North Dakota Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW): Gun Laws, Application, Requirements & Online Training
North Dakota, a state known for its vast landscapes and rugged beauty, has a shall-issue policy for Concealed Weapon Licenses (CWL). This means that if you meet certain criteria, the state’s attorney general is in charge of issuing you a permit. In this article, we will delve into the details of North Dakota’s CWL policy, reciprocity with other states, location restrictions, requirements for law enforcement officers, and the process of obtaining a CCW permit. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of North Dakota’s gun laws and how they pertain to concealed carry.
The Concealed Weapon Licenses in North Dakota
Class One and Class Two CWL
In North Dakota, there are two types of CWLs: the class one and class two licenses. Both permits hold the same value, but the class one license allows individuals to conceal carry in more states than the class two license. The requirements for applying for either permit are similar, with the only difference being the need for additional firearm training for the class one license.
Military Personnel and Reciprocity
Members of the military stationed in North Dakota and requiring a concealed weapon license must first provide a CCW permit from their state of residence. North Dakota has reciprocity with other states that honor its CCW permit. As a non-resident willing to conceal carry in North Dakota, you must have an issued permit from states that reciprocate. It’s essential to be aware of states with restricted reciprocity and permitless carry policies.
Location Restrictions in North Dakota
While CWL holders have the privilege of concealed carry, there are certain places in North Dakota where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited. These places include professional sporting events, churches or church events without permission, public operation buildings, Capitol grounds, places serving alcoholic beverages, when under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances, bingo gaming sites, state game refuges, and places with federal restrictions on firearm possession.
However, CWL holders are allowed to carry concealed firearms in their homes, places of work, rented properties, private vehicles, and along roadsides and rest areas. This freedom comes with responsibility, and knowing the location restrictions is crucial to lawful concealed carry in the state.
Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers in North Dakota
The USA Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) allows officers of the law to conceal carry in any part of the country without location restrictions or limitations by state or municipality laws. LEOSA covers active, out-of-service, and retired officers in every state, and they must meet all requirements before they can conceal carry. In North Dakota, only certified weapon instructors can conduct the LEOSA qualification training for retired law enforcement officers. Retired officers must follow a specific process to be allowed to conceal carry in the state.
Buying and Selling of Firearms in North Dakota
Before buying, selling, possessing, transporting, or transferring firearms in North Dakota, individuals must be familiar with the state’s gun laws. The state does not require purchase permits for buying firearms, and there are no handgun registration procedures for firearm sales. Federal and state-licensed sellers must conduct criminal background checks for buyers, while private sales do not require NICS background checks. It’s important to keep sales receipts as proof of ownership, especially for individuals with a North Dakota concealed weapon license.
CCW Permit Requirements in North Dakota
To apply for a CCW permit in North Dakota, individuals must meet specific requirements. These include being at least eighteen years old for a class two license or twenty-one years old for a class one license, being a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States, not having any prohibitions on firearm possession, being a resident of North Dakota or a military member stationed in the state, completing a firearm training class, passing a criminal background check, not having any felony or violent crime convictions, and meeting other federal laws related to CCW permit application.
How to Apply for a CCW Permit in North Dakota
Applying for a CCW permit in North Dakota involves several steps. Applicants must complete a firearm training course, decide on the type of permit they want (class one or class two), download and complete the application, and either mail it or submit it physically. First-time applicants must sit for an open-book test based on the Concealed Weapon License Manual. After passing the test, they must submit the required documents to the Bureau of Criminal Inspection and wait for approval or denial.
North Dakota Firearm Training Requirements
To be eligible for a CCW permit, applicants must complete a recognized North Dakota firearm training conducted by a certified instructor in the state. The requirements vary depending on the type of permit. Class one applicants must take part in a classroom training for CCW safety rules, pass an open-book test, demonstrate familiarity with firearms, and complete a live-fire session. Class two applicants are only required to pass the open-book test.
Conclusion
North Dakota’s shall-issue policy for Concealed Weapon Licenses provides its residents with the opportunity to carry concealed firearms after meeting specific requirements. Understanding the state’s gun laws, reciprocity agreements, location restrictions, and application process is essential for responsible firearm ownership and concealed carry. Whether you’re a resident of North Dakota or a non-resident looking to carry concealed in the state, complying with the law and obtaining the necessary permits is crucial for lawful and safe firearm possession.
FAQs
Is a North Dakota CCW permit valid in other states?
Yes, North Dakota has reciprocity agreements with several other states that honor its CCW permit. However, some states may have specific requirements or restrictions for non-residents carrying concealed firearms.
Are there any restrictions on carrying concealed firearms in North Dakota?
Yes, there are location restrictions in North Dakota where carrying concealed firearms is prohibited. It’s important to be aware of these restrictions to avoid legal issues.
Do I need a purchase permit to buy a gun in North Dakota?
No, North Dakota does not require purchase permits for buying firearms. However, individuals must meet all other state and federal requirements for firearm purchase.
Can retired law enforcement officers carry concealed firearms in North Dakota?Yes, under the USA Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), retired law enforcement officers can carry concealed firearms in North Dakota if they meet specific requirements and complete the necessary qualifications.
