Gun Laws in North Carolina
Explore comprehensive information on gun laws in North Carolina. Understand state permit requirements, federal background checks, private sales, firearm registration, and more. Stay informed and ensure your firearm usage and purchases are legal.
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Hand Guns | Relevant Statutes | Notes Senate |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | Senate Bill 41 | Senate Bill 41, Guarantee Second Amendment Freedom and Protections, eliminates all pistol purchase permitting laws in the state. Enacted March 29, 2023. Effective March 29, 2023 |
| Federal Background Checks Required for all purchase through Firearms Dealers | Yes | Yes | | In 2023, North Carolina repealed its law requiring a permit to purchase a handgun and is no longer a partial point of contact state for NICS. Firearms dealers must contact the FBI to process the background check required by federal law. |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | | In 2023, the North Carolina legislature overrode the governor’s veto to repeal its law requiring a permit and background check to buy a handgun. The state does not otherwise require background checks on purchases of firearms from unlicensed sellers. Federal and state purchaser prohibitions still apply. |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | | |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | | |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | Yes | § 14-269
§§ 14-415.10 to 14-415.27 | North Carolina is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | § 160A-189 | May carry openly without permit. The preemption laws do not encompass open carry, and some municipalities have banned it. |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | § 14-51.3 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | § 14-409.40
§ 14-415.23 | Municipalities may ban firearms from government buildings. |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | § 14-288.8
§ 14-409 | |
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | § 14-409.41 | Shall certify within 15 days. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | | |
| Duty to inform? | No | Yes | § 14-415.11(a) | |
Gun Laws by State: North Carolina
Understanding Gun Laws in North Carolina
Gun laws vary from state to state, and it's crucial for gun owners and enthusiasts to understand the laws that apply in their state. In this article, we will delve into the gun laws of North Carolina, breaking down each law for easy understanding.
State Permit Requirement to Purchase
In North Carolina, there is no state permit required to purchase either long guns or handguns. This law is backed by Senate Bill 41, which guarantees Second Amendment freedom and protections. This bill, enacted and effective from March 29, 2023, eliminates all pistol purchase permitting laws in the state.
Federal Background Checks
Despite the lack of state permit requirements, federal background checks are still required for all purchases through firearms dealers. This applies to both long guns and handguns. In 2023, North Carolina repealed its law requiring a permit to purchase a handgun and is no longer a partial point of contact state for NICS. Firearms dealers must contact the FBI to process the background check required by federal law.
Background Checks for Private Sales
North Carolina does not require background checks for private sales of either long guns or handguns. In 2023, the North Carolina legislature overrode the governor’s veto to repeal its law requiring a permit and background check to buy a handgun. The state does not otherwise require background checks on purchases of firearms from unlicensed sellers. Federal and state purchaser prohibitions still apply.
Firearm Registration and Assault Weapon Law
There is no firearm registration or assault weapon law in North Carolina. This means that gun owners are not required to register their firearms with the state, and there are no specific laws regulating assault weapons.
Magazine Capacity Restriction and Owner License Requirement
North Carolina does not have a magazine capacity restriction or owner license requirement. This means there are no limits on the capacity of magazines that can be used in firearms, and gun owners are not required to obtain a license.
Concealed Carry and Open Carry
While there is no permit required for open carry in North Carolina, a permit is required for concealed carry of handguns. North Carolina is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. Open carry is allowed without a permit, but some municipalities have banned it due to the lack of encompassing preemption laws.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground Law
North Carolina has a Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law, which allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves in their homes, vehicles, or any other place they have a legal right to be.
State Preemption of Local Restrictions
North Carolina has a state preemption of local restrictions. This means that local governments cannot pass laws that are more restrictive than state law. However, municipalities may ban firearms from government buildings.
NFA Weapons Restrictions
There are no restrictions on NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons in North Carolina. This means that weapons such as machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and suppressors are legal to own under federal law.
Shall Certify
North Carolina is a "shall certify" state, meaning that the state must certify the transfer of any firearm within 15 days.
Duty to Inform
While there is no duty to inform for long gun carriers, handgun carriers are required to inform law enforcement officers of their firearm when approached on official business.
Understanding these laws can help ensure that you are using and purchasing firearms legally in the state of North Carolina. Always remember to follow all federal, state, and local laws when it comes to firearms.
