North Dakota: Permitless Carry & More
North Dakota stands as one of the more firearm-friendly states in the Upper Midwest, offering both permitless and permitted carry options. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, knowing the concealed carry laws North Dakota is the key to ensuring that you handle your firearm both legally and responsibly.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything from the differences between the state’s Class 1 and Class 2 Concealed Weapon Licenses (CWLs) to important self-defense provisions like stand-your-ground laws. We’ll also discuss concealed carry training requirements and how North Dakota fits into CCW requirements by state if you plan to travel beyond its borders.
Table of Contents
North Dakota’s Two Paths: Permitless Carry & CWLs
Permitless Carry for Residents and Non-Residents
Since August 1, 2023, North Dakota has allowed permitless concealed carry not only for residents but also for non-residents who meet certain conditions. Under this system:
- ND Residents: Must have lived in the state for at least 30 days and have a valid driver’s license or state ID.
- Non-Residents: Must carry a valid resident permit from a state that North Dakota recognizes.
When carrying without a permit, you must keep identification on you at all times and notify law enforcement that you’re armed if you have any in-person contact with an officer.
Class 1 vs. Class 2 CWLs
Although you don’t need a license to carry concealed in many circumstances, obtaining a CWL can expand your options, particularly if you plan to travel. North Dakota offers two primary license types:
Class 1 License:
- Requires more in-depth concealed carry training, including a live-fire proficiency test.
- Offers broader reciprocity in other states due to the higher training standard.
Class 2 License:
- Involves a written exam and lesser testing requirements.
- Valid within North Dakota but recognized by fewer states compared to Class 1.
Both classes remain valid for five years, and renewal is managed by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Key Elements of Concealed Carry Laws North Dakota
Minimum Age & Eligibility
- Minimum Age: You must be 18 to possess and transport a handgun. You also must be at least 18 to get a Class 2 license and 21 for a Class 1 license.
- Residency Requirements: Non-residents can apply for a North Dakota CWL if their home state has reciprocity with North Dakota and they hold a license from that state.
- Disqualifications: Felony convictions, certain misdemeanors involving violence or substance abuse, or documented mental health conditions may disqualify you from obtaining a license.
Self-Defense: Stand Your Ground & Castle Doctrine
North Dakota recognizes stand-your-ground principles:
- No Duty to Retreat: You aren’t legally required to flee before using deadly force if you believe it’s necessary to prevent serious harm or a violent felony.
- Castle Doctrine: You’re justified in using force to protect your home, vehicle, or workplace from unlawful intrusions, arson, or violent felonies.
- Immunity from Civil Liability: If you use deadly force lawfully under state guidelines, you’re shielded from civil lawsuits.
For additional information on self-defense laws, we recommend taking a look at the gun law education resources on our gun owners resources page.
Places You Can & Cannot Carry
- Allowed: State and national parks, roadside rest areas, wildlife management areas (with a license or under permitless carry). You may also have your firearm locked in a vehicle on most private or public parking lots (with some exceptions like schools or correctional facilities).
- Off-Limits:
- Bars or bar areas in restaurants.
- Schools or school-sponsored events.
- Publicly owned or operated buildings.
- Liquor establishments set aside for the retail sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Always check local postings or signage since no state law compels a private business to allow firearms on their premises.
Concealed Carry Training & Application Process
Training Requirements
While permitless carry is legal for many, obtaining a CWL still provides significant benefits, especially for traveling outside the Peace Garden State. All new applicants must complete concealed carry training that includes:
- Classroom instruction on weapon safety and ND deadly force law.
- A written, open-book exam (for both Class 1 and Class 2).
- A live-fire proficiency test (Class 1 only).
All training must occur in North Dakota under an approved instructor.
Applying for a License
- Pass the Required Testing: Arrange training through a state-certified instructor.
- Complete the Application: This can be done online or on paper.
- Fingerprinting & Documentation: Submit two fingerprint cards, two passport photos, and a copy of your driver’s license or state ID.
- Pay the Fee: The application costs $60.
- Background Check: The Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducts background checks in conjunction with the FBI.
Once approved, your CWL is valid for five years.
