destruction. A weapon of mass
death and destruction includes:
1.

Bombs of all sorts;

2.

Grenades;

3.

Rockets having a propellant charge of more than four (4) ounces;

4.

A missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter (1/4)
ounce;

5.

Mines;

6.

Any type of weapon (other than a shotgun or a shotgun shell of a type particularly
suitable for sporting purposes) which will expel a projectile using an explosive, or
other propellant, and which has a barrel with a bore of more than one-half (1/2)
inch in diameter;

7.

Any firearm capable of fully automatic fire;

8.

Any shotgun with a barrel length less than eighteen (18) inches or an overall
length of less than twenty-six (26) inches;

9.

A rifle with a barrel length of less than sixteen (16) inches or an overall length of
29

 less than twenty-six (26) inches;
10. Any muffler or silencer for any firearm, whether or not such firearm is included
within this definition; and
11. Any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting a
device into any weapon described above, and from which a weapon of mass death
and destruction may readily be assembled.
Thus, a device which could convert a semi-automatic firearm into one capable of full
automatic fire would be in violation of this statute, whether or not one actually possesses such a
weapon. The possession of the device itself is a crime. If any person possesses a weapon of mass
death and destruction in violation of this statute, he/she would be guilty of a Class F felony.
The only persons allowed to own or possess a weapon of mass death and destruction, as
defined above, are the following:

C.

1.

Persons exempted from the provisions of carrying a concealed weapon in North
Carolina, with respect to any activity lawfully engaged in while carrying out their
duties;

2.

Importers, manufacturers, dealers, and collectors of firearms, ammunition, or
destructive devices validly licensed under the laws of the United States or the
State of North Carolina, while lawfully engaged in activities authorized under
their licenses;

3.

Persons under contract with the United States, the State of North Carolina, or any
agency of either government, with respect to any activities lawfully engaged in
under their contracts;

4.

Inventors, designers, ordinance consultants and researchers, chemists, physicists,
and other persons lawfully engaged in pursuits designed to enlarge the knowledge
of, or to facilitate the creation, development, or manufacture of weapons of mass
death and destruction intended for use in a manner consistent with the laws of the
United States and the State of North Carolina; or

5.

Persons who lawfully possess or own a weapon in compliance with 26 U.S.C.
Chapter 53, § § 5801-5871. Nothing limits however the discretion of the sheriff in
executing the paperwork required by the United States Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms for such person to obtain the weapon.

Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 14-288.21, it is unlawful for any person to
knowingly manufacture, assemble, possess, store, transport, sell, offer to sell, purchase, offer to
purchase, deliver or give to another, or acquire a nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass
destruction. This prohibition does not apply to the following:
30

 1.

Persons listed in N.C.G.S. § 14-269(b) with respect to any activities lawfully
engaged in while carrying out their duties;

2.

Persons under contract with, or working under the direction of, the United States,
the State of North Carolina, or any agency of either government, with respect to
any activities lawfully engaged in under their contracts or pursuant to lawful
direction;
Persons lawfully engaged in the development, production, manufacture, assembly,
possession, transport, sale, purchase, delivery or acquisition of any biological
agent, disease organism, toxic or poisonous chemical, radioactive substance or
their immediate precursors, for preventive, protective, or other peaceful purposes;
or

4. Persons lawfully engaged in accepted agricultural, horticultural, or forestry
practices; aquatic weed control; or structural pest and rodent control, in a manner
approved by the federal, state, county, or local agency charged with authority over
such activities.
The terms "nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass destruction" mean any of the
following:
1.

Any weapon, device, or method that is designed or has the capability to cause
death or serious injury through the release, dissemination, or impact of:
a.
b.
c.

2.

Radiation or radioactivity;
A disease organism; or
Toxic or poisonous chemicals or their immediate precursors.

Any substance that is designed to or has the capability to cause death or serious
injury and:
a.
b.
c.

