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North Dakota Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Everything you need to know about owning a firearm in the state of North Dakota.

North Dakota Reciprocity Map

Last Updated on March 7, 2024

North Dakota Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

761K

STATE POPULATION

48K

LICENSES ISSUED

6.3%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

38

STATES HONORED

18

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

5

YEARS LICENSE VALID

39

RECIPROCATING STATES

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

3

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Stay Informed About North Dakota Gun Carry Laws

All states have different laws regarding gun ownership It is your responsibility to understand these laws in all the states where you may need to carry a firearm.

North Dakota is home to 761,000 people, and more than six percent or 48,000 people hold concealed carry permits. The minimum age to CC in North Dakota is 18, and the license is valid for five years.

If you want to get a concealed carry permit in the state of North Dakota, you are required to take a state-certified firearms training course, like the ones offered by Concealed Carry Coalition. We have trained more than one million citizens in firearm safety. Find a class today to get your North Dakota concealed carry license.

Summary of North Dakota Gun Laws

Your North Dakota Gun Rights

North Dakota is a shall-issue state, which means that as long as you meet all the requirements for a concealed carry permit, you will be issued a permit. Unlike many shall-issue states, local law enforcement agents do have some discretion if they believe an applicant is a danger to themselves or others. The state’s attorney general is responsible for issuing permits, and no background checks, permits, or registration are required for private firearm sales.

Open Carry in North Dakota

Residents with a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) and non-residents with valid concealed carry licenses honored by North Dakota are allowed to carry a firearm, though some areas are off-limits to carry openly. The minimum age to carry is 18.

Concealed Carry in North Dakota

North Dakota allows permitless concealed carry to individuals who have been state residents for 30 days or more and are legally allowed to carry a firearm under federal law. A handgun is considered concealed if it is not discernible by the ordinary observation of a passerby. It does not have to be completely invisible. While it is permitless carry, you must carry a state ID or driver’s license while carrying. Non-residents with concealed carry permits recognized by North Dakota may also carry a concealed firearm. North Dakota has two classifications of concealed carry Class 1 and Class 2 CWLs. Class 1 CWLs have additional testing requirements and offer reciprocity in more states.

Self Defense Laws in North Dakota

It is your responsibility to educate yourself, so you know when and how to use force when necessary as per state law. Our handgun safety training courses can help you navigate this complicated aspect of firearm ownership in North Dakota.

Use of Force

North Dakota is a “castle doctrine” state and a “stand your ground” state. That means you are allowed to use force to protect your home if necessary, and you have no duty to retreat anywhere you are legally permitted to be in the event that you need to defend yourself or another person. You are justified in using force to protect yourself or another person from imminent unlawful bodily injury, sexual assault, or detention by another person. You are also allowed to use force to prevent illegal entry or trespass or to prevent someone from unlawfully removing your belongings from your property.

Use of Deadly Force

Deadly force is justified in order to protect yourself or another individual from death, serious bodily harm, or a violent felony. You may also be justified in using deadly force if you are at risk of death or serious bodily harm in the course of defending your property from a person trying to commit a felony such as arson, robbery, or a violent felony. Your property includes your dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of work.

You are not justified in using deadly force if it can be safely avoided or if you or the person you are protecting can safely retreat and you are not justified in using more force than necessary.

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

Your local authorities, a judge, and possibly a jury will determine whether or not the use of force was justified in your situation. That is why it is essential to understand what the laws are and how they apply to real-life situations. Our firearm safety training courses are designed to help you apply the use of force properly and in accordance with the law.

North Dakota Gun Laws by Statute

It’s essential for North Dakota firearm owners to remember that the following ND carry laws are subject to change without notice. The attorney general’s website has all the latest information and should be visited regularly by licensees.

Concealed Coalition is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding gun ownership and promoting a culture of understanding and responsibility. Our certified instructors are qualified across multiple states, and our online or local training classes provide convenient learning with instructors who care.

Contact us today at (701) 204-4259 or email to discuss your concealed carry permit educational needs. For more information, you can also take a look at our permit and gun law information below and our above ND concealed carry reciprocity map.

Quick Links

ND CONCEALED CARRY - THE BASICS

QUESTION

ANSWER

What States Have Reciprocity with North Dakota?

There is North Dakota concealed carry reciprocity with the following states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Which States’ Permits Does North Dakota Honor?

North Dakota honors the following state CCW permits:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with North Dakota

The following states have restricted reciprocity with North Dakota:

Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Is North Dakota a constitutional carry state?

Yes. Permitless concealed carry is legal for North Dakota residents who possess a state ID or driver’s license or non-residents with a valid concealed carry license from a state whose permits North Dakota honors.

Is North Dakota an open carry state?

Yes, anyone with a North Dakota concealed carry license or license from a state North Dakota recognizes may openly carry a loaded firearm. Anyone may openly carry an unloaded gun.

If North Dakota requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

Those permits are issued on a shall-issue basis, with some discretion. They may not be issued if the BCI believes the applicant is a danger to themselves or others.

What is the minimum age to get a North Dakota concealed carry license?

