Handgun Purchase Permits

Effective 3/29/2023 Pistol Purchase Permits are no longer required in North Carolina to purchase a firearm.

Any person seeking to purchase a handgun through a firearms dealer will undergo the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) criminal background check required under current law and either be sold the handgun or denied sale if a criminal history search indicates the person is disqualified from possessing a firearm. You must be 21 years of age to purchase a handgun.