• Must apply in person.
• Must be able to properly complete application process.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must provide current/valid identification in the form of either a N.C. Driver's License or N.C. State Identification Card.
• The address on the current/valid identification must be correct
• Must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Must be a resident of Randolph County for a period of not less than 30 days
• Must provide proof of residency.
• Must be of good moral character.
• Must not have any pending charges or un-served papers.
• Must pass criminal history background check.
• Must be eligible to own, posses or receive a firearm under the provisions of State or Federal Law. See N.C. Firearm Laws. Deniable offenses include but are not limited to:
  • All assault charges
  • Carry concealed weapons charges
  • Numerous DWI charges and any DWI within the past 3 years
  • Any felony conviction
  • Any drug conviction in the past 5 years
  • Any assault on law enforcement officer
  • Any delay or resist/obstruct charge

Handgun Permit General Information

• The cost is $5.00 for each Handgun Permit. This is a CASH ONLY transaction.
• False or fictitious information provided during the application process may cause the applicant to be criminally charged.
• Handgun permits are for the purpose of making a purchase of this type of weapon. The permit does not entitle the applicant to carry a concealed weapon.
• Once the permit is issued to the applicant, the permit is valid for a period of 5 years.
• Permit is not renewable or replaceable if lost or stolen.
• Division does not provide application status over the phone.

Obtaining Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Permits

NOTE: On August 11th, 2004, the Governor signed into law that citizens with a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapons Permit) can purchase handguns through dealers, using their CCW. It is no longer necessary for these citizens, who have already been approved to carry a concealed weapon and have been fingerprinted, to come to the Sheriff's Office to obtain a Handgun Purchase Permit. 

Concealed Carry Weapon Application Requirements

***Newly reformed reciprocity information (information about how a North Carolina CCW will be treated in another, particular, state) can be obtained at the North Carolina Department of Justice Website:
Concealed Hand gun Permits

• An applicant must be a citizen of the United States and have been a resident of the state thirty days or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application. The Sheriff may require the applicant to submit, if necessary,  appropriate documentation, to include birth certificates, tax filings or voter registration.
• The applicant must be twenty-one years of age or older.
• The applicant must not suffer from a physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun. The Sheriff will require the applicant to sign a release authorizing the Sheriff to receive physical and mental health records from a health care provider who has provided treatment or care to the applicant.
• The applicant must successfully complete an approved firearms safety and training course and deliver to the Sheriff a copy of the safety course certification.
• Must show proof of Military Discharge DD-214