North Dakota allows concealed carry without a permit under House Bill 1241 (effective August 1, 2017), known as "constitutional carry" (NDCC 62.1-04-02). Anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed in most public places. A Concealed Weapon License (CWL) is optional for reciprocity or enhanced carry rights (NDCC 62.1-04-03). CWL applicants need a background check and, for Class 1, a training course (8 hours). Carry is banned in schools, bars, and government buildings (NDCC 62.1-02-05). Private property owners can prohibit firearms. Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 5 years) in restricted areas.
Costs: Class 2 CWL costs $35; Class 1 costs $60 plus $50-$100 for training. Total: $85-$160.
Processing Time: CWL takes up to 60 days.
Renewal: CWL lasts 5 years, costs $35 (Class 2) or $60 (Class 1), no retraining needed.
Reciprocity: ND honors permits from 40 states; a CWL is recognized by 39 states, like MN and SD.
North Dakota permits open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm (NDCC 62.1-03-01). Open carry is banned in schools, bars, and public buildings with posted signs (NDCC 62.1-02-05). Private businesses can prohibit it. Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 1 year).
North Dakota has minimal firearm restrictions. Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are legal (NDCC 62.1-01-01). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are allowed if ATF-registered (26 U.S.C. § 5861). Ghost guns are legal with no serialization. Felons can’t possess firearms (NDCC 62.1-02-01). Federal violations can lead to felony charges (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamps cost $200 each.
North Dakota follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Firearms must be unloaded and locked if passing through restrictive states. Open or concealed carry (permitless) is allowed in vehicles (NDCC 62.1-03-01). Carry is banned in federal facilities and schools (NDCC 62.1-02-05). Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 1 year).
North Dakota has no state permits or waiting periods for buying firearms (NDCC 62.1-01-01). Buyers must be 21 for handguns or 18 for long guns and pass a federal background check for dealer sales (18 U.S.C. § 922). Private sales require no checks unless the buyer is prohibited (NDCC 62.1-02-01). Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 1 year).
Costs: Background checks are free; dealers may add $10-$25.
North Dakota does not require firearm registration (NDCC 62.1-01-01). Ghost guns need no serialization, and lost/stolen reporting isn’t mandatory. Federal NFA items must be registered (26 U.S.C. § 5861). Violations can lead to felony charges (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamps cost $200.
North Dakota has no state-mandated storage laws. No child access prevention law exists, but reckless endangerment applies if a minor causes harm (NDCC 12.1-17-03). No lost/stolen reporting is required. Penalties can be a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 5 years).
Sources: [1]
North Dakota has a strong Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground law (NDCC 12.1-05-07). Deadly force is allowed in your home, vehicle, or anywhere you’re legally present if you believe it’s necessary to prevent harm, with no duty to retreat. Excessive force can lead to manslaughter (up to 10 years).
Sources: [1]