The minimum age is 18 for a Class 2 CWL and 21 for a Class 1 CWL.

Can you conceal and carry weapons other than handguns with a concealed carry North Dakota license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

Yes. You may carry a concealed sword, dagger, stiletto, scimitar, machete, gravity knife, switchblade, or any other knife with a blade that is five inches or longer under North Dakota’s dangerous weapons law.

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in North Dakota?

Yes, it is legal to own a taser or stun gun in North Dakota. Stun guns and tasers only capable of delivering a single voltage are not considered dangerous weapons and may be carried without a permit.

Tasers that can deliver multiple voltages are considered dangerous weapons and require a CWL. Tasers and stun guns are not allowed in an establishment or part of an establishment that is used for the consumption or sale of alcohol or in establishments in which bingo is the main gaming activity.

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in North Dakota?

Yes, and they are not classified as a dangerous weapon, so you may carry them concealed without a permit.

Does North Dakota have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No. There are no magazine capacity restrictions in North Dakota.

Does North Dakota have ammunition restrictions?

No, there are no ammunition restrictions in North Dakota.

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN NORTH DAKOTA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in North Dakota?

Yes, as long as you have been a resident for more than 30 days, have a valid driver’s license or state ID, and are not prohibited from possessing a Class 2 firearm or dangerous weapon, you may carry a concealed weapon in your vehicle. You may also carry a concealed firearm in your vehicle if you have a permit from a state that North Dakota recognizes. Anyone may carry an unloaded firearm in their vehicle.

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in North Dakota?

Yes, you may carry a concealed firearm at a rest area if you are a resident and allowed to carry or you have a valid permit from a state with reciprocity.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in North Dakota?

Yes, the same rule applies to state and national parks.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in North Dakota?

You may carry a concealed firearm into a restaurant if you are permitted to concealed carry in other locations unless posted, but you may not carry a concealed firearm in a bar or the bar area of a restaurant.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in North Dakota?

There is no state law against possessing a handgun in a hotel, but hotels can set their own policies regarding firearms.

Does North Dakota have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

In most cases, a public or private employer may not prohibit you from storing a legally possessed firearm in your car, so long as it is locked inside or to a privately owned vehicle. Exceptions include schools, correctional facilities, and businesses related to national defense or homeland security.

IMPORTANT GUNS LAWS IN NORTH DAKOTA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in North Dakota?

You do not have a duty to inform a police officer that you are carrying if you have a CWL. You have a duty to notify an officer that you are carrying a concealed firearm without a permit.

Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in North Dakota? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

No, no weapons allowed signs are not recognized.

Does North Dakota have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes. Municipalities may not impose local ordinances relating to the sale, possession, ownership, licensing, registration, or transfer of firearms and may be sued if they try to enact or enforce these laws.

Does North Dakota have a red flag law?

No, it does not.

Does North Dakota state law define brandishing?

Yes. You are permitted to brandish your weapon on your own property. However, you may be found guilty of disorderly conduct if you harass, annoy, alarm, or make another feel unsafe with your firearm.

Does North Dakota have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

No person may be afield with a concealed firearm while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to the Game, Fish & Predators section of the ND Century Code.

Does North Dakota issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

Yes, for active-duty military personnel or residents with permits from states that have reciprocity with North Dakota

Does North Dakota allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

No, but it is available to the courts.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN NORTH DAKOTA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in North Dakota?

No, you do not need a permit to purchase a handgun in North Dakota.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in North Dakota?

No, they are not.

Does my current North Dakota concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm?

Yes, you are exempt.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in North Dakota?

No, there is no waiting period.

Do handguns need to be registered in North Dakota?

No, there is no registration necessary.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in North Dakota?

You must be 18 to possess or transport a handgun unless under the supervision of an adult for the purpose of hunting, target shooting, or safety training.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in North Dakota without a license?

Yes, as long as you are legally allowed to possess a handgun.

Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in North Dakota

Quick Links

NORTH DAKOTA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in North Dakota

An applicant must:

Be legally allowed to possess a firearm under federal law.
Be a resident of North Dakota for at least 30 days, or a resident of another state that has reciprocity with North Dakota and has a valid concealed carry license from their state, or be on full-time active military duty in North Dakota.
Be at least 21 for a Class 1 license and 18 for a Class 2 license.
Pass an approved fire safety course
Not be an individual specified in section 62.1-02-01, aka a person who is listed as not to poses a firearm in North Dakota
Complete an application from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)
Pass a criminal history records check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and BCI
Provide the director of the BCI a written authorization for disclosure of the applicant’s substance abuse and alcohol history and mental health and disclosure of court-order treatment for mental health, drugs, or alcohol abuse.
Not have been determined mentally incompetent by a state or federal court unless it has been withdrawn or reversed

The bureau may deny approval if they believe that the applicant is a danger to themselves or others based on past records, including expunged and sealed records from juvenile and adult court convictions.