Contains radiation or radioactivity;
Is or contains toxic or poisonous chemicals or their immediate precursors; or
Is or contains one or more of the following:
(1) Any select agent that is a microorganism, virus, bacterium, fungus,
rickettsia, or toxin listed in Appendix A, Part 72 of Title 42 of the Code
of Federal Regulations;
(2) Any genetically modified microorganisms or genetic elements from an
organism on Appendix A, Part 72 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, shown to produce or encode for a factor associated with a
disease; or
(3) Any genetically modified microorganisms or genetic elements that
contain nucleic acid sequences coding for any of the toxins listed on
31

 Appendix A, Part 72 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or
their toxic submits.
The terms "nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass destruction" also include any
combination of parts or substances either designed or intended for use in converting any device
or substance into any nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass destruction, or from which
a nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass destruction may be readily assembled or
created.
Any person who violates any provision of G.S. § 14-288.21 is guilty of a Class B 1 felony.
In accordance with G.S. § 14-288.22, any person who unlawfully and willfully injures
another by the use of a nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass destruction is guilty of a
Class A Felony, and will be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Any person who
attempts, solicits another, or conspires to injure another by the use of a nuclear, biological, or
chemical weapon of mass destruction is guilty of a Class B 1 felony. Any person who, for the
purpose of violating any provision of these laws, deposits for delivery or attempts to have
delivered, a nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass destruction by the United States
Postal Service, or other public or private business engaged in the delivery of mail, packages, or
parcels is guilty of a Class B 1 felony.
Under G.S. § 14-288.23, any person who, by any means of communication to any person or
group of persons, makes a report, knowing or having reason to know the report is false, that
causes any person to reasonably believe that there is located at any place or structure whatsoever,
any nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass destruction is guilty of a Class D felony.
The court may order a person convicted under this section to pay restitution, including costs and
consequential damages resulting from disruption of the normal activity that would have
otherwise occurred but for the false report, pursuant to Article 81 C of Chapter 15A of the
General Statutes. The term "report" also includes making accessible to another person by
computer.
Pursuant to G.S. § 14-288.24, any person who, with intent to perpetrate a hoax, conceals,
places, or displays any device, object, machine, instrument, or artifact, so as to cause any person
to reasonably believe the same to be a nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon of mass
destruction is guilty of a Class D felony. The court may order a person convicted under this
section to pay restitution, including costs and consequential damages resulting from disruption of
the normal activity that would have otherwise occurred but for the hoax, pursuant to Article 81C
of Chapter 15A of the North Carolina General Statutes.
D.

Machine Guns

Under North Carolina General Statute § 14-409, it is unlawful for any person, firm, or
corporation to manufacture, sell, give away, dispose of, use or possess machine guns, submachine guns, or other like weapons. A machine gun or sub-machine gun is one which shoots, or
can be readily restored to shoot more than one round, without manual reloading, by a single
function of the trigger. It also includes any frame or receiver of such a weapon, or parts used in
32

 converting a weapon into a machine gun or sub-machine gun. This prohibition does not apply to
the following:
1.

Banks, merchants, and recognized business establishments for use in their
respective places of business. However, these persons must first apply to and
receive from the sheriff of the county in which their business is located, a permit
to possess the weapon for the purpose of defending their business;

2.

Officers and soldiers of the United States Armed Forces, when in the discharge of
their official duties;

3.

Officers and soldiers of the Militia, when being called into actual service;

4.

Officers of the state, or county, city or town, charged with the execution of laws
of the state, when acting in the discharge of their official duties;

5.

The manufacture, use, or possession of such weapons for scientific or
experimental purposes when such manufacture, use, or possession is lawful under
federal laws and the weapon is registered with a federal agency, and a permit to
manufacture, use, or possess the weapon has been obtained by the sheriff of the
county in which the weapon is located; or

6.

A person who lawfully possesses or owns a weapon in compliance with 26 U.S.C.
Chapter 53, §§ 5801-5871. Nothing limits however the discretion of the sheriff in
executing the paperwork required by the United States Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms for such person to obtain the weapon.

Any bona fide resident of the state who now owns a machine gun used in former wars may
retain and keep that weapon at his or her own property, as a relic or souvenir, without violating
the provisions of this section, as long as he/she reports this weapon to the sheriff of the county in
which he/she lives.