Traveling Across State Lines
One of the main reasons to obtain a CWL—especially a Class 1 license—is to meet CCW requirements by state when traveling. North Dakota does have broad reciprocity with other states, but the specifics can be confusing. Some states require a Class 1 license, others only honor resident permits, and a handful accept Class 2 licenses as well. Checking each state’s rules before you travel is the best practice.
Other Important Points
- No Registration or Purchase Permit: North Dakota doesn’t require registering your handgun or obtaining a purchase permit.
- Background Checks for Private Sales: Not mandated by state law, though federal prohibitions still apply to who can buy or possess firearms.
- Duty to Inform: Under permitless carry, you must inform any officer who contacts you that you’re carrying. If you have a CWL, there’s no legal duty to disclose unless asked.
- Brandishing: Brandishing laws changed in 2021 to clarify that you can display a weapon on your own property. However, threatening behavior or menacing someone is still a criminal offense.
Conclusion - Policing the Brass
With its combination of permitless carry and two classes of CWLs, the concealed carry laws North Dakota offer flexibility for residents and certain non-residents. While you can lawfully conceal a handgun without a license, a Class 1 or Class 2 license can extend your rights across state lines and provide deeper legal grounding. Coupled with strong stand-your-ground provisions and immunity from civil liability in justified force cases, North Dakota stands out as a state that respects the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
For a handy downloadable reference guide to North Dakota’s firearms laws, visit HandgunLaw.us for their PDF guide.
Stay safe, stay educated, and enjoy your Second Amendment freedoms in the great state of North Dakota!
Concealed Carry Laws North Dakota: Q&A Section
Carry Basics Questions
| CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY? | Yes. Defensive sprays are not considered “dangerous weapons” in North Dakota, so you don’t need a concealed weapon license to carry them concealed (e.g., in a purse, under clothing, etc.). [N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-01-01] |
| GUN PERMIT LICENSURE? | North Dakota is a shall-issue state. Concealed Weapon Licenses (CWLs) are administered by the attorney general, although law enforcement has some discretion to deny if they believe the applicant is or has been a danger to self or others. |
| OPEN CARRY PERMITTED? | Yes. Residents need a ND Concealed Weapon License to open carry a handgun; non-residents must have a valid resident permit from a state that North Dakota honors. However, anyone may carry an unloaded handgun openly. You must be at least 18 years old. [N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-03-01(1)(a)] |
| TASERS OR STUN GUNS? | Yes. Stun guns are exempted from the “dangerous weapons” definition, so no license is needed to purchase or possess one. A Taser delivering only a single electrical application also doesn’t require a license. However, Tasers capable of multiple voltage discharges require a concealed weapon license. They are prohibited in bar areas or bingo gaming sites. [N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-02-04] |
| WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED? | Yes. Under ND law, “dangerous weapon” covers items like switchblades, gravity knives, swords, daggers, etc. These may be concealed with a concealed weapon license, but permitless carry applies only to handguns. |
| AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? | No. North Dakota doesn’t restrict ammunition types for handguns. |
| MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? | No. There are no magazine capacity limits for handguns in North Dakota. |
| MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY? | 18 years old. You must be at least 18 to apply for a Class 2 Concealed Weapon License, or to carry under ND’s permitless carry if you meet other requirements. |
| CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY? | Yes. As of April 12, 2023, both residents and non-residents may carry concealed without a permit under certain conditions, following Governor Burgum’s signing of HB 1339, which removed the 30-day in-state ID requirement. [N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-03-01(2)(a)] |
Carry Location Questions
| CARRY IN RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? | Yes. Under permitless carry or with a recognized permit, you may carry in the restaurant area of an establishment that serves alcohol (unless posted). Carry is not allowed in the bar area. |
| CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)? | Yes. Under North Dakota’s permitless carry law (for eligible residents/non-residents) or with a recognized permit, concealed carry is legal in these areas unless otherwise posted. Check local or federal regulations for specific restrictions. |
| CARRY IN VEHICLE? | Yes. If you’ve resided in ND for at least 30 days with a valid driver’s license/ID (and not otherwise disqualified), or if you’re a non-resident with a valid resident permit recognized by ND. A firearm can also be carried unloaded in a vehicle without a license, concealed or unconcealed. |
| CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? | North Dakota statutes do not specifically address hotel carry. Individual hotels set their own policies, so check with the hotel regarding concealed carry. |
| CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? | Yes, under permitless carry (residents/non-residents meeting requirements) or with a recognized permit from states that ND honors. |
| STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? | Yes. Employers (public or private) cannot forbid a legally possessed firearm from being locked inside or locked to a private vehicle in a parking lot. Exceptions exist for schools, correctional facilities, certain national security sites, etc. [N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-02-13] |
Key State Laws
| PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? | No. The registry is not publicly accessible, but courts have access. It’s not open under public records law. |
| DUTY TO INFORM OFFICER YOU’RE CARRYING? | Yes and No. If you have a concealed carry license, you are not required to inform unless asked. If you’re carrying under permitless carry, you must inform law enforcement upon any in-person contact. [N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-04-04] |
| RED FLAG LAW? | No. North Dakota does not have a red flag law. |
| “NO WEAPONS ALLOWED” SIGNS ENFORCED? | No. North Dakota does not treat “No Weapons Allowed” signs as legally enforceable prohibitions. |
| TRIBAL LAND | Varies by tribe. Some require specific written permission; some prohibit firearms. Call tribal authorities before carrying concealed on these lands (e.g., Spirit Lake Tribe, Turtle Mountain Chippewa, etc.). |
| CARRY WHILE USING ALCOHOL OR A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE? | Prohibited while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, including in hunting situations. Regardless of state law, carrying under the influence is strongly discouraged. [N.D. Cent. Code § 20.1-01-06] |
| NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? | Yes. ND issues licenses to non-residents who have a valid concealed carry permit from their home state that has reciprocity with North Dakota. All training must be done in ND. |
| BRANDISHING? | Recent laws allow brandishing on property you own or lease. However, menacing or disorderly conduct can apply if you point or threaten someone with a firearm unlawfully. [HB 1498, N.D. Cent. Code §§ 12.1-31-01 & 12.1-17-05] |
| DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO CARRY PERMIT? | No. North Dakota driver’s licenses are not automatically linked to concealed carry licenses, though law enforcement can discover your license through other databases. |
| PREEMPTION? | Yes. ND preempts local firearms laws regarding purchase, sale, transfer, etc. Local ordinances conflicting with state law are void, and an individual may bring a civil action against a political subdivision for damages. [N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-01-03] |
Handgun Purchase & Possession Questions
| WAITING PERIOD? | No. North Dakota has no waiting period for handgun purchases. |
| PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? | Yes. A valid ND concealed carry license exempts you from an additional background check when purchasing a firearm. |
| PURCHASE PERMITS? | No. There is no requirement for a purchase permit when buying a handgun in North Dakota. |
| BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? | No. Private firearms transfers do not require a background check, although all federal and state prohibitions still apply. Retain receipts to prove ownership. |
| MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? | 18. Individuals under 18 can only possess or transport a handgun under direct adult supervision for certain approved activities like training or hunting. [N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-02-01] |
| POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT? | Yes. You can carry a handgun on your land, in your home (whether permanent or temporary), or in your place of business without a license, assuming you are not otherwise prohibited. |
| HANDGUN REGISTRATION? | No. North Dakota does not require registration of handguns. |
Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
| WHAT ARE ALL STATE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSES DOES THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA HONOR? | North Dakota honors valid permits from the following states (per ND Attorney General):
Note: There’s some confusion regarding non-resident permits. ND law (HB 1293) suggests the state honors only resident permits from states it recognizes; the AG’s website indicates both resident and non-resident permits may be honored. USCCA shows the conservative version until resolved. |
| WHAT ARE ALL OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA? | The following states honor ND permits:
ND residents may also carry in Oklahoma without any type of license (with valid ND driver’s license or ID). |
| WHAT ARE ALL THE OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RESTRICTED RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA? | These states place additional restrictions (e.g., only Class 1, resident only, age requirements):
|
| WHAT ARE ALL THE PERMITLESS CARRY STATES? | Permitless carry (constitutional carry) states include:
Requirements vary per state; confirm each state’s rules before carrying. |
Concealed Carry License Information Questions
