Concealed Handgun Permits

Under North Carolina Statute, the Sheriff is tasked with administering the Concealed Handgun Permit program.  This process is separate from the permit to purchase a handgun which is also administered by the Sheriff’s Office.

To obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit in North Carolina, you must first attend a one day training session offered by several businesses in the community.  The cost for these classes range from $65 to $100 generally.  These classes will teach the applicant basic firearms safety as well as the legal issues involved in carrying a concealed handgun.  The applicant is issued a certificate upon successful completion of the training.

Bring the certificate to the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office front desk during regular business hours.  This is done by appointment only.  The applicant will fill out an application and be fingerprinted.  The cost of the application is $90 and is non-refundable. 

Once the application is received a thorough background check is completed.  Mental health records and criminal records will be checked.  The process takes between 60 and 90 days. 

Once the state approves the permit, the card will be sent to the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office to be issued to the applicant.  The Sheriff still has the authority to issue or deny the permit based on his knowledge of the applicant’s reputation and moral character in the community.   

Remember, a permit to purchase a handgun is not a Permit to Carry a Concealed Handgun.