Do I need a permit to carry in North Carolina?

Yes. North Carolina requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.

Where can I check North Carolina's official rules?

Check North Carolina Department of Justice. The controlling law is N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.24(a).

Carry laws · 2026

North Carolina concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Shall-issue permit
Minimum age: 21
Non-resident permit valid here?: Yes
Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.24(a)

Carrying in North Carolina

North Carolina is a shall-issue state. Adults 21 and older who meet the requirements can get a permit.

If you pass the background check, finish any required training, and pay the fees, the state must issue your permit.

Requires an 8-hour training course from a state-certified instructor.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.24(a). North Carolina Department of Justice. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in North Carolina?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

Yes. North Carolina recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.24(a). The state's own rules about where and how you carry still apply to you.

Getting North Carolina's own permit

Apply through North Carolina and meet the listed requirements. If you qualify, the state must issue the permit.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in North Carolina?: Yes. North Carolina requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.
Does North Carolina honor out-of-state permits?: Yes. North Carolina recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.24(a).
Where can I check North Carolina's official rules?: Check North Carolina Department of Justice. The controlling law is N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.24(a).

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Sources and verification

NC: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.24(a). North Carolina Department of Justice.

Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.