North Dakota is a shall-issue, permitless-carry state. In North Dakota, open carry and concealed carry are legal with a Concealed Weapon License (CWL). Anyone over 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm can legally conceal carry a handgun and open carry with a license. There are two concealed-carry permits available in North Dakota: Class 1 and Class 2. The Class 1 license has reciprocity in more states than the Class 2 license. Concealed-carry permits are issued at the state level by the attorney general.
Is there a waiting period to buy a firearm in North Dakota?
No. There is no waiting period to buy a firearm in North Dakota.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in North Dakota?
No. A permit is not required to purchase firearms in North Dakota.
Do you need to register handguns in North Dakota?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in North Dakota.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) in North Dakota?
Any North Dakota state resident who is at least 18 years of age can apply for a Class 2 Concealed Weapon License (CWL) and anyone 21 can apply for a Class 1 Concealed Weapon License (CWL).
Is firearms training a requirement in North Dakota Concealed Weapon License (CWL)?
Yes and No. A firearms-training course is required for a Class 1 Concealed Weapons License. A firearms-training course is not required for the Class 2 Concealed Weapons License.
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) in North Dakota?
An applicant for a North Dakota Concealed Weapon License (CWL) must:
- Be a North Dakota resident
- Be 18 years of age for Class 2 concealed weapon license, or 21 years old for Class 1 concealed weapon license
- Complete a firearms-safety course
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) in North Dakota?
- Determine the type of permit you wish to apply for
- Complete a firearms-safety course, if necessary
- Complete an application on the North Dakota State Government website: http://apps.attorneygeneral.nd.gov/ConcealedWeaponLicensingPublicForm/ or download a blank application and fill it out.
- All applicants must pass a written, open-book test based on the Concealed Weapon License Manual, available on the North Dakota Attorney General website: nd.gov. Then make an appointment with a test administrator. Take the test (bring a copy of the printed application)
- Mail your application, along with copy of driver’s license or state ID, two passport-style photographs, two fingerprint cards, and a cashier’s check or money order for fee to: BCI-CWL, O. Box 1054, Bismarck, ND 58502. You will be notified in 60 days if your application has been approved.
How much does a North Dakota Concealed Weapon License cost?
The fee for a North Dakota Concealed Weapon License is $60.
Does North Dakota recognize concealed carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. North Dakota will honor a valid concealed-carry permit issued by a state that has agreed to recognize a North Dakota license.
Is North Dakota a Constitutional Carry state?
Yes. North Dakota is a Constitutional Carry state.
Is North Dakota an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in North Dakota for residents with a Concealed Weapon License (CWL).
Is North Dakota a Stand Your Ground state?
Yes. North Dakota is a Stand Your Ground state. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in North Dakota?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in North Dakota.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in North Dakota?
Yes. In North Dakota, higher-capacity magazines are legal.
Does North Dakota have gun-storage laws?
No. North Dakota does not have a specific gun-storage law.
Is North Dakota a Red Flag state?
No, North Dakota does not have a red-flag law.