E.

Teflon Coated Bullets
-

Under North Carolina General Statute § 14-34.3, it is unlawful for any person to import,
manufacture, possess, store, transport, sell, offer to sell, purchase, offer to purchase, deliver or
give to another, or acquire any Teflon-coated bullet. This prohibition does not apply to the
following:
1.

Officers and soldiers of the United States Armed Forces, when in the discharge of
their official duties;

2.

Officers and soldiers of the Militia, when being called into actual service;

3.

Officers of the state, or county, city or town, charged with the execution of laws
of the state, when acting in the discharge of their official duties;
33

 4.

Importers, manufacturers, and dealers validly licensed under the laws of the
United States or the State of North Carolina who possess, for the purpose of sale
to authorized law enforcement agencies only; and

5.

Inventors, designers, ordinance consultants and researchers, chemists, physicists,
and other persons employed by or under contract with a manufacturing company
engaged in making or doing research designed to enlarge knowledge of, or to
facilitate the creation, development, or manufacture of more effective police-type
body armor.

V. FELONY FIREARMS ACT
Another aspect of North Carolina law necessary for a good working knowledge of firearms
laws, is our Felony Firearms Act, found in G.S. § 14-415.1 This restriction on gun ownership
applies to any person who has been convicted of any North Carolina felony or violation of
criminal laws in other states, or the United States, which are punishable by imprisonment for a
term exceeding one (1) year. These individuals cannot purchase, own, possess, or have in their
custody, care, or control, any firearm at any location, or any weapon of mass death and
destruction. This prohibition continues indefinitely. This prohibition does not apply, however, to
"antique firearms" as set forth in Section II. B. of this publication.
This restriction does not apply to a person who, pursuant to the law of the jurisdiction in
which the conviction occurred, has been pardoned or has had his/her firearms rights restored if
such restoration of rights could also be granted under North Carolina law. North Carolina G.S. §
14-415.4 sets forth a process where certain qualified felons may apply to a district court for a
restoration of firearms rights.
The Federal Firearms Statute, at 18 U.S.C. § 922, is independent of North Carolina's and
should be consulted before anyone convicted of a felony, in any state or federal court, possesses,
receives or transports any firearm. For detailed information on this federal law, persons are urged
to contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, or their local U.S. Attorney's Office.

VI. AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE AND POSSESSION OF WEAPONS
North Carolina law does not currently address specific age requirements for the purchase of
weapons. Rather, it looks to the federal standards for such restrictions. Under federal law,
eighteen (18) U.S.C. § 922(b)(1), federally licensed gun dealers are prohibited from selling
handguns to persons under the age of twenty-one (21). Further, all other purchasers of shotguns
and rifles are required to be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Therefore, while a pistol purchase
permit can be issued to an individual eighteen (18) years of age or older, such persons aged
eighteen (18), nineteen (19), and twenty (20) could not use the permit to purchase a handgun
from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
North Carolina General Statute § 14-269.7 provides that it is a misdemeanor for any person
under the age of eighteen 1(8 )to willfully and intentionally possess or carry a handgun. A
handgun is defined as a firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be fired by the use of a
34

 single hand, or any combination of parts from which such a firearm can be assembled. This
prohibition does not apply to the following:
1.

Officers and enlisted personnel of the armed forces of the United States when in
discharge of their official duties, or acting under orders requiring them to carry
handguns;

2.

A minor who possesses a handgun for educational or recreational purposes while
the minor is supervised by an adult who is present;

3.

An emancipated minor who possesses such a handgun inside his/her residence;
and

4.

A minor who possesses a handgun while hunting or trapping outside the limits of
an incorporated municipality if he/she has on his/her person, written permission
from a parent, guardian, or other person standing in loco parentis.

