How much is a gun permit in NC?

Asked by: Israel Monahan  |  Last update: May 17, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (11 votes)

In North Carolina, a new Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) generally costs around $90 (including a $10 fingerprint fee), while a renewal is typically $75, though fees and slight variations (like $95.25 in Rockingham County) exist by county, requiring online applications and training certificates. For purchasing a handgun, a separate Handgun Purchase Permit (HPP) costs about $5, valid for 5 years, and you can apply online through your county sheriff's office.

How much is a pistol purchase permit in NC?

Fees. In addition to the per permit fee of $5, the system will charge a per transaction fee for the convenience of applying and paying for your permits online, saving multiple trips to the Sheriff's Office.

What is needed to get a gun permit in NC?

North Carolina driver's license or ID card (a North Carolina driver's license or ID card is not required for active duty military personnel); original certificate showing completion of an approved firearms safety course; completed application packet; Veterans Affairs medical release form (if applicable); original DD- ...

How long does it take to get a gun license in NC?

The process for obtaining a Concealed Weapon Permit is somewhat lengthy and can take from 45-60 days. The Sheriff's Office must wait for all forms to be returned to us from mental health sources before we can process your application completely.

How much do permits cost in NC?

In North Carolina, a Limited Learner Permit (Level 1) costs $25.50, while other permits, licenses (like regular Class C), and services (like vehicle registration or duplicates) vary, with fees updated periodically for inflation and potentially including processing fees for card payments. Costs depend on the specific type of permit or license, but the most common learner's permit fee is set at $25.50 as of mid-2024. 

How to get your North Carolina concealed carry permit (Updated)

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Can I carry my gun without a permit in NC?

Open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit, if you can legally own a firearm. You must be at least 18 years old with no felony convictions. The state places no limits on weapon caliber size or magazine capacity.

Do you need a permit to have a gun in your home in NC?

North Carolina Legislature Eliminates Pistol Purchase Permit Requirement. North Carolina residents will no longer need a permit from the local sheriff to buy a handgun or small pistol. The North Carolina legislature on Wednesday overrode the Governor's veto — a first since 2018.

How long is a gun permit good for in NC?

Since 1995, North Carolina has allowed qualifying residents of the state to obtain a permit to carry a concealed handgun from the sheriff of the applicant's home county. The permit is valid for five years unless it is revoked.

Can I get my NC concealed carry permit online?

Yes, you can start your NC concealed carry permit application online by visiting your county Sheriff's Office website, but you still must complete in-person steps like fingerprinting and potentially notarization, as the permit process involves both digital and physical requirements. You'll fill out the application and pay fees online via services like Permitium.com, then schedule an appointment at the Sheriff's Office to provide fingerprints, show ID, and possibly submit a notarized packet and training certificate. 

Can you pocket carry a gun in NC?

“Pocket carry” is the same thing as concealed carry and is illegal without a CC permit. Open carry is legal.

What disqualifies you from owning a gun in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you're disqualified from owning a gun if you're a convicted felon, subject to domestic violence protective orders, have certain violent misdemeanor convictions (like assault or stalking), are an unlawful drug user, have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, dishonorably discharged from the military, or are a fugitive, with prohibitions also applying if you're on bond for a disqualifying crime or have recent DWI convictions, all under federal and state law.
 

Can you carry a loaded gun in NC?

Can I carry a loaded gun in my car without a permit? Yes, but only if the firearm is: Openly displayed (e.g., on the dashboard or seat) Locked away in the trunk or glove box.

How many handguns can you buy at once in NC?

North Carolina has no law limiting the number of firearms that may be purchased or sold to an individual at one time.

Is there a waiting period to buy a handgun in NC?

Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements

A permit to purchase is no longer required. There is no firearms registration, waiting period or maximum magazine capacity for handguns. A purchaser must be at least 18 years old to purchase a handgun.

Do you have to inform the police that you have a concealed carry permit in NC?

Yes, in North Carolina, you must inform a law enforcement officer that you have a concealed handgun permit and are carrying a concealed handgun when approached or addressed by them, and you must present your permit and ID upon request, keeping hands visible and making no sudden movements. Failure to disclose this information can result in penalties, so it's a strict "duty to inform" requirement for permit holders in NC during official encounters.
 

Do you have to register your gun in NC?

No, you do not have to register firearms in North Carolina; the state has no general firearm registry, and local governments are preempted from creating their own, though federal law still applies, and a background check is required for dealer purchases, with recent law changes removing the prior permit-to-purchase for handguns. 

Are pistol permits still required in NC?

No, North Carolina no longer requires a Pistol Purchase Permit (PPP) as the law was repealed in March 2023 with the enactment of Senate Bill 41, meaning you don't need to apply to the sheriff for one to buy or transfer a handgun, though federal background checks at licensed dealers still apply. While the pistol permit is gone, requirements for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) for carrying concealed firearms remain unchanged, notes Craven County. 

What are the requirements to buy a firearm in NC?

Requirements to purchase a handgun

  • Must be 21+ years old.
  • Have a valid, non-expired NC Driver's License or NC Identification Card. This documentation must reflect your current living address. A background check using the FBI NICS System will be performed by the firearm dealer on the day you wish to purchase your firearm.

How much does a gun permit cost in NC?

Fees. A New Concealed Handgun Permit costs $90.00, which includes the $10.00 fingerprinting fee. In addition to the $90.00, a notary fee of $5.00 will be needed if not already notarized. A Renewal Concealed Handgun Permit costs $75.00 plus a notary fee of $5.00 if not already notarized.

What is the new gun law for North Carolina?

The legislature passed a bill this session that would allow “[a]ny person who is a citizen of the United States and is at least 18 years old [to] carry a concealed handgun in this State unless provided otherwise by law.” Therefore, most adults would not need a concealed carry permit in order to carry a concealed ...

How hard is the permit test?

The permit test difficulty varies, but many find the written test manageable if they study the driver's handbook thoroughly, though failure rates are significant (around 35-50% on the first try), especially with tricky questions on signs and alcohol laws; the real challenge often shifts to the behind-the-wheel test later, but proper preparation with practice tests and handbook review makes passing achievable. 

How long does it take to get a permit in NC?

North Carolina issues learner permits from a central location and mails them to applicants within 20 days. Driver license applicants receive a Temporary Driving Certificate to use until their permit arrives.

Can I carry my gun in my pocket in NC?

Concealed carry is legal for residents with a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and for non-residents with any valid license/permit.