How To: Getting your NC Concealed Carry Permit

Written by Sean Baxter

On April 23, 2019

What are the steps?

There are many paths that lead us to obtaining a concealed carry handgun permit (referred to a CCH permit); and though there are a few that are common, each of use arrives at this decision on our own. However, once you decide to pursue this, the usual questions come up about how this is done. This article’s intent to to remove some of mystery surrounding the process.

Below you’ll find the basic steps in obtaining a concealed carry handgun permit within the state of North Carolina:

  • Get Trained
    • Choose a NC approved instructor
    • Enroll in class specific to concealed carry permit training
    • Complete course successfully
    • Receive Training Certificate
  • Apply for the Permit
    • Schedule appointment with local Sheriff’s Department
    • Take Paperwork and Certificate to Sheriff
    • Complete Application
    • Get fingerprinted
    • Wait for sheriff and NC state to complete checks
    • Receive notification from Sheriff’s Department
    • Pick up permit from Sheriff’s Department
  • Carry every day

Step 1 – Get the Training

Since 1995, the state of North Carolina has allowed for it’s citizens to obtain a concealed carry handgun (CCH) permit from the sheriff of the applicant’s home county. This state mandated process includes an 8 hour minimum class plus range time training requirements with a state certified firearms instructor, finger printing by the sheriff, and a background check.

There are a few considerations when choosing an instructor; so much so that I’m writing a entire article on the matter. Once you pick the instructor and class, your instructor should communicate what you’ll need for the course. You’ll need to register using the same name as what’s on your driver’s license or state ID. This is important as the training certificate you’ll receive from your instructor needs to match the name on your ID when you later apply with the sheriff’s department.

There is a lot to cover during the classroom portion of the course, including three or more hours on the use of deadly force, concealed carry location restrictions, state to state reciprocity, and a written test. If you picked a good instructor, he or she will make this portion clear and give you a thorough understanding of the law of self defense. This portion is critical as any use of deadly force on your part, whether with a firearm or not, will either land you in jail charged with a crime, or back at home with your freedom intact.

The rest of the classroom portion will be spent on handgun fundamentals, nomenclature, marksmanship, concealment methods, storage considerations, and proper & safe firearm handling. If the instructor has invested in the equipment, you’ll have a chance to work with firearm simulation to improve your draw stroke, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and firearm presentation. All these components of handgun fundamentals are part of accurate and repeatable marksmanship.

You should then move onto the live fire qualification part of the course. You’ll be shooting at a target placed at three different ranges; 3 yards, 5 yards, and 7 yards. You’ll fire 10 rounds at each of the three distances, for a total of 30 rounds. The instructor will then score you. If you’ve paid attention in class and practiced the fundamentals, you should score high enough to pass this portion of the course, and receive your certificate for training.

Step 2 – Applying for the Permit

With training certificate in hand, you’ll begin the application process with your sheriff’s department of your home county. Some sheriff’s departments have an online application process where you fill out your personal information, answer a few questions, and then choose an appointment date to meet with a sheriff’s deputy for the next step. On that date, you arrive at the sheriff’s department, and sign your paperwork in the presence of a deputy, get finger printed, and pay for the application.

The sheriff’s department will work with Raleigh to perform several background checks, submit your fingerprints to various law enforcement agencies, and verify your ability to legal possess a firearm. The sheriff’s department will contact you within 90 days to inform you of the disposition of your permit application. If you’ve passed the requirements, your application shall be approved and a permit shall be issued in your name. It will be ready for pick up from the sheriff’s department. Notice the emphasis on “shall issue”. Not all states are shall issue states. Others are “may issue” where part of the application process is giving reasons for wanting a concealed carry permit. The sheriff’s department in those states may reject an application based solely on the reasons given.

A concealed carry permit shall be issued as long as the applicant:

  • is a citizen of the U.S. and has been a resident of the State for at least 30 days immediately prior to filing the application.
  • is at least 21 years of age.
  • does not suffer from a physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun.
  • has successfully completed an approved firearms safety and training course which involves the actual firing of handguns and instruction in the law governing the carrying of a concealed handgun and the use of deadly force.
  • is not ineligible under federal or state law to possess, receive, or own a firearm.
  • is not currently or has not been adjudicated or administratively determined to be lacking mental capacity or mentally ill.
  • has not been discharged from the armed forces under conditions other than honorable.
  • is or has not been adjudicated guilty or judgment continued or suspended sentence for a violent misdemeanor.
  • has not had judgment continued for, or free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a disqualifying criminal offense.
  • has not been convicted of an impaired driving offense within three years prior to the date on which the application is submitted.

Step 3 – Carry every day

Once you are approved for your CCH permit, you must decide if you’re going to exercise that privilege. If you got the permit so you can carry only to places where you know you will need it, I would suggest you shouldn’t go to those places. And if you must go there, take a few armed friends along as well, maybe even call the police a head of time.

