A: Yes. Under N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-01(2), enacted by HB 1169 in 2017 and effective August 1, 2017, a North Dakota resident who is at least 18 years old,...
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Q: Does North Dakota have permitless carry?
A: Yes. Under N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-01(2), enacted by HB 1169 in 2017 and effective August 1, 2017, a North Dakota resident who is at least 18 years old, has held a North Dakota driver's license or state ID for at least one year, and is not a prohibited person may carry a concealed firearm without a license. The carrier must carry their ND DL/ID and proactively inform law enforcement during in-person contact.
Q: Is ND constitutional carry available to non-residents?
A: No. ND permitless carry is resident-only. Non-residents must hold either a North Dakota Concealed Weapon License (CWL) or a concealed-carry license from a state North Dakota recognizes under reciprocity (N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-03.1).
Q: What's the difference between Class 1 and Class 2?
A: Both are 5-year licenses, both cost $60, and both are equally valid inside North Dakota. The difference is:
Q: Which class should I get?
A: If you are 21 or older and plan to travel out of state with your CWL, Class 1 is the better choice because it has broader reciprocity. If you are at least 18 but under 21, Class 2 is your only option for a ND CWL. Class 2 holders who are at least 21 may upgrade to Class 1 at renewal by completing the additional training.
Q: Can I rely on ND permitless carry outside North Dakota?
A: No. Permitless carry under N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-01(2) is valid only within North Dakota. To carry concealed in other states, you need a CWL and the destination state must honor it under reciprocity.
Q: How long does the CWL application take?
A: Standard BCI processing is up to 60 days from receipt of a complete application. Plan accordingly if your timing depends on a specific event.
Q: Can I check on my application status?
A: No. Under N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-03, BCI is statutorily prohibited from confirming application status to anyone, including the applicant. Use certified mail with return receipt for the application packet to confirm delivery, and allow the full processing window.
Q: How much does a ND CWL cost?
A: The state fee is $60 for both Class 1 and Class 2 new applications. Class 2 renewals are $25 (no retesting). Total cost including training, ammunition, and supplies typically runs $155-$315 depending on the class and instructor.
Q: How do I renew my CWL?
A: Renew within the 6-month window before expiration:
Expired licenses cannot be renewed; you must reapply as a new applicant.
Q: Can I apply online?
A: You can complete the application form online (a printable form is generated). The application packet itself must be mailed to BCI; fax and email submissions are not accepted.
Q: Where do I take the test?
A: Training and testing must be conducted in North Dakota by a BCI-authorized concealed weapon test administrator. Contact BCI at (701) 328-5523 for the current list of administrators.
Q: Can I carry a loaded firearm in my vehicle in ND?
A: It depends on your status:
Q: Do I have to tell the officer I have a gun during a traffic stop?
A: Constitutional (permitless) carriers MUST proactively inform the officer at the start of the contact (N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-01(2)). CWL holders must produce the license on request but have no statutory duty to volunteer (N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-04). Proactive disclosure is recommended best practice for everyone.
Q: Can I have a loaded firearm in my vehicle while hunting?
A: No. An individual engaged in lawful hunting of big or small game may not keep a loaded firearm in any motor vehicle, including OHVs and snowmobiles. Unload before re-entering the vehicle.
Q: Which states recognize my ND CWL?
A: The current reciprocity list is maintained by the ND Attorney General at attorneygeneral.nd.gov. As a general rule, Class 1 is honored by more states than Class 2. Always verify the current list before traveling.
Q: Which states' permits does North Dakota honor?
A: ND honors valid concealed-carry licenses from states with substantially similar standards under N.D.C.C. 62.1-04-03.1. The list is published by the ND AG. Both resident and non-resident permits from recognized states are honored.
Q: Does my ND CWL work in Minnesota?
A: Confirm the current reciprocity status on the ND AG website. ND-Minnesota reciprocity has fluctuated over time. Minnesota has its own duty-to-inform rule that applies to all permit holders carrying in MN.
Q: Can I carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol?
A: It depends on whether the restaurant is a licensed liquor establishment under N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-04:
Q: Can I carry in a posted public building?
A: No. Carrying in a publicly owned or operated building posted as off-limits is a violation under N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-05. Store the firearm in your vehicle in the parking area before entering.
Q: Can I carry on school property?
A: No. N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-13 prohibits firearms on school property, school buses, and at school-sponsored events. The firearm may be locked in your vehicle in the school parking lot.
Q: Can I carry in churches?
A: Churches may post notice prohibiting firearms. Without such posting, ND statute does not specifically restrict carry in churches. Respect individual church policies.
