What is considered open carry in NC?
Asked by: Ms. Shayna Murazik V | Last update: February 8, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (74 votes)
In North Carolina, open carry means carrying a firearm in plain sight, often in a hip or shoulder holster, and is generally legal for those 18+ without a permit, but prohibited in specific places like schools, government buildings, and during protests, with local rules also applying to public roads/areas. A handgun must be clearly visible; if in a vehicle, it must be visible and not concealed in a glove box, etc., requiring a permit.
What are the rules for open carry 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.
Can I open carry a loaded gun in my car 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.
Can I carry my gun in North Carolina without a permit?
North Carolina is a shall-issue state with concealed handgun permits issued at the county level by the local sheriff's office. Open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit. Counties may regulate the display of firearms on public roads, sidewalks, alleys or other public property.
What is the difference between open and concealed carry?
In contrast to open carry, where the firearm is visibly displayed, concealed carry allows gun owners to keep their firearms hidden from public view. Concealed carry is permitted in Ohio and enjoys largely the same legal protections as open carry.
Five Gun Laws in North Carolina You Need to Know
Does open carry mean you can walk around with firearms?
Categories of law
Permissive open carry states. A state has passed full preemption of all firearms laws, with few exceptions. They allow open carry for all nonprohibited citizens and do not require a permit or license to carry firearms openly. Open carry is fully lawful on foot.
Does open carry require a holster?
Open carry refers to the practice of carrying a firearm in public where it is fully or partially visible to others — whether in a holster or not. It is distinct from concealed carry, which involves hiding the firearm from plain view.
Can you pocket carry a gun in NC?
A: Yes, North Carolina allows the open carry of firearms without a permit, provided the weapon is clearly visible. If you are concealing your weapon, you must have a valid concealed handgun permit.
Can you walk around with a gun in North Carolina?
Open carry is having a gun that is visible to the public. In North Carolina, the laws authorize people to openly carry firearms in public with no permit or license required.
Where can you not conceal carry in NC?
In North Carolina, you cannot conceal carry in federal/state buildings, law enforcement/correctional facilities, schools/universities (unless locked in a vehicle), courthouses, any private property posting "No Guns" signs, federal property, or during assemblies/demonstrations; also, you can't carry while consuming alcohol or under its influence. Recent changes also restrict carrying in establishments selling alcohol, even for permit holders.
How much of the gun has to be visible for open carry in NC?
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 is considered open carry in your car?
Open carry of firearms in public is largely prohibited, and this extends to vehicles. If you are in a car, the firearm must be stored in a locked container or in the trunk.
When did open carry become legal in North Carolina?
State constitutional right.
There's no need for such speculation, because the Supreme Court of North Carolina has already ruled on open carry under the state constitution. State v. Kerner, 181 N.C. 574 (1921).
Do I need a holster to open carry in NC?
Open carry simply means openly carrying a firearm in public. The gun must be clearly visible, often in a holster on your hip or shoulder. With open carry, your firearm is out in the open for all to see. You don't need a permit in North Carolina as long as you're legally allowed to possess the gun.
Can I open carry in Walmart in NC?
Open Carry of Firearms
Motivated by our desire to create a safe environment in our stores and clubs, we request that customers no longer openly carry firearms into Walmart or Sam's Club locations in states where open carry is permitted – unless they are authorized law enforcement.
Is carrying a concealed gun a felony in NC?
Unlawfully concealing a handgun or pistol in North Carolina can be a Misdemeanor or Felony offense depending on the circumstances. It is a Class 2 Misdemeanor if you are convicted of Carrying a Concealed handgun/pistol and it is your first offense.
Can you carry a gun in your car in North Carolina without a permit?
Yes, you can carry a gun in your car in North Carolina without a permit, but it must be openly displayed and visible, or stored in a locked container (like a locked glove box or trunk), making it inaccessible and not concealed; otherwise, it's illegal, as concealing it without a permit is a crime. You can't have it readily accessible in an unlocked console, under a seat, or on a seat.
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.
Is NC changing concealed carry laws?
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 a gun in a holster considered concealed?
Yes, a holster is considered part of concealed carry when it hides a firearm from plain view, but the distinction between open and concealed carry often depends on if the firearm is visible or completely covered by clothing, with a holster being essential for discreet, hidden carry and safety, though some states allow holstered guns to be openly carried. The key factor is whether an ordinary observer can see the weapon; a holster helps conceal it under clothing (like inside the waistband or shoulder holsters) or in a pocket, making it "concealed," while an outside the waistband (OWB) holster might be considered "open carry" if not covered.
What happens if you conceal carry without a license in NC?
Any person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and is guilty of a Class H felony for a second or subsequent offense.
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.
Can you carry a gun in your waistband without a holster?
Secure Carry Methods
Belt Carry: If you decide to carry in your waistband, ensure that the firearm is positioned securely and that your belt is tight enough to hold it in place. However, be aware that this method still carries risks, including the potential for the firearm to shift or fall.
Can I carry my gun in my pants?
There are two main methods of carrying a firearm without a holster: holsterless waistband carry and pocket carry. Holsterless waistband carry (or belt carry) is the act of tucking a firearm in the pants, securing it with nothing but the belt or the waistband.
Can you sit with a concealed carry holster?
Invest In A Comfortable Concealed Carry Holster
Most likely, that brand or style is the most comfortable for you. The manufacturer designed those pants to sit a certain way on your waist and to taper the legs just right. Manufacturers of the best concealed carry holster for sitting do the same thing.