North Carolina Gun Laws and Regulations Explained

North Carolina is widely considered a gun-friendly state, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without its important laws and regulations. North Carolina’s state laws and the U.S. Constitution both protect the individual’s right to bear arms. However, there are still restrictions on who can carry a gun and where. If you are convicted of a felony, you will lose your gun rights entirely. It’s important to recognize and understand North Carolina gun laws as they apply to your situation.

One of the most important things you can do for your case is hire a North Carolina gun crime attorney to help you protect yourself if you are in danger of losing your gun rights. If you are convicted of a crime, not only will you lose your right to own or possess a firearm, but you will have a criminal record that will follow you for life. You will want someone who understands the state’s gun crime penalties and has considerable experience handling gun crime cases like yours.

Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer

There are many important reasons why you should hire a gun crime lawyer. Depending on your situation, you may be counting on legal help to secure your gun rights and avoid criminal charges. Having an experienced lawyer by your side can provide you with peace of mind that your case is being handled professionally. At The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, we can support your case. We have extensive experience handling defense cases just like yours.

Gun crimes are taken very seriously in the state of North Carolina. According to a recent report by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), over 280 firearm offenders were prosecuted federally throughout the state in 2023 alone. Nearly 250 guns were seized by the DEA. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, firearms offenses accounted for 25.1% of all criminal sentences in the United States in 2024. If you are facing a firearms charge, contact a lawyer.

If you are facing a legal situation that could result in a loss of your gun rights, you may be understandably worried about your immediate future. The strain this may be taking on your mental health can be substantial. You may want to consider reaching out to a local mental health support group like NAMI North Carolina or Mental Health Skills Training. Having someone to talk to about what you’re going through can be very helpful, especially during this trying time.

North Carolina Gun Laws and Regulations

Every state in the country has its own specific gun laws and regulations, and North Carolina is no exception. If you are a gun owner or plan to purchase a gun, it is vital that you fully understand North Carolina’s specific gun laws. Otherwise, you could end up facing criminal charges for a crime you may not even be aware that you committed. Here is a brief rundown of some of the state’s most important and common gun laws:

• If you are purchasing a handgun, you will need a current, valid, state-issued ID card. As of 2025, you are no longer required to have a permit to purchase a handgun, according to recent state law. If you are purchasing a long gun, like a rifle or shotgun, you will only need to show a valid state-issued ID and must pass a federal background check upon purchase.
• Open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit as long as you are legally permitted to own a firearm. You have to be at least 18 years old and have no prior felony convictions to own a firearm. While many places allow for open carry, certain counties may regulate firearms on public property and certain off-limits locations like schools, government property, and organized sporting events.

FAQs

Can You Legally Carry a Gun in Your Car in North Carolina?

Yes, you can legally carry a gun in your car in North Carolina, but the specific requirements will depend on whether you are carrying the gun openly or concealed. Open carry is permitted for individuals over 18 years old who have no felony convictions. Carrying a concealed handgun without a permit is a misdemeanor offense unless the gun is in a locked container, such as the trunk or the glove compartment.

Does North Carolina Require You to Register a Gun?

No, North Carolina does not require individuals to register firearms that they own. However, certain firearms, like machine guns and silencers, must be registered with the ATF. When you purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer, a background check is performed. During this process, the firearm is automatically recorded in your name at the time of purchase. You don’t have to do it yourself later.

Can You Pocket Carry in North Carolina?

Yes, you can legally carry a handgun in your pocket, provided you have a valid concealed handgun permit. Recent legislation, however, could allow permitless concealed carry for certain eligible individuals. For the moment, though, requirements for a concealed carry permit include being a U.S. citizen, being a North Carolina resident for at least 30 days, and being at least 21 years old, among other requirements.

Can I Have a Gun in My Home in North Carolina?

Yes, you are allowed to have a gun in your home in North Carolina, provided you are of legal age and don’t have any prior felony convictions. North Carolina state law prohibits certain individuals from having a firearm in their home, particularly anyone with a domestic violence protection order against them or anyone with a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence. If you have a minor in the home, you must store the firearm in a safe and secure place.

Reach Out to a Gun Crime Lawyer Today

It’s important to understand how North Carolina’s gun laws and regulations apply to you, especially if you are looking to purchase a gun or are in danger of losing your gun rights due to a potential criminal conviction. An experienced lawyer can help you figure out the right course of action and ensure your interests are thoroughly protected as you fight for your innocence. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about your case.