CCW Classes in North Carolina

Find approved concealed handgun permit classes in North Carolina, plus the training, cost, and carry rules you need to know before you apply with your county sheriff.

PermitConcealed Handgun Permit (CHP)
Permitless CarryNo
Minimum Age21 or older
Training8-hour course with live fire

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198 instructors and schools listed

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How to Get a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) in North Carolina

North Carolina still requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry a concealed handgun off your own property. Senate Bill 50, a permitless carry bill, was vetoed in June 2025. The Senate voted to override the veto in July 2025, but the House has not taken an override vote, so the bill has not become law. Your county sheriff issues the permit, valid statewide for five years.

Who Can Apply

You must be 21 or older. There is no lower age for military members.
You must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident and a North Carolina resident for at least 30 days before applying.
You must not have a physical or mental condition that prevents safe handling of a handgun.
State law lists disqualifiers, including certain criminal convictions and a non-honorable military discharge.

Training Requirements

You must complete an approved firearms safety and training course before applying. State rules set the course at eight hours of instruction, including two hours on legal issues such as use of deadly force, where carry is prohibited, and safe storage, followed by a written exam. The course must include actual firing of handguns. Instructors must hold an approved firearms instructor certification, such as from the state Training and Standards Commission or the NRA.

How to Apply

Complete an approved concealed carry handgun course and get your original signed certificate.
Fill out the sworn application form from your county sheriff.
Submit the application, certificate, fee, and a mental health records release to the sheriff.
Have your fingerprints taken by the sheriff for the state and national background check.
Wait for a decision. The sheriff must issue or deny the permit within 45 days after receiving your application and the required mental health records.

Cost

State law sets the new permit fee at $80, which is nonrefundable. The sheriff may also charge a fingerprint fee of up to $10. Renewal costs $75. Course tuition is set by each instructor and is not regulated by the state.

Carry Rules to Know

Carry your permit and valid ID whenever you carry concealed.
If a law enforcement officer approaches or addresses you, tell the officer you hold a permit and are carrying, and show both on request.
Concealed carry is not allowed in places such as law enforcement and correctional facilities, courthouses and buildings housing only state or federal offices, schools, and private property posted with a conspicuous no-concealed-handgun notice.
You may not carry concealed while consuming alcohol or while alcohol or a controlled substance remains in your body, except for lawfully prescribed medication.
Renew within 90 days before your permit expires; the sheriff may waive the training course for renewal.

Official source: County Sheriff's Office (county of residence)

North Carolina CCW FAQs

How Much Does a Concealed Carry Permit Cost in North Carolina?

The state application fee is $80, and the sheriff may add a fingerprint fee of up to $10, so most new applicants pay up to $90 in government fees. Renewal costs $75. The training course is a separate cost set by the instructor.

How Long Is the Concealed Carry Class in North Carolina?

The approved concealed carry handgun course is eight hours of instruction. It includes two hours on legal topics such as use of deadly force and prohibited places, a written exam, safe handling and storage, marksmanship fundamentals, and actual firing of handguns.

Does North Carolina Have Permitless Carry?

No. As of October 2026, North Carolina does not have permitless concealed carry. Senate Bill 50 was vetoed by the governor in June 2025. The Senate overrode the veto in July 2025, but the House has not voted to override it, so the bill is not law and a Concealed Handgun Permit is still required to carry concealed off your own premises.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in North Carolina?

State law gives the sheriff 45 days to issue or deny a permit. The 45 days start once the sheriff has your complete application and the required mental health records, so the total time from applying can be longer than 45 days.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in North Carolina?

You must be at least 21 years old. North Carolina law does not set a lower age for military members or veterans.

Is Open Carry Legal in North Carolina?

North Carolina law prohibits carrying a concealed gun off your own premises without a permit, but it does not require a permit to carry a handgun openly. Open carry is still restricted in certain places, for example while participating in or attending a parade, funeral procession, picket line, or demonstration on public property, and at schools and other locations where state law bans weapons.

Do You Need a Holster to Carry in North Carolina?

North Carolina law does not require you to use a holster to carry a handgun. The approved permit course does teach drawing and presenting a handgun from various holsters, and a good holster is one of the most important pieces of safe carry gear. If you carry, choose one that covers the trigger guard completely and holds the gun securely, like a KYDEX holster molded to your exact gun.

Listings come from public business information and instructor submissions. Laws change, so confirm current requirements with the official state agency before you apply. This page is not legal advice. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

CCW Classes in North Carolina

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Wild Zebra

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NORTH CAROLINA CONCEALED CARRY CLASSES

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Martial Arts Training Institute, Inc.

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