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 Dakotaoverview & reciprocity
North Dakota CWL Requirements
How to get a North Dakota North Dakota Concealed Weapon License (CWL): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $60 — Approximately $60 for a Class 1 license; the Class 2 license and renewals differ (confirm current amounts with the NDBCI). Class 1 renewal requires retaking all training and testing every five years.
- Minimum age
- Varies by class — see below
- Training
- Varies by class — see below
- Fingerprints
- Not required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 5 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Open to non-residents
- Non-resident permit
- Available
Permit classes — procedural details
Class 1 Concealed Weapon License
- Minimum age:
- 18
- Training:
- Required
- Fee:
- $60 (same application fee schedule for all classes)
Recommended for out-of-state reciprocity travel. Adds a proficiency shooting test; recognized by more states. Several states (e.g. Washington, Minnesota, Nevada) honor the North Dakota Class 1 license ONLY.
Class 2 Concealed Weapon License
- Minimum age:
- 18
- Training:
- Required
- Fee:
- $60 (same application fee schedule for all classes)
Primarily an in-state permit — check reciprocity before relying on it out of state. No shooting test; equally valid inside North Dakota but recognized by fewer states.
Applications are processed by North Dakota Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Steps to get a North Dakota CWL
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 18 years old, 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. The Class 1 license requires classroom instruction, a demonstration of firearm familiarity, and passing a proficiency (shooting) test. The Class 2 license requires an open-book test but no shooting test — which is why fewer states recognize it.
- Submit your application to North Dakota Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. File your North Dakota Concealed Weapon License (CWL) application with North Dakota Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the CWL application fee of $60. Approximately $60 for a Class 1 license; the Class 2 license and renewals differ (confirm current amounts with the NDBCI). Class 1 renewal requires retaking all training and testing every five years.
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CWL is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
Note: North Dakota allows permitless carry, so this permit is optional in-state — but it is still worth holding for reciprocity when traveling.
Last verified 2026-07-10 against North Dakota Attorney General — Concealed Weapon License Reciprocity.
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North Dakota CWL FAQ
- What are the requirements for a North Dakota CWL?
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The application is processed by North Dakota Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
- Is training required for a North Dakota CWL?
- Yes. North Dakota requires firearms training to obtain the CWL. The Class 1 license requires classroom instruction, a demonstration of firearm familiarity, and passing a proficiency (shooting) test. The Class 2 license requires an open-book test but no shooting test — which is why fewer states recognize it.
- How long does it take to get a North Dakota CWL?
- North Dakota has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CWL — check with North Dakota Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a North Dakota CWL?
- Yes. North Dakota issues a CWL to qualifying non-residents.
- How much does the North Dakota CWL cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $60. Approximately $60 for a Class 1 license; the Class 2 license and renewals differ (confirm current amounts with the NDBCI). Class 1 renewal requires retaking all training and testing every five years. The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.