What guns can I buy without a permit in NC?
Asked by: Jarred Purdy | Last update: July 9, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (72 votes)
In North Carolina, you can buy all legal long guns (rifles and shotguns) and handguns without needing to apply for a specialized local permit. However, you must still undergo a federal background check at a licensed dealer, and age restrictions apply.
Can I purchase a gun without a permit in NC?
As of May 2026, you do not need a permit to purchase a handgun or long gun in North Carolina. The state's pistol purchase permit requirement was repealed in March 2023. However, you must still pass a federal NICS background check and fill out ATF Form 4473 at a licensed dealer.
Can you conceal carry in NC without a permit in 2026?
No. Concealed carry without a permit is illegal in North Carolina. You must have a valid North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) or a recognized out-of-state permit to carry a concealed handgun in public.
How strict are NC gun laws?
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.
Does NC require a background check to buy a gun?
Requirements to purchase a handgun
A background check using the FBI NICS System will be performed by the firearm dealer on the day you wish to purchase your firearm. If applicable, you may use your valid non-expired NC Concealed Carry Permit in replace of this background check.
NC lawmakers consider allowing people to carry concealed guns without permit
What disqualifies you from owning a gun in NC?
Lawful Gun Ownership in North Carolina
Both state and federal law prohibit possession by certain individuals, including: Convicted felons (with limited exceptions for antique firearms) Persons subject to qualifying domestic violence protective orders. Individuals convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence.
What does "Mexican carry" mean?
"Mexican carry" is a slang term for the practice of carrying a handgun tucked directly into your waistband or pocket without a holster.
How many guns are you allowed to own in NC?
There is no limit on the number of firearms a person can legally own in North Carolina. As of March 2023, North Carolina repealed its pistol purchase permit law, meaning there are no restrictions on how many handguns or long guns you can purchase at one time.
Can I have my gun in my car without a concealed carry permit in North Carolina?
A permit is required to legally conceal and carry a handgun in a vehicle. North Carolina allows open carry of firearms in vehicles, but the gun must be visible and not readily accessible to the occupants.
What is the new gun law in NC?
As of May 2026, North Carolina is operating under significant gun law changes from 2023–2025, including the repeal of pistol purchase permits and the 2025 passage of SB 50, which allows for "permitless" concealed carry for adults 18+. Key changes include the ability to carry concealed without training, new rules for domestic violence protective orders (DVPO), and updated private school security options.
Can I open carry in Walmart in NC?
No, you cannot legally open carry in a Walmart in North Carolina. While North Carolina is an open-carry state, Walmart policy prohibits the open carry of firearms in all its U.S. stores.
What is the best gun for concealed carry?
Based on 2026 industry analysis, the SIG Sauer P365 is widely considered the best overall concealed carry gun due to its high capacity, small size, and modularity, often cited as the top choice alongside the Springfield Hellcat and Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus. The "best" gun is subjective, depending on comfort, reliability, and ease of carry, with 9mm being the standard caliber choice.
What happens if you conceal carry without a permit in NC?
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.
Does NC require you to register a handgun?
No, you do not have to register a handgun in North Carolina. As of March 29, 2023, the state eliminated the need for a pistol purchase permit, meaning there is no state-level registration, waiting period, or required record-keeping for handgun ownership.
What states do not recognize NC concealed carry?
Several states do not recognize the North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). States that strictly prohibit carrying a concealed weapon with an out-of-state NC permit include:
How much is it to get a gun permit in North Carolina?
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.
Can you ride around with a gun in NC?
You can legally drive with a gun in your car's trunk, regardless of whether you hold a concealed weapon permit. Although the firearm is concealed, it must be locked and inaccessible to anyone inside the vehicle.
What are the NC self-defense laws?
Chapter 14 of the North Carolina general statutes (N.C.G.S. Section §14-51.3) provides for the use of force if the accused is defending against possible the infliction of serious bodily harm or death. Self defense in NC is authorized in instances of unlawful entry into one's home, vehicle, or place of employment.
Can you ride around with a rifle in your car?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 926A: If the vehicle has a trunk → firearm must be unloaded and not readily accessible (trunk satisfies this). If the vehicle does NOT have a trunk (SUV, hatchback, pickup) → firearm must be in a locked container (not glove box or console).
Can I buy a gun without a license in NC?
Yes, as of March 2023, you can buy a handgun in North Carolina without a pistol purchase permit from the sheriff. However, you must still pass a federal NICS criminal background check when purchasing from a licensed dealer (FFL), be at least 21 for handguns (18 for long guns), and meet all legal, non-prohibited requirements.
Can I buy three guns at once?
Under California Assembly Bill 1078, gun owners are now limited to purchasing no more than three firearms within any 30-day period. And yes, the law applies even if you had no idea it existed.
What does Israeli carry mean?
Israeli carry (or "Condition 3") refers to carrying a semi-automatic handgun with a full magazine inserted but with an empty chamber, requiring the user to rack the slide to chamber a round before firing. Popularized by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), it aims to maximize safety by preventing accidental discharges.
What is the most heavily armed state in America?
The answer depends on how you measure it:
Is the Tec 9 still illegal?
The TEC-9 is not federally illegal and has been legal to own since the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban expired in 2004. However, it is effectively banned or strictly restricted in several US states, including California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, often due to specific bans on the model by name or its features.