Know the Law: North Carolina Concealed Carry Permits & Reciprocity
Updated: 5 minutes ago
For official information about North Carolina concealed handgun permits and reciprocity, visit the North Carolina Department of Justice website.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office wants to help residents understand North Carolina’s concealed handgun permit process and what reciprocity means for those moving to or traveling through our state.
I recommend all applicants transferring their out of state concealed carry permits to Beaufort County to consult the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office with any question regarding the application process.
— Sheriff Scott Hammonds
HOW TO APPLY FOR A NORTH CAROLINA CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMIT
If you live in North Carolina and wish to obtain a concealed handgun permit, you must:
Complete a North Carolina-approved concealed handgun safety and training course.
Apply through the Sheriff’s Office in the county where you reside.
Submit the required application, fee, fingerprints, and training certificate.
Meet all state and federal eligibility requirements.
WHAT DOES RECIPROCITY MEAN?
Reciprocity refers to whether one state recognizes a concealed handgun permit issued by another state. North Carolina recognizes valid concealed handgun permits issued by other states under state law. However, recognition of an out-of-state permit is not the same as obtaining a North Carolina permit if you establish North Carolina residency.
The following states do NOT honor North Carolina Permits:
California
Connecticut
Hawaii
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
New Jersey
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
MOVING TO NORTH CAROLINA? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
If you move to North Carolina with a concealed carry permit from another state, do not assume that reciprocity automatically transfers your permit into a North Carolina permit.
An out-of-state permit may be recognized for carrying in North Carolina while it remains valid and applicable under state law. However, if you want to obtain a North Carolina concealed handgun permit, you must follow North Carolina’s application requirements, including the required North Carolina-approved training certificate, unless a specific legal exception applies.
Reciprocity does NOT automatically waive North Carolina’s training requirements for obtaining a North Carolina permit.
TRAVELING TO ANOTHER STATE?
North Carolina permit holders should always check the current laws of any state they plan to visit. Reciprocity varies by state, and restrictions on where and how you may carry can differ significantly.
STAY INFORMED. CARRY RESPONSIBLY. KNOW THE LAW.
