North Dakota Concealed Carry Laws Explained

Concealed Carry Laws in North Dakota

North Dakota offers two pathways for legally carrying a concealed firearm: Constitutional Carry (permitless carry) and a Concealed Weapon License (Class 1 or Class 2). Both are governed by North Dakota Century Code Title 62.1.

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Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)

Effective August 1, 2017

North Dakota residents may carry a concealed firearm without a concealed weapon license if all of the following requirements are met:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old (must be 21 to purchase a handgun, but may possess at age 18)
• Residency: Must be a North Dakota resident for at least 1 year, as evidenced by a North Dakota driver's license or state ID card
• Legal eligibility: Not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm
• Identification required: Must carry a North Dakota driver's license or state ID card (or have a digital image of it) at all times while carrying
• Law enforcement notification: Must inform law enforcement that you are in possession of a firearm upon any in-person contact, including traffic stops
• Geographic limitation: Constitutional carry is valid only within the borders of North Dakota - it does not extend to other states
• Location restrictions apply: All prohibited location laws under NDCC Title 62.1-02 remain in effect (see Prohibited Locations below)

Important: Constitutional carry does not provide reciprocity with other states. A concealed weapon license is required to carry concealed outside North Dakota.

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Concealed Weapon License

North Dakota issues two classes of concealed weapon licenses, both administered by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NDBCI) under the Office of the Attorney General.

License Classes

Both licenses are equally valid within North Dakota. The primary difference is that Class 1 holders enjoy broader reciprocity with other states due to the more rigorous testing requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Per NDCC 62.1-04-03, applicants must meet all of the following:

1. Citizenship: United States citizen or legal permanent resident alien
2. Legal possession: Legally able to possess a firearm or dangerous weapon
3. Age: 18+ for Class 2; 21+ for Class 1
4. Residency (one of the following):
   • Resident of North Dakota, OR
   • Full-time active military duty stationed in ND, OR
   • Resident of a reciprocity state who holds a valid concealed weapon license from their home state
5. Training: Successfully complete the required training and testing within the state of North Dakota
6. No disqualifying offenses: A criminal background check is conducted on every new and renewal applicant
   • Conviction of any alcohol-related offense within the past 3 years disqualifies applicants for a Class 1 license (may still apply for Class 2)
   • See NDCC 62.1-04-03(c) for the full list of disqualifying offenses

Training Requirements

• All training and testing must be completed within North Dakota
• Testing may only be conducted by NDBCI-authorized test administrators
• Training cannot be conducted in conjunction with instruction or testing for any other state
• Testing is waived only for active licensed ND law enforcement officers - no other exceptions
• The open book test is based on the North Dakota Concealed Weapon License Manual, available from the Attorney General's office

Application Process

• Applications may be completed online (generates a printable form) or by hand
• Fee: $60 via cashier's check or money order payable to "ND Attorney General" (no personal checks)
• Applications must be mailed to NDBCI - fax and email submissions are not accepted
• Application status is confidential - NDBCI is prohibited by law from disclosing status to anyone, including the applicant. Use certified mail with return receipt for confirmation.

Mailing Address: BCI-CWL, PO Box 1054, Bismarck, ND 58502

Phone: (701) 328-5523

Renewal

• Class 1 renewal: Must retake all training and testing every 5 years (same as new applicant)
• Class 2 renewal: No testing required, but the renewal application must be submitted within the 6-month window before expiration. NDBCI will use fingerprints on file.
• Expired licenses cannot be renewed - you must apply as a new applicant with full testing

Out-of-State License Transfers

Another state's concealed carry training or license cannot be transferred to North Dakota. New ND residents must apply as new applicants and complete all required ND-specific training and testing.

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Definition of "Concealed"

Per NDCC 62.1-04-01:

A firearm is concealed if it is carried in such a manner as to not be discernible by the ordinary observation of a passerby. There is no requirement of absolute invisibility - merely that it not be ordinarily discernible.