North Carolina General Statute G.S. § 14-315 prohibits any person from selling, offering
for sale, giving away, or in any way transferring to a person under the age of eighteen (18), any
pistol cartridge, brass knucks, Bowie Knife, dirk, shurikin, loaded cane, or slungshot. Any person
who violates this law is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and, in addition, shall forfeit the
proceeds of any sale made in violation of this prohibition.
This statute further provides that it is a Class H felony for a person to sell, offer for sale,
give, or in any way transfer to a person less than eighteen (18) years of age, any handgun as
defined in G.S. § 14-269.7. Additionally, an individual guilty of this offense shall forfeit the
proceeds of any sale made in violation of this section. This law does not apply under the
following circumstances:
1.

When the handgun is lent to a minor for temporary use if the minor's possession
of the handgun is lawful under G.S. § 14-269.7 and G.S. § 14-316 and is not
otherwise unlawful;

2.

When the handgun is transferred to an adult custodian, pursuant to Chapter 33A of
the North Carolina General Statutes, and the minor does not take possession of the
handgun except that the adult custodian may allow the minor temporary
possession of the handgun in circumstances in which the minor's possession of
the handgun is lawful under G.S. § 14-269.7 and G.S. § 14-316 and is not
otherwise unlawful;

3.

When the handgun is a devise or legacy and is distributed to a parent or guardian
under G.S. § 28A-22-7, and the minor does not take possession of the handgun
except that the parent or guardian may allow the minor temporary possession of
the handgun in circumstances in which the minor's possession of the handgun is
lawful under G.S. § 14-269.7 and G.S. § 14-316 and is not otherwise unlawful.
35

 It is a defense to a violation of this law if all of the following conditions are met:
1.

The person reasonably believed that the minor was not a minor;

2.

The person either:
a.

Shows that the minor produced a driver's license, a special identification
card issued under G.S. § 20-37.7, a military identification card, or a
passport, showing the minor's age to be at least the required age for
purchase, and bearing a physical description of the person named on the card
reasonably describing the minor; or

b.

Produces evidence of other facts that reasonably indicate at the time of sale,
that the minor was at least the required age.

Under G. S. § 14-316, a person may not knowingly permit a child under the age of twelve
(12) to have access to or possession, custody, or use of any gun, pistol, or other dangerous
firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, unless the person has the permission of the child's parent
or guardian and the child is under the supervision of an adult. Air rifles, air pistols, and BB guns
shall not be deemed "dangerous firearms" within the meaning of this statute except in: Caldwell,
Durham, Forsyth, Gaston, Haywood, Mecklenburg, Stokes, Union and Vance Counties.

VII. FIREARMS DEALERS
Every dealer in pistols and other weapons must keep an accurate record of all sales. This
record should include the name, place of residence, and date of sale, of each person, firm, or
corporation to whom such sale is made. The record is required to be open to the inspection of
any duly constituted State, county, or city police officer within the State of North Carolina.
Records maintained by dealers are otherwise considered confidential and are not a public record.
Upon the retail commercial sale or transfer of any firearm, the seller or transferor shall
deliver a written copy of G. S. § 14-315.1 to the purchaser or transferee. Additionally, any retail
or wholesale store, shop, or sales outlet that sells firearms shall conspicuously post, at each
purchase counter, the following warning in block letters, not less than one (1) inch in height: "IT
IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM THAT CAN BE DISCHARGED IN A
MANNER THAT A REASONABLE PERSON SHOULD KNOW IS ACCESSIBLE TO A
MINOR." A violation of these provisions is a misdemeanor under North Carolina law.

36

 VIII. COMMONLY ASKED FIREARMS QUESTIONS
A. MAY I CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON IN NORTH CAROLINA?
ANSWER:

No. As a general rule, North Carolina law forbids private citizens from
carrying a concealed weapon, either on or about their person, while off their
premises, unless the weapon is a handgun and the citizen has a concealed
handgun permit. This prohibition pertains not only to firearms, but also to
any other deadly weapon. You are referred to Section III. A., B. and C. of
this publication for a more detailed analysis of this complex area, to include
transporting a firearm in a vehicle.