| WHAT DO YOU DO IF A PERMIT IS LOST OR STOLEN? | Send a written request to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) with your full name, address, date of birth and reason you need a replacement. Replacements are free. |
| HOW LONG ARE PERMITS VALID FOR? | North Dakota Concealed Weapon Licenses are valid for 5 years. |
| LINK TO APPLICATION | Online Application | Concealed Weapons License Manual |
| ARE NON-RESIDENT CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS ISSUED? | Yes, provided the applicant’s home state has reciprocity with ND and the applicant already holds a concealed carry permit from that state. All testing must occur within North Dakota. |
| WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MOVE TO OR OUT OF NORTH DAKOTA AND WANT OR HAVE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | You can apply any time after establishing residency in ND (some form of in-state ID may be required). If you leave ND for another state, your ND license remains valid until it expires, but you must notify the BCI of your address change. |
| WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | $60 for both initial licenses and renewals (Class 1 or Class 2). |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME? | 60 days from application submission. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES? | Mail a letter to the BCI with your full legal name, DOB, old address, new address, and the effective date of the change. If you want a new license card showing the updated address, you must send in the old license (you cannot carry concealed until you receive the new one). |
| WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? | Applicants must be at least 18 (Class 2) or 21 (Class 1), meet federal requirements for firearm possession, complete required training/testing, and not be prohibited by ND law (e.g., certain felonies, violent crimes, alcohol offenses, etc.). |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS? | 1) Complete approved training with a certified test administrator. 2) Decide on Class 1 or Class 2 license. 3) Fill out the online or paper application. 4) Take the application and needed documents to the test administrator. 5) Submit all forms, fingerprint cards, and fee to the BCI within 30 days of testing. |
| WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE? | All applicants must pass an open-book test from the Concealed Weapon License Manual. Class 1 licenses also require classroom instruction, firearm familiarity demonstration, and a proficiency shooting test. Class 2 licenses do not require a live-fire test. |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL PROCESS? | 1) You can renew up to 180 days before expiration. 2) For Class 1, you must retake the same testing steps as initial issuance. 3) For Class 2, no retest required; you can also choose to “upgrade” to Class 1 if you pass the additional tests. |
| WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | • Bars/restaurants serving alcohol (restaurant area only) • Vehicles (with restrictions if you’re a non-resident without a reciprocal permit) • Roadside rest areas • State/national parks, forests, WMAs • Your own land, home, or business (Note: Observe posted signs or specific facility rules.) |
| WHERE CAN’T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | • Schools or school events • Churches (unless you have permission) • Publicly owned/operated buildings • Liquor establishment “bar areas” • While intoxicated or under influence of alcohol/drugs • Gaming sites where bingo is primary activity • State game refuges • Federal prohibited areas (Also see any relevant posted signage or additional local/federal rules.) |
| IS THERE A HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? | Yes. Intentionally interfering with lawful hunting or driving/disturbing wildlife to disrupt a hunt is illegal. [N.D. Cent. Code § 20.1-01-31] |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE HUNTING? | Yes, you may carry concealed while shotgun/rifle hunting. However, specific bowhunting rules apply. |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? | Yes, but only if you plan to use your gun license. A handgun may not assist in taking deer under an archery license. [ND Game & Fish FAQ] |
| WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS? | Any knife is legal to own. You can open carry any knife. To conceal carry “dangerous weapons” (like a 5”+ blade) you need a ND concealed weapon license. Permitless carry doesn’t cover knives. Schools, public events, and municipal restrictions may apply. |
| CAN I WEAR A COVID MASK AND CARRY CONCEALED? | There’s no law banning wearing a COVID mask while carrying concealed. North Dakota law addresses masking only if done with intent to commit crime/intimidate. [NDCC § 12.1-31-15(1)] |
| ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEO’S (LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS) OR RETIRED LEO’S? | Yes. Active/retired officers may carry under LEOSA (HR 218). Retired officers must qualify annually with a POST-approved instructor. Check with ND POST for details on certification. |
Legal Note
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances can vary. It is solely the reader’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and applicability of any information presented here. The author, publisher, and any affiliated entities assume no liability for actions taken by readers based on the content of this article. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney.