Q: Can I carry in federal buildings?
A: No. 18 U.S.C. 930 prohibits firearms in federal facilities, including federal courthouses, post offices, and other federal facilities. Verify each federal facility's specific posting.
Q: Does North Dakota have Stand-Your-Ground?
A: Yes, as of August 1, 2021 (HB 1498). A person who is not the aggressor, has a right to be at the location, and is not engaged in unlawful activity is not required to retreat before using force, including deadly force, in self-defense.
Q: Does North Dakota have a Castle Doctrine?
A: Yes. Under N.D.C.C. 12.1-05-07, deadly force is justified to prevent imminent death, serious bodily injury, sexual assault, abduction, or the commission of a violent felony in a dwelling. There is no duty to retreat in your dwelling.
Q: Can I use deadly force to defend property?
A: Generally no, unless the property defense overlaps with self-defense, defense of others, or prevention of a violent felony in a dwelling. Deadly force is not justified solely to defend property in the open under N.D.C.C. 12.1-05-06 and 12.1-05-07.
Q: Is brandishing a firearm a use of deadly force?
A: Pointing a firearm at a person, firing a warning shot, or otherwise threatening with a firearm is treated as a use of force - and possibly deadly force - for purposes of the justification analysis. The same imminent-threat and proportionality limits apply.
Q: Can I carry while drinking?
A: As a practical matter, no. CWL holders in liquor establishments lose the carry exception if they consume any alcohol (N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-04). Carrying while impaired exposes you to use-of-force liability and general criminal-law risk. Best practice: disarm and secure the firearm before consuming alcohol.
Q: I have a ND medical marijuana card. Can I own a firearm?
A: ND state law does not directly prohibit you, but federal law does. Under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(3), a current marijuana user is a federally prohibited person regardless of state-medical-cannabis status. ATF Form 4473 question 21(g) specifically addresses this. Consult an attorney before relying on any state-level allowance.
Q: What about prescription medications?
A: Lawfully prescribed medications used as directed generally do not make you a federally prohibited person, but they can affect your judgment and use-of-force decisions. Discuss carry implications with your physician.
Q: Are suppressors legal in North Dakota?
A: Yes. Civilian possession of suppressors is permitted under ND state law subject to federal NFA compliance (ATF Form 4 transfer, $200 federal tax stamp, FBI fingerprint cards, etc.). Plan for 6-12+ months of ATF processing.
Q: Can I own a machine gun in ND?
A: Yes for transferable (pre-May 19, 1986) machine guns subject to the federal NFA process. Post-1986 machine guns are restricted to Class 3 SOT dealers and government users.
Q: Are short-barreled rifles legal?
A: Yes under the federal NFA process. ND imposes no additional restrictions.
Q: Can I hunt with a suppressor?
A: Yes under current ND Game and Fish rules. Verify the most recent regulations before hunting.
Q: Is open carry legal in North Dakota?
A: ND law does not directly prohibit open carry for individuals who are legally able to possess a firearm. Open carry is governed by general firearms statutes (carrying in a vehicle, prohibited places, prohibited persons). Some local-business owners and posted public buildings restrict it. See the Open Carry section for detail.
Q: Can my employer ban firearms at work?
A: Yes. ND does not have a "parking lot" preemption statute that protects employee firearm storage in personal vehicles at work. Check your employer's policy.
Q: What happens if I move out of state?
A: Your ND CWL remains valid for its 5-year term. However, ND residency was a basis for the original issuance, and you may not be able to renew when the license expires. The destination state's permit system controls going forward.
Q: What happens if I move from another state to ND?
A: You cannot transfer another state's permit to a ND CWL. You must apply as a new applicant and complete all required training and testing in North Dakota. You may use your existing out-of-state permit under reciprocity (if recognized) until you obtain a ND CWL.
Q: Can I sell a firearm privately in ND?
A: Private sales between ND residents are generally permitted under state law without an FFL transfer. Federal law prohibits knowingly transferring to a prohibited person, requires interstate transfers to go through an FFL, and prohibits "straw" purchases. Best practice: verify the buyer's ID and lawful possession status.
Q: Where do I file a complaint about a CWL administrator?
A: Contact the BCI Concealed Weapon Licensing Unit at (701) 328-5523 or the ND Attorney General's office.
This FAQ is general information. North Dakota concealed-carry law is fact-specific and changes over time. Verify any statement with current ND statutes (N.D.C.C. Title 62.1 and Chapter 12.1-05) and consult a North Dakota attorney for specific legal questions. BCI and the AG's office cannot provide legal advice to private individuals.
This page covers one part of our North Dakota concealed carry guide.
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