There are additional requirements for a Class 1 CWL. An applicant must:

Not have been convicted of a felony, or crime involving violence, domestic violence, or moral turpitude
Not have been convicted of offenses involving the use of alcohol three years prior to the application
Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor offense involving the use of a controlled substance or narcotics within ten years prior to the application.

Fees:

The fee for both license and renewals is $60.

Valid For:

Your license will be good for five years.

Processing Time:

It may take up to 60 days.

Applications:

You can find the application here.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

Residents of states that have reciprocity with North Dakota with a valid concealed carry permit and active-duty military members can apply for a license. However, testing for your license must occur in North Dakota and can not be held simultaneously as testing for another state. You must submit your application to the BCI within 30 days of testing.

Name & Address Changes:

You must notify the BCI if you change your address via mail for security purposes. You must include your full legal name, date of birth, old address and new address, and the effective date of the new address to:

BCI CWL – ADDRESS CHANGE
PO Box 1054
Bismarck, ND 58502

You are not required to get an updated license with the new address, but in order to do so, you must surrender your old license with your letter. It typically takes two to three weeks to receive a replacement, during which time you are not permitted to carry a concealed firearm.

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

To get a replacement license, you can request one from the BCI. Send a letter with your name, address, birthday, and reason for a replacement to the address listed above.

Residency Changes:

If you are moving to North Dakota from another state, you may apply for your permit once you have established residency and have a state ID or driver’s license. Active-duty military personnel and non-residents with a concealed carry permit from another state with reciprocity with North Dakota may also apply.

If you are moving out of North Dakota, your concealed carry license will be valid until it expires as long as you notify the BCI.

NORTH DAKOTA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One:

New applicants must complete a firearms safety course before applying. Click here to view available concealed carry training classes in North Dakota.

Step Two:

Decide if you want a Class 1 or Class 2 license.

Complete the online application. You will need a printer. The last step of the online application process generates a form that you are required to print, or
Download the application, complete it and print out a copy to mail in, or
Complete it at the testing site, if available.

Step Three:

Make an appointment with a test administrator and take a copy of the printed application to the testing appointment.The test administrator may charge up to $50 (plus range fees, if applicable). All first-time applicants must pass a written, open-book test based on the Concealed Weapon License Manual.

All testing must take place within the state of North Dakota and cannot be held in conjunction with testing for any other state. The application must be submitted to the BCI within 30 days of the testing date.

Step Four:

Applicants for a Class 1 license will also need to complete classroom instruction, demonstrate familiarity with the weapon, and successfully complete a firearms proficiency shooting test.

Step Five:

Gather the following required documents and submit them to the Bureau of Criminal Inspection (BCI) within 30 days of the testing date (Applications submitted more than 30 days after the testing date are invalid and cannot be processed):

Cashiers check or money order for $60 payable to “North Dakota Attorney General”
Photocopy of a driver’s license or state ID
Two official color passport photos
Two fingerprint cards (for new applicants)

Non-residents must include a copy of a valid concealed carry license from your home state of residence. (You are a resident of whichever state issued your driver’s license.) If your state does not have reciprocity with ND, you are not eligible for a ND license.

Non-resident active duty military must include a copy of your PCS orders to ND.

Applicants born outside of the U.S. must be a legal resident of the US. If you were born outside the U.S. or its territories, attach a copy of your US-issued Born Abroad birth certificate OR the Alien Registration/INS Registration documentation OR a Naturalization certificate OR a valid US Passport.

Mail the completed application and all required documents to:

BCI-CWL
P.O. Box 1054
Bismarck ND 58502

The BCI does not accept applications submitted by fax, email or hand delivery.

Step Six:

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

NORTH DAKOTA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Step One:

Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. The BCI will send a renewal reminder to the last address we have on file. You may begin the renewal process up to 180 days prior to the license expiration date through the expiration date. A renewal application must be postmarked on or before the license expiration date. Late or incomplete applications cannot be processed. If your license has expired, it is not a valid license and cannot be renewed. You will have to start over as a new applicant. IF YOUR LICENSE HAS EXPIRED, DO NOT CARRY CONCEALED!

Step Two:

To renew a Class 1 license, you will need to complete the full testing process, just as you did for your initial license.

You can “downgrade” to a class 2 license and avoid having to retest by indicating on the application that you would like a class 2 license. You do not have to retest to renew a class 2 license.

To “upgrade” an expiring Class 2 license to a Class 1 license, you must complete the application process for a Class 1 license including the required testing, documents and fees.

Step Three:

Make an appointment with a test administrator and take a copy of the printed application to the testing appointment. All first-time applicants must pass a written, open-book test based on the Concealed Weapon License Manual.

Step Four:

Applicants for a Class 1 license will also need to complete classroom instruction, demonstrate familiarity with the weapon, and successfully complete a firearms proficiency shooting test.

Step Five:

Complete the Online Application or print a blank application to complete and submit to the BCI. Be aware that it takes the BCI longer to process these handwritten applications, which may result in a delay issuing your license. Therefore, the BCI encourages you to complete the Online Application if at all possible.

Step Six:

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Get Certified for a North Dakota Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout North Dakota. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our North Dakota concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

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