1. Home
2. North Carolina
3. Firearm Requirements

Purchasing a firearm in North Carolina

Steps to Register a Firearm in North Carolina

Requirements to hold a firearm license

• North Carolina law provides that no person may purchase or receive a handgun without a permit to purchase a handgun or a concealed handgun permit
• To obtain a permit, an applicant must be a resident of the county in which he or she is applying
• Someone who is not prohibited from possessing and purchasing a firearm
• Conducting a national criminal history records check
• Conducting a check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
• Conducting a criminal history check through the Administrative Office of the Courts

Handguns

More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.

Does North Carolina Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?

Yes, North Carolina has a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm.

• In North Carolina, firearms dealers must contact the FBI to process the background check required by federal law if the firearm being transferred is a long gun.

• If the firearm being transferred is a handgun, the seller must verify that the purchaser holds a valid permit to purchase a handgun or has a concealed weapons permit

• Private sellers are not required to conduct background checks when transferring a long gun in North Carolina

Owning a firearm in North Carolina

Does North Carolina have a Gun Free Zone law?

Yes, North Carolina has a defined list of gun free zones:

North Carolina prohibits any person, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying a firearm, into the following locations :-

• Educational facilities
• A law enforcement or correctional facility
• A state or federal building or office of the state or federal government
• Any private property
• Any private health care facility

Does North Carolina Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?

Yes, you are required to take a safety course prior to owning a firearm in North Carolina.

All persons applying for a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon in North Carolina must complete a training course involving the actual firing of handguns and instruction in the laws of the State governing the carrying of concealed handgun and the use of deadly force. The permit is valid for 5 years

Common Firearm Offenses in North Carolina

• § 14-10.1
• § 14-17
• § 14-17.1
• § 14-18
• § 14-32
• § 14-34.2
• § 14-87

More on North Carolina Firearm Laws

---