This section consolidates the official agencies, primary statutes, manuals, training resources, and reference materials relevant to concealed carry in...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
This section consolidates the official agencies, primary statutes, manuals, training resources, and reference materials relevant to concealed carry in North Dakota.
North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) - Concealed Weapon Licensing Unit
The BCI is the issuing agency for ND Concealed Weapon Licenses (Class 1 and Class 2) under N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-03.
North Dakota Attorney General's Office
The AG's Office oversees BCI and publishes the North Dakota Concealed Weapon License Manual.
The AG and BCI are statutorily prohibited from providing legal advice to private individuals. For specific legal questions, consult a private attorney.
North Dakota Game and Fish Department
Regulates hunting and certain firearms-in-the-field rules, including the prohibition on loaded firearms in vehicles while hunting.
North Dakota Legislative Branch
Source of statutory text for the North Dakota Century Code, including Title 62.1 (Weapons) and Chapter 12.1-05 (Justification).
North Dakota Courts
Administers protection orders, civil commitments, and other proceedings that affect firearm rights.
Key statutes for concealed carry in North Dakota:
| Statute | Subject |
|---|---|
| N.D.C.C. 12.1-05-01 through 12.1-05-12 | Justification (self-defense, defense of others, defense of premises) |
| N.D.C.C. 14-07.1 | Domestic violence protection orders |
| N.D.C.C. 25-03.1 | Mental health civil commitment |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-01-01 | Definitions (firearm, dangerous weapon, concealed) |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-01-03 | State preemption |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-01 | Prohibited persons |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-04 | Restrictions in liquor establishments and gaming sites |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-05 | Restrictions in public gatherings and publicly owned buildings |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-13 | School property |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-01 | Concealed carry baseline and permitless carry |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-02 | Permitless concealed carry framework |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-03 | License requirements |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-03.1 | Reciprocity |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-04 | Production of license; law enforcement notification |
| N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-05 | Penalties |
| Bill / Law | Year | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| HB 1169 | 2017 | Enacted permitless (constitutional) concealed carry for ND residents |
| HB 1589 | Authorizing BCI test administrators to conduct LEOSA qualifications | |
| HB 1498 | 2021 | Stand-Your-Ground - removed duty to retreat anywhere a person has a right to be |
| HB 1269 | 2017 | Repealed ND switchblade prohibition |
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Federal Bureau of Investigation - NICS Section
Federal Statutes
| Statute | Subject |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. 922(g) | Federal prohibited persons |
| 18 U.S.C. 922(x) | Juvenile handgun possession |
| 18 U.S.C. 922(z) | Federal trigger-lock-at-sale |
| 18 U.S.C. 924 | Federal penalties |
| 18 U.S.C. 926A | FOPA - interstate transportation |
| 18 U.S.C. 926C | LEOSA - retired law enforcement |
| 18 U.S.C. 930 | Federal facility restrictions |
| 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53 | National Firearms Act |
| 49 U.S.C. 46505 | Aviation - firearms in carry-on |
| 27 C.F.R. 478 | ATF firearms regulations |
| 27 C.F.R. 479 | ATF NFA regulations |
BCI-Authorized Concealed Weapon Test Administrators
A list of currently authorized administrators is maintained by BCI. Contact the BCI Concealed Weapon Licensing Unit at (701) 328-5523 or check the Attorney General's website for the current list.
The North Dakota Concealed Weapon License Manual
The foundational study guide for both Class 1 and Class 2 applicants. Published by the ND Attorney General's Office and available at attorneygeneral.nd.gov. The manual is updated periodically; use the current edition for testing preparation.
National Organizations
Local Resources
State Bar Association of North Dakota
Public Defender (criminal matters):
If charged with a firearm-related offense and indigent, the ND Indigent Defense Office assigns counsel. Charges arising from carry-related disputes should be handled by counsel familiar with ND firearms law.
When traveling out of state with a ND CWL:
When traveling into ND with another state's permit:
Several organizations offer concealed-carry legal-defense memberships that may reimburse criminal-defense expenses:
These programs are not legal advice; coverage terms vary. Review the specific membership terms before relying on any.
ND firearms law changes through legislative action. Monitor:
This entire reference is general information and does not constitute legal advice. North Dakota's BCI, Attorney General, and Game and Fish departments cannot provide legal advice to private individuals. For specific legal questions, consult a North Dakota attorney with experience in firearms law.
This page covers one part of our North Dakota concealed carry guide.
Read the complete North Dakota guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.