B. MAY I GET A PERMIT TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN IN NORTH
CAROLINA?
ANSWER:

Yes. Certain qualified North Carolina residents can get a permit to carry
concealed handguns under specific circumstances. North Carolina allows
out-of-state concealed handgun permittees to carry concealed handguns
pursuant to such permits in North Carolina. Please be aware that while
carrying a handgun pursuant to such permit, qualified out-of-state permittees
are held to the same standards as North Carolina permittees. Consequently,
there are a number of areas where concealed handguns cannot be carried in
North Carolina, regardless of the individual having a permit to carry a
concealed weapon. A more detailed discussion of what areas prohibit the
possession of a firearm is contained in Section III. C. of this publication.

C. HOW DO I GET A HANDGUN PURCHASE PERMIT?
ANSWER:

Pistol purchase permits may be obtained from the sheriff where the purchaser or
receiver resides. An application must be submitted to the sheriff by the individual
who desires to obtain a pistol permit, and must satisfy the requirements of North
Carolina law. These requirements are set out in Section II. of this publication.

D. HOW OLD MUST I BE TO PURCHASE A HANDGUN, SHOTGUN, OR RIFLE?
ANSWER:

To purchase a handgun from a federally licensed firearms dealer, an individual
must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older. The age at which a person can
purchase a shotgun or rifle from a licensed dealer is eighteen (18). Please note
that although an eighteen (18), nineteen (19), or twenty (20) year old may be
issued a pistol purchase permit, they would not be able to purchase a handgun
with it from a licensed firearms dealer but could purchase a handgun from a
private person.

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 E. IS IT LAWFUL TO CARRY A WEAPON TO A BAR OR SIMILAR
ESTABLISHMENT FOR PURPOSES OF PROTECTION?
ANSWER:

As a general rule, no. North Carolina General Statutes generally forbid a person
to carry a weapon into an assembly where an admission fee has been charged, or
a place where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed. There is a limited
exception for those in possession of a lawfully issued concealed handgun permit.
However, even these permittees may not carry a handgun into such a premises if
a notice has been posted prohibiting such carry and they may not consume any
alcohol. A more detailed discussion of these areas is contained in section III. E.
of this publication.

F. DO MY GUNS HAVE TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE SHERIFF OR POLICE
DEPARTMENT WHERE I LIVE?
ANSWER:

Except as to the requirement to lawfully possess a machine gun under G.S. § 14409, North Carolina does not require other types of firearms to be registered with
the sheriff or Police Department.

G. HOW MANY PISTOL PERMITS CAN I GET AT ANY ONE TIME?
ANSWER:

State law sets no limit on the number of permits which can be obtained at any one
given time.

H. IF I BUY A HANDGUN FROM AN INDIVIDUAL WHOM I HAVE KNOWN FOR A
NUMBER OF YEARS AND WHO DOES NOT HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD, DO
I STILL NEED A PERMIT?
ANSWER:

I.

Yes. North Carolina General Statute § 14-402 does not make any exception for
the receipt or purchase of a handgun from a private individual as opposed to a
firearms dealer. Therefore, a pistol purchase or North Carolina concealed carry
permit is necessary before the transfer of any handgun can take place.

CAN OUT-OF-STATE POLICE OFFICERS CARRY CONCEALED WEAPONS IN
NORTH CAROLINA WHILE ON DUTY?

ANSWER:

Yes, if the officer meets all of the criteria set forth under the federal law known as
the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (H.R.218) and is carrying valid
identification as an officer.

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 J.

HOW LONG IS MY PERMIT TO PURCHASE A HANDGUN VALID?

ANSWER:

North Carolina law provides that permits are valid for a period of five (5) years.

K. FOR PURPOSES OF CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPONS, DOES IT MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IF THE WEAPON IS UNLOADED?
ANSWER:

No. North Carolina General Statute § 14-269 does not specify whether the
weapon has to be loaded or unloaded. Rather, the location of the weapon is looked
at to determine whether or not it is concealed.

L. IS A FULLY FUNCTIONAL SMALL PISTOL OR KNIFE WHICH IS DESIGNED
TO FIT INTO A BELT BUCKLE CONSIDERED CONCEALED IN NORTH
CAROLINA?
ANSWER:

Yes. Gun and knife belt buckles described above falsely give an impression of
being ornamental in nature. As their nature and purpose is concealed and
misleading, coupled with the weapons' immediate and ready accessibility to the
wearer of such a belt buckle, they would be considered concealed.