The point is this, you will not know when you’ll need it; but when you do, it’s best that you have it and know how to use it.

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Sheliah Wood
Sheliah Wood

left us a 5 star review

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Sheliah Wood
March 20, 2023

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Jacqueline Hicks
March 12, 2023

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February 20, 2023

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February 19, 2023

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February 1, 2023

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January 15, 2023

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January 15, 2023

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January 15, 2023

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January 15, 2023

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December 15, 2022

This class was very helpful in understanding the details of carrying concealed. Sean provided relevant scenarios that forced you to think critically about threats to your life, how best to react, and the reality of the consequences associated with your actions. He was also very open to the questions/scenarios asked by others in the class.

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December 12, 2022

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November 23, 2022

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October 25, 2022

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October 25, 2022

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October 25, 2022

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Twyn Sol
October 24, 2022

I absolutely recommend anyone who is getting a first time permit or refresher to take this course. The instructor Sean Baxter was very entertaining as well as knowledgeable on all kinds of guns and the law. I had a great time in the class that I can't hardly wait to get out to the gun range.

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October 18, 2022

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September 25, 2022

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September 25, 2022

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September 25, 2022

Sean was a very knowledgeable and great instructor. He took the time to tackle and answer questions from the class with a good explanation of the ramifications of certain scenarios as they relate to concealed carry law in NC. He was also a thorough and patient instructor on the range especially with those students who had no prior or very little shooting experience. I highly recommend the class to anybody wanting to obtain their CCH permit in NC to take his class.

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August 29, 2022

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August 28, 2022

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August 15, 2022

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August 3, 2022

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Kadin Bittner
August 1, 2022

The Concealed Carry class was an enjoyable experience thanks to Sean. A very attentive and involved learning experience about not only self defense rights and legal limitations, but also real world experiences and situations. Those who have never learned proper firearm handling and safety can learn greatly from the instruction that is offered. Everyone in the class was accommodated by excellent instruction and I myself felt no criticism for my lack of knowledge. If you want to have fun and learn about serious self defense this is a perfect place to start!

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August 1, 2022

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July 31, 2022

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July 31, 2022

Sean, it was nice attending your concealed carry class. I enjoyed every moment of the class. Your teaching of self defense law was very thorough and entertaining. I looked forward to attending some more of your training. Thanks you!

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July 11, 2022

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July 10, 2022

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July 10, 2022

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July 10, 2022

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June 19, 2022

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June 12, 2022

When I signed up for Right Sight training Sean did an excellent job reaching out to me to welcome me to the class and gave me all the information I needed about location, supplies, etc. I felt comfortable knowing that I wasn’t going to be missing anything for the class and was absolutely prepared. The class itself was very informational and Sean made it entertaining to be in. My favorite part was the holster exercise with a laser simulator. It was fun to be actively involved and practicing with the class. I could honestly go on about this class but I’ll save you the reading time and just say if you’re looking for a concealed carry class, this is the one for you.

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Mitchell Morgan
June 12, 2022

Sean is a great instructor! He makes the class interesting and enjoyable. I really liked the simulation training we did with the laser training pistols. I haven’t been able to train speed draw from concealment and it was a nice exercise to practice in a safe environment. If your looking to take a CC class I highly recommend Right Sight Training!

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June 12, 2022

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Steven Nelson
June 12, 2022

Class was solid. Lots of discussion and Sean took his time with experienced folks and those who were new to fire arm training . I think you will leave the class feeling quite a bit better and confident in your ability to carry concealed. Not class specific but, if you do the one day class be prepared for a long day. Sean had donuts and coffee which was a big help. I definitely would recommend Right Sight Training.

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May 9, 2022

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May 8, 2022

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May 8, 2022

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April 11, 2022

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April 11, 2022

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Mark Reavis
April 10, 2022

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Vianey Pineda
March 7, 2022

I recommend this class as Sean, is a very knowledgeable instructor with a passion to teach. Handgun safety ,self defense law and operation of your weapon are a few of the many areas covered in the Conceal to Carry class. He provides an awesome, comfortable, interactive atmosphere open to questions and spends individual time with each student no matter their experience.

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Timothy Ploshnik
March 7, 2022

Amazing instructor and was very engaging... worth it for your cch permit

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Edward Sivels
March 6, 2022

Sean Baxter is the absolute best instructor! He went the extra mile and for that I can guarantee if you ever in doubt Mr. Sean will bring the A+ game out of you. When you're ready to conceal Mr. Sean will lead you through the field! Thanks for everything!

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Dwayne Baker Jr.
March 6, 2022

Sean is a great instructor!! He kept our class engaged and answered all questions the questions at had for him today which were a boat load lol. Sean is very relatable and made everyone feel comfortable in class and at the range. Came across his class by his high standing reviews and he definitely lived up to the hype! Thank you for giving me new knowledge and tips for getting my CCH and I will recommend anybody who’s looking to get there CCH to holla at Sean to greet your permit! Thanks again!!

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