How to Apply for a Concealed Carry Permit in North Dakota

North Dakota CWL Application Process

The North Dakota Concealed Weapon License (CWL) is issued by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) within the Office of the Attorney General. The application process is set by N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-03 and is the same for both Class 1 and Class 2 licenses, except for the training component.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1 - Confirm eligibility

Verify that you meet all of the eligibility requirements in N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-03:

• U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident alien.
• Legally able to possess a firearm under state and federal law.
• 18+ for Class 2, 21+ for Class 1.
• Residency requirement met (ND resident, military stationed in ND, or recognized out-of-state license holder).
• No disqualifying offenses (felony, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, misdemeanor weapons offense, drug addiction, mental health adjudication, dishonorable discharge, etc.).
• Class 1 only: no alcohol-related conviction in the past 3 years.

Step 2 - Complete required training and testing

• Locate a BCI-authorized concealed weapon test administrator. The list is available from the Attorney General's office or at (701) 328-5523.
• Complete training and testing in North Dakota:
  • Class 1: classroom instruction, written test, firearm-familiarity demonstration, live-fire proficiency test.
  • Class 2: open-book written test only.
• The instructor will provide a completed Training Certification that becomes part of the application.

Step 3 - Complete the application form

The application may be completed:

• Online at the Attorney General's website (the online tool produces a printable form that is then mailed; the application itself is not submitted electronically), or
• By hand on the paper form available from BCI.

The application requires:

• Full legal name, date of birth, and current address.
• Driver's license or state ID number.
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color).
• Employment information.
• Citizenship status and any prior names.
• Disclosure of any prior criminal history, mental health adjudications, or protection orders.
• Two character references with current contact information.
• Fingerprint card (FBI Form FD-258) - obtain at BCI, a local law enforcement agency, or other authorized fingerprinting service.
• Training Certification from the BCI-authorized administrator.
• Photograph (passport-style) per the form's instructions.

Sign the application under penalty of false statement. Knowingly providing false information is a separate criminal offense in addition to disqualifying the application.

Step 4 - Assemble the application packet

The packet should include:

• Completed application form.
• Training Certification.
• Fingerprint card (FD-258).
• Photograph.
• Application fee: $60 in the form of a cashier's check or money order payable to "ND Attorney General" - personal checks are not accepted.
• Self-addressed stamped envelope (recommended for return communication).

Step 5 - Mail the packet to BCI

Mail the completed application to:

BCI-CWL PO Box 1054 Bismarck, ND 58502

Use certified mail with return receipt for delivery confirmation. The application must be mailed - BCI does not accept fax or email submissions.

Step 6 - Background investigation by BCI

BCI conducts:

• A North Dakota state criminal history check.
• A federal FBI fingerprint-based background check.
• A check of mental health adjudication records.
• A check of protection-order records.
• Verification of the training certification and instructor authorization.
• Verification of the character references.

If discrepancies arise (for example, an applicant has a prior arrest that did not result in conviction, or a name change history), BCI may request additional documentation. Respond promptly to keep the application moving.

Step 7 - Issuance or denial

Upon approval, BCI mails the CWL card to the applicant's address of record. The license is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

If BCI denies the application, the applicant is notified in writing. Common grounds for denial:

• Failure to meet a statutory eligibility requirement.
• Missing or non-conforming training certification.
• Incomplete application packet.
• Disqualifying record discovered in background investigation.

A denied applicant may correct the deficiency and reapply or, where appropriate, request reconsideration.

Confidentiality of Status

Under N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-03, the contents of the application and the issuance status of any license are confidential. BCI is statutorily prohibited from confirming application status to any person, including the applicant. Applicants who want delivery and processing confirmation should:

• Use certified mail with return receipt for the application.
• Track delivery via the carrier.
• Allow the full processing time to elapse before inquiring about status.

Processing Time

Standard processing time is up to 60 days from BCI's receipt of a complete application. Volume, missing documentation, and FBI return times can extend this period. Plan accordingly when timing depends on a specific event (training course expiration, planned travel).

Renewal vs. New Application

This section describes the new application process. Renewal is described in the Renewal Process section.

• Class 1 renewals must redo the full training and testing within the 6-month window before expiration.
• Class 2 renewals do not require retesting if filed within the 6-month window.
• A lapsed license must be processed as a new application with full testing.

Out-of-State Applicants

Non-residents of North Dakota who hold a concealed-carry license in a state with reciprocity may apply to BCI for a ND CWL. The applicant must still:

• Complete all training and testing within North Dakota.
• Submit the same packet as a ND resident.
• Maintain a valid permit in their home state.

Active military stationed in ND but holding out-of-state residency are treated as residents for CWL purposes.

Common Application Errors

• Submitting personal checks (not accepted).
• Using out-of-state training (not accepted).
• Submitting via fax or email (not accepted).
• Missing fingerprint card or non-FD-258 card.
• Expired test administrator authorization at the time of training (BCI verifies administrator authorization as of the test date).
• Photograph that does not meet the form's specifications.

Statutory References

Contact

• ND BCI Concealed Weapon Licensing Unit: (701) 328-5523
• Mailing: BCI-CWL, PO Box 1054, Bismarck, ND 58502
• Physical: 1720 Burlington Dr, Suite B, Bismarck, ND 58504
• ND Attorney General general inquiries: (701) 328-2210
• Website: attorneygeneral.nd.gov (Concealed Weapon Licensing section)