State Laws · ND
North Dakota Gun Laws
Effective as of August 1, 2017 (HB 1169 (constitutional carry)). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
North Dakota adopted constitutional carry under HB 1169, effective August 1, 2017, for North Dakota residents only. Residents aged 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Non-residents must hold a valid concealed carry permit from their home state. Open carry is legal. North Dakota issues a Concealed Weapons License (CWL) for reciprocity.
Key statute: NDCC § 62.1-04-02 — license to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon concealed. Constitutional carry exemptions for residents under § 62.1-04-02(13).
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons (within 10 years), persons convicted of a class A misdemeanor involving violence within the past five years, persons under court order for treatment of mental illness, persons adjudicated as mentally ill, persons under 18, and persons prohibited under federal law.
Prohibited Locations
North Dakota prohibits carry in: schools (K-12) and school events, courthouses, churches and places of worship (unless authorized by the governing body), liquor establishments (bars), publicly owned or operated buildings with posted prohibition, gaming sites, athletic and sporting events (at professional or collegiate level), and political rallies and political fundraising events.
Purchase Requirements
No permit is required to purchase any firearm. All FFL sales require a NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check. There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, no assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction.
Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →North Dakota statutes
North Dakota Legislature →This link goes to North Dakota's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.