A firearm is considered concealed if it is:

• Not secured and worn under clothing
• Carried in a bundle held by the individual
• In a vehicle under the individual's control and available to them (including beneath the seat or in a glove compartment)

Unloaded firearm definition: The chamber does not contain a loaded shell. For revolvers, none of the chambers in the cylinder may contain a loaded shell.

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Law Enforcement Contact Requirements

Per NDCC 62.1-04-04:

• License holders must produce their concealed weapon license upon request by law enforcement
• Constitutional carry individuals must proactively inform law enforcement of firearm possession upon any in-person contact, including traffic stops
• A loaded, concealed firearm may be kept in a vehicle provided the individual shows valid identification and notifies law enforcement

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Prohibited Locations

Firearms and dangerous weapons (concealed or otherwise) are prohibited in the following locations under NDCC Title 62.1-02:

• Liquor establishments - retail sales and consumption venues
• Gaming sites
• Public gatherings, including:
  • Sporting events and athletic events
  • Schools and school functions
  • Churches and church functions
  • Political rallies and functions
  • Musical concerts
  • Publicly owned or operated buildings
  • Publicly owned parks where hunting is not allowed

Note: Private property owners may also prohibit or restrict concealed firearms on their property.

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Reciprocity

Per NDCC 62.1-04-03.1, North Dakota honors valid concealed carry licenses/permits (resident and non-resident) from states that have agreed to recognize a North Dakota concealed weapon license.

• Reciprocity applies only to holders of a valid concealed weapon license - not to constitutional carry
• Class 1 licenses are recognized in more states than Class 2 licenses due to the additional training requirements
• Current reciprocity agreements are maintained on the Attorney General's website

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Stun Guns, Defense Sprays, and Tasers

• Stun guns and defense sprays (e.g., pepper spray) are exempt from the "dangerous weapon" definition - no concealed weapon license required
• Tasers delivering a single application of voltage are not considered dangerous weapons - no license required
• Tasers capable of multiple voltage applications are considered dangerous weapons and require a North Dakota Concealed Weapon License

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Retired Law Enforcement Officers (LEOSA)

Under federal and state law, qualified retired law enforcement officers may carry a concealed firearm without a state-issued license if they meet all of the following:

1. Separated from service as a law enforcement officer with a public agency
2. Had statutory powers of arrest before separation
3. Served as law enforcement for an aggregate of 10+ years, or separated due to a service-connected disability
4. Possess photo identification issued by the governmental agency from which the individual separated
5. Documentation from (a) the governmental agency from which the individual separated, OR (b) a certified instructor qualified to conduct firearms training for active duty ND law enforcement officers, documenting that the officer has, within the most recent 12 months and at the officer's expense, met either North Dakota standards or the law enforcement agency's standards for training and qualification for active law enforcement officers to carry firearms
6. Not under the influence of alcohol or drugs
7. Not otherwise prohibited by federal law from receiving a firearm

LEOSA does not authorize carry on state or local property where prohibited by state or local law. All location restrictions still apply.

Concealed weapon test administrators authorized by NDBCI may also conduct LEOSA qualifications (per HB 1589).

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Hunting Exception

An individual who is in the field engaged in the lawful hunting of big or small game may not keep or carry a loaded firearm in or on any motor vehicle (including off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles). This applies to both constitutional carry and concealed weapon license holders.

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Key Statutory References

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Contact Information

North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation - Concealed Weapon Licensing Unit

• Mailing: BCI-CWL, PO Box 1054, Bismarck, ND 58502
• Physical: 1720 Burlington Dr, Suite B, Bismarck, ND 58504
• Phone: (701) 328-5523
• Attorney General General Inquiries: (701) 328-2210

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This guide is based on North Dakota Century Code Title 62.1 and information published by the North Dakota Attorney General's Office and North Dakota Highway Patrol. Laws are subject to change - consult NDCC and the Attorney General's website for the most current information. This is not legal advice.