Applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit:

Please click here for the Online Processing Site for Handgun Purchase Permits and Concealed Carry Permits.

In order to acquire a North Carolina permit, an individual must apply to the Sheriff's Office in the county in which he/she resides. As part of the application process, the applicant must accomplish at least the following:

1. Complete an application (packet), under oath, on a form provided by the Sheriff's Office; and

2. Pay a non-refundable fee of $90 (either exact cash, check or money order); and

3. Allow the Sheriff's Office to take fingerprints. (The Sheriff's Office requests that you make an appointment for fingerprinting. Available fingerprint appointment hours are from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Walk-ins will try to be accommodated but are not guaranteed. 

4. Provide an original certificate of completion of an approved North Carolina handgun safety course; and

5. Provide a release authorizing disclosure to the Sheriff of any record concerning the applicant's mental health or capacity.


Renewing a Concealed Handgun Permit:

If you are renewing a concealed handgun permit, you must apply prior to your expiration date but no more than 90 days prior to the expiration date and pay the $75 fee.

If your permit has expired but it has been less than 60 days since the permit expired, you will be required to apply as a new applicant, be fingerprinted, and pay the $90 fee, but you may or may not be required to submit a new training certificate.

If more than 60 days has passed since your permit expired, you must retake the concealed handgun training course, apply as a new applicant and submit the new training certificate with the application.


Change-of-Address Procedure for Concealed Handgun Permits:

You must appear in person at the Dare County Sheriff's Office within 30 days of a change of address. If you are moving out of Dare County, do not go to a Sheriff's Office until you have personally appeared in Dare County and completed the above-mentioned change-of-address process. The Sheriff's Office in the county to which you have moved cannot make any changes until Dare County releases your records.

Any time you have a change of residence, you must appear in person to complete a change-of-address form. At that point, you will be given a change of address, which indicates that you have made notification of your address change. You must carry this in addition to your current concealed handgun permit.

Click here for the Dos and Don'ts for Concealed Carry