Open Carry in North Carolina
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
North Carolina permits open carry without a permit; concealed carry requires a permit.
How North Carolina treats Open Carry
North Carolina allows open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit for most adults. Residents who wish to carry a concealed handgun must obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit from their county sheriff. Permits are issued on a shall-issue basis to qualified applicants. Some private property owners and government buildings may restrict or prohibit firearms.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.