North Dakota Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permitless / Constitutional Carry Castle Doctrine Constitutional Carry Stand Your Ground

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: North Dakota Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permitless / Constitutional Carry
Permit Required	No - permitless carry
Permit Cost	N/A (No permit required)
Permit Validity	N/A
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✓ Yes
Red Flag Law	✓ No
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in North Dakota

Open carry is legal in North Dakota for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in North Dakota

North Dakota is a constitutional carry state. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. North Dakota allows permitless carry for residents since 2017. Non-residents may still carry with a valid permit from a state with reciprocity. Optional Class 1 permit available.

Where You Cannot Carry in North Dakota

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in North Dakota. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Jails
Licensed Establishments

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Optional North Dakota CCW Permit

North Dakota allows permitless carry for residents since 2017. Non-residents may still carry with a valid permit from a state with reciprocity. Optional Class 1 permit available.

Even though North Dakota does not require a permit to carry, obtaining an optional permit allows you to carry in other states that have reciprocity agreements with North Dakota but require a permit from your home state.

Apply for Optional North Dakota Permit

CCW Reciprocity for North Dakota

States that honor your North Dakota permit (28)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

North Dakota honors permits from (30)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH OH OK PA SC SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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North Dakota Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for North Dakota gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: North Dakota Gun Laws

Does North Dakota constitutional carry apply to non-residents?

No. Constitutional carry in North Dakota is for residents only. Non-residents must have a valid permit from a reciprocal state.

Does North Dakota have stand your ground?

Yes. North Dakota has castle doctrine and stand your ground protections.

Shooting Ranges in North Dakota

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in North Dakota. Filter by type, features, and location.

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Neighboring State Gun Laws

Minnesota

South Dakota

Montana