Is NC changing concealed carry laws?

Asked by: Lonzo Spencer  |  Last update: April 25, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (5 votes)

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 ...

Is NC getting rid of concealed carry?

Therefore, the State of North Carolina shall continue to make a concealed handgun permit available to any person who applies for and is eligible to receive a concealed handgun permit pursuant to this Article.

Did NC Bill 50 pass?

Today Governor Josh Stein vetoed three bills: Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 153, and House Bill 318. He also signed House Bill 126 into law. Governor Stein made the following statement on his veto of Senate Bill 50: “This bill makes North Carolinians less safe and undermines responsible gun ownership.

Can I carry a concealed handgun in North Carolina without a permit?

In North Carolina, unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, meaning carrying a handgun concealed on your person without a valid permit, or outside the legal exceptions, is generally prosecuted under G.S. 14-269 and is most often a Class 2 misdemeanor.

What are the new NC laws for December 2025?

The "Public Safety Act" makes several changes to state criminal law. Consecutive sentences for multiple crimes are now allowed for crimes committed on or after Dec. 1. Previously, if someone was convicted of more than one crime, the default was that they would serve those sentences concurrently.

NC lawmakers pass bill removing concealed carry permit requirement

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What will change from 1st April 2025?

Some of the major tax changes effective from April 1, 2025, are revised tax slabs, rebate of up to Rs. 60,000, revised ITRU deadlines, calculation of partner's remuneration allowable as a deduction and revised TDS/TCS threshold limits.

What is the new permit law in NC?

The law increases the amount of time young drivers need to have their learner's permit to nine months. The change includes a person who is at least 16 years old but less than 18. The changes apply to those who submit applications for licenses.

Did NC do away with a pistol permit?

North Carolina residents will no longer need a permit from the local sheriff to buy a handgun or small pistol.

Do I need to disclose if I'm carrying?

In the hard duty to inform states, you have to inform an officer that you are armed without being asked. In some states, a person is only required to disclose that they are carrying if asked by a police officer but otherwise don't have to.

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

To possess a concealed handgun in North Carolina, you must:

Carry your permit and a valid form of identification with you at all times. Disclose the fact that you have a valid concealed handgun permit when you are approached or addressed by any law enforcement officer in North Carolina.

Is concealed carry legal in NC 2025?

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 ...

Is NC a no-knock state?

Among the conclusions are: (1) there is no explicit authority for North Carolina judicial officials to issue no-knock warrants; (2) judicial officials sometimes issue such warrants anyway; (3) no-knock warrants seem to be very rare; (4) when an application for a no-knock warrant is granted, the resulting warrant does ...

Can I own an AR-15 in NC?

Do You Need a Permit for an AR-15 Pistol in NC? No. Rifles, handguns, and shotguns do not require a permit in North Carolina. The only limitation on the type of gun that you may have is whether or not it is capable of fully automatic fire.

Where can I not conceal carry NC?

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;

What are the new gun laws in 2026?

This bill would, beginning on January 1, 2026, require a person who possesses a firearm in a residence to keep the firearm securely stored when the firearm is not being carried or readily controlled by the person or another lawful authorized user.

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.

Does a holster count as concealed carry?

Concealed carry is the term for carrying a firearm concealed in a holster, handbag, briefcase, or vehicle.

Is NC a duty to inform state?

As of now, the following 12 states and the District of Columbia have laws requiring concealed carriers to inform law enforcement they are armed at first contact: Alaska, Arkansas, California (county-dependent), Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine (if carrying without a permit), Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina ...

What cannot be disclosed without consent?

The general rule under the Privacy Act is that an agency cannot disclose a record contained in a system of records unless the individual to whom the record pertains gives prior written consent to the disclosure.

Does open carry mean you can walk around with firearms?

“Openly carry” means the weapon is visible and not loaded; if it is loaded, a different law, Penal Code § 25850, controls and elevates the stakes. Merely having ammunition on your person while openly carrying an unloaded handgun can trigger an additional sentence enhancement (see § 25850(c)).

Can I open carry without a holster in North Carolina?

North Carolina law allows people 18 and older to openly carry a firearm if they can own one legally and don't have felony convictions. As the term implies, “openly” carrying a firearm means it's visibly displayed. It could be holstered or in a sling, but if the gun can be seen plainly, it is “openly” carried.

What happens if you get pulled over with a permit in NC?

Driving alone with a learner's permit in NC may lead to you facing the following consequences: Traffic Citation and Fines: If caught driving alone with a learner's permit, you can be issued a traffic citation and may be required to pay fines.

What are the new driving laws in NC 2025?

Beginning July 1, 2025, convictions worth four or more insurance points will trigger higher premiums for five years instead of three. That means offenses like reckless driving, hit-and-run property damage, or certain speeding cases will cost more and stay on your record longer.

What is restriction 9 on NC license?

*9 is a code that tells NC DMV and law enforcement that your license has been conditionally restored following a suspension for DUI or some other conviction related to negligent operation of your vehicle.