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CHARLES MAYO
Certified Firearms Instructor: NRA/NCJA
"Providing self-defense solutions through firearm sales and training."

NC's Pistol Purchase Permit No Longer Required
 Law abiding citizens may now purchase handguns without the local sheriff's pistol purchase permit being issued.  An FBI background check will still be conducted by the firearms dealer, or that check may be waived in lieu of the buyer presenting their NC Concealed Handgun Permit.  Please read the note below from ATF regarding the repeal of NC's Pistol Permit Purchase requirement. 

This is an important message from the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.




On November 13, 1998, ATF issued an Open Letter to All North Carolina Federal Firearms Licensees advising them that the North Carolina pistol purchase permit qualifies as an alternative to NICS. (FBI background check)


On March 29, 2023, North Carolina Senate Bill 41 overcame the North Carolina Governor’s veto and became law that same day. North Carolina Senate Bill 41 repeals GS 14-402, which required the pistol purchase permit to acquire a pistol from an FFL. 


Additionally, the North Carolina pistol purchase permit is no longer considered an approved NICS alternate permit.
Accordingly, effective March 29, 2023 , North Carolina pistol purchase permits – regardless of when issued - may not be used as an alternative to the NICS background check requirement.


North Carolina’s concealed handgun permits are unaffected by Senate Bill 41 and will continue to serve as an alternative to a NICS check requirement.