{"id":375434,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-gun-control-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-30T13:31:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T18:31:00","slug":"north-carolina-gun-control-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-gun-control-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Gun Control Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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North Carolina Gun Control Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The subject of gun control remains controversial whether at the state legislature or in Congress. The Second Amendment<\/a> to the U.S. Constitution and provisions of most state constitutions protect the right of citizens to own and bear arms. Gun violence challenges both state and federal governments to find practical ways to address public safety.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina’s gun control laws seek to balance the rights of gun owners with the state’s duty to keep people safe. To some outside observers, North Carolina’s gun laws are lenient. The state does not attempt to regulate or reduce access to assault weapons. In 2023, the state repealed its pistol purchase permit law.<\/p>\r\n

Federal Firearms Law<\/h2>\r\n

Although most gun regulation happens at the state level, some key federal gun laws apply nationwide. Federal law governs the ownership and registration of certain dangerous weapons and accessories such as machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, sawed-off rifles, and silencers. It also sets licensing requirements for firearms dealers.<\/p>\r\n

Federal law also bans the possession or ownership of guns by convicted felons and those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence. Such federal prohibitions form the basis for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)<\/a>. Federally licensed firearms dealers and most law enforcement agencies use NICS to help keep guns from falling into the wrong hands.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina Gun Control Laws<\/h2>\r\n

State laws can go further than federal laws in how they regulate guns. They can restrict the sale, purchase, use, and carrying of firearms. Often, state lawmakers will follow their own political and ideological beliefs. All states have some gun restrictions. The matter is more one of degree. North Carolina gun laws are less restrictive than many other states.<\/p>\r\n

Background Checks on Gun Purchases<\/h3>\r\n

In several states, there has been momentum to require universal background checks related to gun purchases. Anyone who buys a gun through a federally licensed gun dealer must pass a background check prior to delivery of the weapon. However, federal law does not cover gun purchases and transfers that occur through private sales.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina had closed the background check loophole for handgun purchases with its past requirement to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun. Close to 90% of Americans support universal background checks<\/a>, but the North Carolina General Assembly found enough votes to repeal the state’s pistol purchase permit law. They then overrode North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of the measure.<\/p>\r\n

The state of North Carolina sets no minimum age for the purchase of long guns (rifles and shotguns). It provides only limited exceptions for access to handguns by anyone under 18 years of age.<\/p>\r\n

License and Carry Laws<\/h3>\r\n

In general, North Carolina law prohibits the carrying of concealed firearms. Exceptions apply for members of the U.S. Armed Forces when in the discharge of their official duties and certain other law enforcement officers and government employees. <\/p>\r\n

The laws of the state allow individuals to apply for a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed handgun in public. To obtain a concealed handgun permit (CHP), you must apply at your local sheriff’s office. The application process requires a criminal background check prior to issuance of the permit.<\/p>\r\n

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association provides helpful information for those seeking information on the permit process<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Whether you have a CHP or not, you cannot consume alcoholic beverages or be under the influence of a controlled substance while carrying a firearm. As in most states, there are also prohibited locations for carrying firearms, concealed or open. You should be aware that, with limited exceptions, you cannot carry guns into the following places:<\/p>\r\n