M. HOW LONG MUST I BE A RESIDENT OF A NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY
BEFORE I AM ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT TO PURCHASE A
PISTOL?
ANSWER:

North Carolina law does not specifically address how long an individual must
reside in a county prior to making application for a pistol permit. Applicants may
in fact be residents of more than one state. It is not uncommon therefore for a
sheriffs' office to establish a policy which sets minimum residency requirements.

N. IS THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY WHERE I RESIDE THE ONLY PERSON
WHO CAN ISSUE A PERMIT TO PURCHASE A HANDGUN?
ANSWER:

Generally speaking, yes; however, North Carolina General Statute § 14-404
allows a non-resident of a county to obtain a permit to purchase a pistol but only
for the purpose of collecting firearms.

0. ARE NORTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS REQUIRED TO
APPLY FOR CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMITS TO CARRY CONCEALED
HANDGUNS OFF DUTY?
ANSWER:

Authorized law enforcement officers may carry concealed handguns statewide
while off duty provided that an officer does not carry a concealed weapon while
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 consuming alcohol or unlawful controlled substances, or while alcohol or an
unlawful controlled substance remains in the officer's body. Departmental policy
and State law must be consulted as to areas an off duty officer would be
prohibited from carrying a weapon.

P.

WHEN I REDEEM MY PAWNED PISTOL, DO I NEED TO OBTAIN A NORTH
CAROLINA PISTOL PURCHASE PERMIT BEFORE RECEIVING MY
HANDGUN?

ANSWER:

Q.

No. North Carolina does not require the owner to have a pistol purchase
permit prior to redeeming his or her pawned pistol. Federal law, however,
would require a NICS inquiry or suitable alternative prior to redemption.

MAY I POSSESS FIREARMS IN STATE AND FEDERAL PARKS?

ANSWER:

A person with a valid concealed handgun permit may carry a concealed
handgun on the grounds or waters of a park within North Carolina's State
Parks System as defined in G.S. § 113-44.9. Additionally, pursuant to G.S.
§ 14-269.4(5), a person may carry any firearm openly, or carry a handgun
concealed with a valid permit, on any State-owned hunting or fishing
reservation. Further, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 2.4(h), a person may possess a
concealed firearm within a national park area in accordance with the laws of
the state in which the national park area is located, except as otherwise
prohibited by federal law. Any person desiring to carry a firearm on any
national park area should consult with the appropriate federal park service
for additional guidelines on the possession of firearms.

IX. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information as to the firearms laws in North Carolina, or to make suggestions as
to how to improve this publication, please contact the Law Enforcement Liaison Section of the
Department of Justice at (919) 716-6725.

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 For more information about federal firearms laws, or inquiries about federal requirements
for licensed firearms dealers, you are urged to contact your local or statewide office of the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the U. S. Department of Justice
(BATF). In North Carolina, the local branch of the BATF may be reached in Charlotte at (704)
716-1800 and in Raleigh at (919) 856-4366.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]

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 APPENDIX
DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES PURSUANT
TO N.C.G.S. § 14-415.12(b)(8)
An individual who has been adjudicated guilty of, or received a prayer for Judgment
Continued, or suspended sentence for offenses constituting a misdemeanor under the following
specific statutes, or any other crime of violence, is disqualified from obtaining a permit to carry a
concealed handgun:
1.

Harassment of and unauthorized communication with jurors (N.C.G.S. § 14-225.2).

2.

Violation of court orders (N.C.G.S. § 14-226.1).

3.

Furnishing poison, controlled substances, deadly weapons, cartridges, ammunition or
alcoholic beverages to inmates of charitable, mental or penal institutions, or local
confinement facilities (N.C.G.S. § 14-258.1).

4.

Carrying weapons on campus or other educational property (N.C.G.S. § 14-269.2).

5.

Carrying weapons into assemblies and establishments where alcoholic beverages are
sold and consumed (N.C.G.S. § 14-269.3).

