Concealed Handgun Permits Application

Concealed Handgun Permit

As of December 1, 1995, residents of NC may be eligible for a permit allowing them to carry a concealed handgun under specific conditions. No other weapons can be carried concealed pursuant to this permit. Once issued, the permit is valid throughout NC for a period of 5 years, unless it is revoked. In order to obtain a concealed handgun permit, you must apply to your County Sheriff's office.

Beginning June 1, 2010, the Sheriff’s office is accepting applications for concealed handgun permits by appointment only for both new and renewal applications.

To apply for either a new or renewal concealed handgun permit, complete an application, make payment and schedule an appointment. If you do not have access to a computer, we have a kiosk available in our lobby 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application fee is required up-front, and is non-refundable if denied for any reason.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER SCHEDULING

If the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office is closed due to inclement weather, all New Concealed Permit Applicants will need to reschedule your appointment. You can do this by going back into your application through a link in your confirmation email or through the Order Tracker tab at the top of the application page on the website.

Renewal Concealed Applicants will follow the same directions above. Renewal Applicants that are not able to find an appointment before your permit expires may call our office when we reopen at 704-920-3100.

Apply

Things To Know

NEW concealed handgun permits (bring the following to appointment):

• Valid NC driver’s license/ID (showing your correct name and address)
• Original certificate of completion for firearms NC approved safety course
• DD-214 or similar proof of military discharge status for applicants that have previously served in the military (one copy for every tour of duty)
• Proof of US citizenship if you were born outside the US (naturalization certificate, valid US passport, born abroad birth certificate or resident alien card will be required to provide valid registration card)
• Printed application packet

RENEWAL concealed handgun permits (bring the following to appointment):

• Valid NC driver’s license/ID (showing your correct name and address)
• Current concealed permit
• Printed application packet

Criminal and mental health background checks are conducted on ALL applicants. Approved applicants must:

• Be a citizen of the US (born or naturalized) or a legal resident alien
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have been a resident of Cabarrus County for the past 30 days prior to filing the application (or proof of dual residence, call for further)
• Not suffer from any physical or mental infirmity which would prevent the safe handling and operation of a firearm
• Not been convicted of any disqualifying charges
• Successfully complete NC approved firearms training and safety course

You will be notified by our online system (email and phone) when your permit is ready for pick up. Permits must be picked up in person at the Sheriff’s office Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. You must present a valid NC driver’s license. If your permit is denied, you will receive notification from this office.

Concealed Permit Renewal

It is the applicant’s responsibility to renew the permit before it expires. The permit will expire at 12am on the date listed on the card. You can renew up to 90 days prior to the expiration.

If making application to renew a concealed handgun permit, you will not need to bring another copy of your firearms safety course certificate (we should have the original) or DD-214 form, unless you have completed another term of military service. You will need your current concealed permit along with your valid NCOL/ID.

A recently passed law (GS14-415.16(e)) states if a permittee does not apply to renew the permit prior to its expiration date, but does apply to renew the permit within 60 days after the permit expires, the Sheriff may waive the requirement of taking another firearms safety and ​training course. This does not extend the expiration date of the permit and you can no longer carry concealed until you receive a new permit. Your application in this case will be as a new applicant. The cost is $90 and will require fingerprinting. Our new appointments book very fast and you will not be guaranteed an appointment within the 60 day grace period.

Concealed Handgun Permit Cost

• First time applications - $90 (non-refundable permit/fingerprint fee)
• Renewal applications - $75 (if fingerprints are not on file $85)
• Upon expiration, but less than 60 days after expiration of your permit, you may apply as a new applicant - $90 (non-refundable permit/fingerprint fee)
• Beyond 60 days of permit expiration, you must complete another safety course and reapply - $90 (non-refundable permit/fingerprint fee)

The list of States recognizing NC's concealed handgun permittees is updated frequently and can be viewed at www.ncdoj.gov. Also, approved safety course instructors can be found on the ncdoj website.

Address Changes

Applicants moving from one NC County ​to another must apply for an address change through the County from which you are moving from. Same applies to moving within the same County. To apply for an address change you must provide a NC drivers license or NC ID with the new address. This should be done within 30 days of moving. Cabarrus County does address changes M-F, 8am-4:30pm. No appointment necessary.

If you have any questions regarding concealed handgun permits, you may contact us at 704-920-3033 or email disastoque@cabarruscounty.us.