What are the requirements for a North Carolina CHP?

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of North Carolina, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence).

Is training required for a North Carolina CHP?

Yes. North Carolina requires firearms training to obtain the CHP. Applicants must complete an approved firearms safety and training course that involves the actual firing of handguns and instruction in the laws of North Carolina governing the carrying of a concealed handgun and the use of deadly force (§ 14-415.12(a)(4)). Approved courses may be certified or sponsored by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or a law-enforcement agency, college, or firearms-training school taught by instructors certified by one of those bodies, or by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board. No fixed number of hours is set by statute.

How long does it take to get a North Carolina CHP?

North Carolina has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CHP — check with County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence) for current wait times.

Can non-residents get a North Carolina CHP?

No. North Carolina generally limits the CHP to residents.

How much does the North Carolina CHP cost, and how long is it valid?

The application fee is $80. The statutory fee is $80.00 for an original permit and $75.00 for a renewal (§ 14-415.19), plus up to $10.00 the sheriff may charge for taking the applicant's fingerprints. Reduced fees ($45.00 original / $40.00 renewal) are available for certain retired law-enforcement officers and honorably discharged veterans who submit the required documentation. Of the $80.00 original fee, $45.00 goes to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety for the required criminal-record check. The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

← North Carolinaoverview & reciprocity

North Carolina CHP Requirements

How to get a North Carolina North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.

How to apply

Application fee: $80 — The statutory fee is $80.00 for an original permit and $75.00 for a renewal (§ 14-415.19), plus up to $10.00 the sheriff may charge for taking the applicant's fingerprints. Reduced fees ($45.00 original / $40.00 renewal) are available for certain retired law-enforcement officers and honorably discharged veterans who submit the required documentation. Of the $80.00 original fee, $45.00 goes to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety for the required criminal-record check.
Minimum age: 21
Training: Required — Applicants must complete an approved firearms safety and training course that involves the actual firing of handguns and instruction in the laws of North Carolina governing the carrying of a concealed handgun and the use of deadly force (§ 14-415.12(a)(4)). Approved courses may be certified or sponsored by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or a law-enforcement agency, college, or firearms-training school taught by instructors certified by one of those bodies, or by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board. No fixed number of hours is set by statute.
Fingerprints: Required
Processing time: See official source
Validity / renewal: 5 years, then renewal
Residency: North Carolina residents only
Non-resident permit: Not available

Applications are processed by County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence).

Steps to get a North Carolina CHP

Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old and a North Carolina resident, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
Complete the required firearms training. Applicants must complete an approved firearms safety and training course that involves the actual firing of handguns and instruction in the laws of North Carolina governing the carrying of a concealed handgun and the use of deadly force (§ 14-415.12(a)(4)). Approved courses may be certified or sponsored by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or a law-enforcement agency, college, or firearms-training school taught by instructors certified by one of those bodies, or by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board. No fixed number of hours is set by statute.
Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
Submit your application to County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence). File your North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) application with County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence). See the official page for forms and instructions.
Pay the application fee. Pay the CHP application fee of $80. The statutory fee is $80.00 for an original permit and $75.00 for a renewal (§ 14-415.19), plus up to $10.00 the sheriff may charge for taking the applicant's fingerprints. Reduced fees ($45.00 original / $40.00 renewal) are available for certain retired law-enforcement officers and honorably discharged veterans who submit the required documentation. Of the $80.00 original fee, $45.00 goes to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety for the required criminal-record check.
Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CHP is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.

Last verified 2026-07-09 against North Carolina General Assembly — N.C.G.S. § 14-415.11 (Permit to carry concealed handgun; scope of permit).

Verify North Carolina rules on the official page →

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North Carolina CHP FAQ

What are the requirements for a North Carolina CHP?: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of North Carolina, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence).
Is training required for a North Carolina CHP?: Yes. North Carolina requires firearms training to obtain the CHP. Applicants must complete an approved firearms safety and training course that involves the actual firing of handguns and instruction in the laws of North Carolina governing the carrying of a concealed handgun and the use of deadly force (§ 14-415.12(a)(4)). Approved courses may be certified or sponsored by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or a law-enforcement agency, college, or firearms-training school taught by instructors certified by one of those bodies, or by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board. No fixed number of hours is set by statute.
How long does it take to get a North Carolina CHP?: North Carolina has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CHP — check with County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence) for current wait times.
Can non-residents get a North Carolina CHP?: No. North Carolina generally limits the CHP to residents.
How much does the North Carolina CHP cost, and how long is it valid?: The application fee is $80. The statutory fee is $80.00 for an original permit and $75.00 for a renewal (§ 14-415.19), plus up to $10.00 the sheriff may charge for taking the applicant's fingerprints. Reduced fees ($45.00 original / $40.00 renewal) are available for certain retired law-enforcement officers and honorably discharged veterans who submit the required documentation. Of the $80.00 original fee, $45.00 goes to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety for the required criminal-record check. The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.

Sources

North Carolina General Assembly — N.C.G.S. § 14-415.11 (Permit to carry concealed handgun; scope of permit) (2026-07-09)