The Concealed Handgun Permit was enacted by NC Session of the General Assembly and became effective December 1, 1995.

• The purpose of the law allows approved individuals to carry a concealed handgun, within limits, if they have received a concealed handgun permit from the sheriff of their county of residence.
• The permittee must carry permit, along with valid ID, whenever in possession of a concealed handgun.
• Permittee must advise a law enforcement officer, when approached, that he has a valid permit and is carrying a concealed handgun. Upon the officer's request, the permittee must show both the permit and the valid identification
• New permits are valid throughout NC for 4 years from the date of issuance.
  

Areas where concealed handguns are prohibited, include but are not limited to:

• State Property
• Public gatherings (such as funerals and parades)
• Any law enforcement/correctional facility.
• Financial Institutions
• Areas prohibited by federal law
• Areas where alcohol is sold and consumed
• Any premise where the legal owner has post a conspicuous notice that concealed handguns are not allowed

• Applicant must be a resident of NC for 30 days prior to the application being filed.
• Applicant must be 21 years of age.
• An applicant must not suffer from any physical or mental weakness that prevents safe handling of a handgun.
• An applicant must have suscessfully completed and approved firearms safety and training course. (Except when applying for an Emergency Temporary Permit).

• Application Form with notarized statement
• Non-refundable $80.00 fee
• Two sets of fingerprints. The Sheriff's Office will charge the applicant a fee of $10.00 to cover the cost of processing the fingerprints.
• Physical and Mental Health Release Form (which authorizes the disclosure to the sheriff of any record concerning the physical and mental health of the applicant).
• Original certification of completion from an approved firearms safety course indicating that the subject has successfully completed this course.(Not required for the Emergency Temporary permit).
• To sign up for the course contact either your Local Community College or any sporting goods store to obtain a list of Certified Instructors.