6.

Carry weapons on state property and courthouses (N.C.G.S. § 14-269.4).

7.

Possession and/or sale of spring-loaded projectile knives (N.C.G.S. § 14-269.6).

8.

Impersonation of a firemen or emergency medical services personnel (N.C.G.S. § 14
276.1).

9.

Impersonation of a law enforcement or other public officer (N.C.G.S. § 14-277).

10. Communicating threats (N.C.G.S. § 14-277.1).
11. Carry weapons at parades and other public gatherings (N.C.G.S. § 14-277.2).
12. Stalking (N. C. G. S . § 14-277.3).
13. Throwing or dropping objects at sporting events (N.C.G.S. § 14-281.1).
14. Exploding dynamite cartridges and/or bombs (N.C.G.S. § 14-283).
15. Rioting and inciting to riot (N.C.G.S. § 14-288.2).
16. Fighting or conduct creating the threat of imminent fighting or other violence
(N.C.G.S. §14-288.4(a)(1)).
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 17. Making or using any utterance, gesture, display or abusive language which is intended
and plainly likely to provoke violent retaliation, and thereby create a breach of peace
N.C.G.S. § 14-288.4(a)(2)).
18. Looting and trespassing during an emergency (N.C.G.S. § 14-288.6).
19. Assault on emergency personnel (N.C.G.S. § 14-288.9).
20. Violations of city State of Emergency Ordinances (IN.C.G.S. § 14-288.12).
21. Violations of county State of Emergency Ordinances (N.C.G.S. § 14-288.13).
22. Violations of State of Emergency Ordinances (N.C.G.S. § 14-288.14).
23. Child abuse (N.C.G.S. § 14-318.2).
24. Violations of the standards for carrying a concealed weapon (N.C.G.S. § 14415.21(b)).
25.

Misrepresentation on certification of qualified retired law enforcement officers
(N.C.G.S. § 14-415.26).

26.

Any crime of violence found in Chapter 14, Article 8 of the North Carolina General
Statutes.

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 "DO'S AND DON'TS" OF CARRYING A CONCEALED HANDGUN

1. Your permit to carry a concealed handgun must be carried along with valid identification
whenever the handgun is being carried concealed.
2. When approached or addressed by any officer, you must disclose the fact that you have a
valid concealed handgun permit and inform the officer that you are in possession of a
concealed handgun. You should not attempt to draw or display either your weapon or your
permit for the officer unless and until he/she directs you to do so. Your hands are to be kept
in plain view and you are not to make any sudden movements.
3. At the request of any law enforcement officer, you must display both the permit and valid
identification.
4. You may not, with or without a permit, carry a concealed weapon while consuming alcohol
or while alcohol or any substance, controlled or otherwise, is in your blood unless the
substance was obtained legally and taken in therapeutically appropriate amounts.
5. You must notify the sheriff who issued your permit of any address change within thirty (30)
days of the change of address.
6. If a permit is lost or destroyed, you must notify the sheriff who issued the permit and you
may receive a duplicate permit by submitting a notarized statement to that effect, along with
the required fee. Do not carry a handgun without it.
7. Even with a permit, you may not carry a concealed handgun in the following areas:
Any law enforcement or correctional facility;
Any space occupied by State or federal employees;
Any premises where the carrying of a concealed handgun is prohibited by the posting
of a statement by the controller of the premises;
d. Public educational property, however a permittee may secure a handgun in a locked
vehicle;
e. Areas of assemblies or demonstrations;
f. State occupied property;
g. Any State or federal courthouse;
h. Any area prohibited by federal law; or
i. Any local government building if the local government has adopted an ordinance and
posted signs prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons.
a.
b.
c.

8. If you are in a vehicle and stopped by a law enforcement officer, you should put both hands
on the steering wheel, announce you are in possession of a concealed handgun and state
where you have it concealed, and that you are in possession of a permit. Do not remove your
hands from the wheel until instructed to do so by the officer.

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 North Carolina Department of Justice

Criminal Division .Law Enforcement Liaison Section
150 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $258.00 or $1. 72 each.

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