Summary 

• Permit required? Yes. North Carolina generally requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry a handgun concealed.

• Minimum age:  21 to obtain a North Carolina CHP.

• Duty to inform:  Yes (permit holders), you must disclose to law enforcement that you have a permit and are carrying when approached/addressed. 

• Where you can/can’t carry: Generally in many public places unless prohibited (schools, courthouses, certain government areas, posted private property, and other restricted locations). 

• Visitors: North Carolina recognizes concealed-carry permits from any state, but visitors must follow NC location and conduct rules. 

In North Carolina, concealed handgun permits are issued locally by the sheriff in the applicant’s county of residence, and state law directs that the sheriff shall issue a permit to applicants who meet statutory criteria (including training and eligibility requirements). This makes NC functionally ashall-issue state for its CHP process. 

As of the most recently reported legislative developments, North Carolina has considered (and passed the legislature) permitless carry proposals, but a permitless carry measure was vetoed in 2025, so residents should plan on permit-required concealed carry unless and until the law changes.

For reciprocity, North Carolina automatically recognizes concealed-carry permits from any other state, and out-of-state permit holders are held to thesame standards and restrictions as NC permittees while carrying in North Carolina. Practical considerations: pay close attention to restricted locations and alcohol-related rules, and when transporting or staying in shared spaces (vehicles, hotels, rentals), favorunloaded/secured storage. For added privacy and to reduce electronic tracking risks when storing a firearm or accessories, many travelers also use Faraday-protected SLNT bags as part of a secure transport routine (along with lawful locked storage where required).

Useful Links

• North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association – Firearms Laws & Permits (publication)

• ATF – North Carolina firearms statutes and codes (download page)