ByDid you know that in North Carolina, you no longer need a permit to purchase a handgun or small pistol? The General Assembly of North Carolina voted to override the governor’s veto of SB 41, which started on March 29, 2023.
Buying a gun in North Carolina may be easy, but it’s important to know the laws and duties that come with having a gun. The North Carolina gun law has strict rules about owning and using guns to keep people safe and make sure that the law is followed by everyone.
If you want to buy a gun in North Carolina, here’s what you need to know.
Gun ownership requirements
Before purchasing a gun in North Carolina, you must meet specific requirements to legally own a firearm. First, you must be at least 18 years old to buy a rifle or shotgun and 21 years old to purchase a handgun. You’ll need to provide a valid form of identification, typically a driver’s license or state-issued ID.
Lawyers from The Kaiser Law Group say people who have been convicted of felonies, misdemeanors for domestic abuse, or certain other crimes are generally disqualified from owning firearms.
To be able to buy a gun, you shouldn’t have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent or committed to any mental institution.
Also, you should not be living in the United States illegally or have given up your US citizenship. These requirements are in place to ensure that firearms are only in the hands of responsible and law-abiding citizens.
Background Check Process
When you decide on a specific gun to purchase from a licensed dealer, you’ll be required to complete a Firearms Transaction Record, also known as ATF Form 4473. This form collects personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, and answers to various questions about your eligibility to own a gun.
The dealer will then conduct a background check process. This process is to check if individuals buying firearms are legally allowed to do so. They will check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
This system searches various state and federal databases to verify that you aren’t prohibited from owning a firearm due to factors like criminal history, mental health issues, or other disqualifying criteria.
Once the background check is completed and you’re approved, you can finalize the purchase of your chosen firearm.
Waiting periods for purchases
Purchasers are then subject to a waiting period before they can take possession of the firearm. This waiting period is generally set at 3 days for most gun purchases. During this time, the seller is required to hold the firearm before the buyer can pick it up. This waiting period allows for additional checks to be conducted, ensuring that the purchase is legitimate and that the buyer is eligible to possess a firearm.
It’s important to note that in North Carolina, there are exceptions to the waiting period requirement. For example, individuals who hold a valid concealed carry permit are typically exempt from this waiting period.
Also, if the purchaser already possesses a valid pistol purchase permit, they may not be subject to the waiting period for handgun purchases. Understanding these exceptions can help streamline the purchasing process for those who qualify.
Permits and Licenses Needed
As mentioned above, in North Carolina, you don’t need a permit to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. However, there are different requirements depending on the type of firearm you want to buy.
For handguns, you’ll need to obtain a pistol purchase permit or have a concealed carry permit. To apply for a pistol purchase permit, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the county where you’re applying, and not otherwise disqualified by law.
The permit is valid for five years and allows you to purchase one handgun. If you have a valid North Carolina concealed carry permit, you can use it in place of a pistol purchase permit.
It’s important to have the necessary permits and licenses before attempting to buy a gun in the state to avoid any legal issues.
Understanding Gun Storage Laws
When storing your gun in North Carolina, you must adhere to the state’s specific gun storage laws to ensure safety and compliance. In North Carolina, it’s required by law to store firearms in a way that makes them not readily accessible to minors under the age of 18.
This means keeping your guns in a secure container or with a locking device engaged at all times when not in use. Failure to do so could result in legal consequences.
Also, if a minor gains access to an improperly stored firearm and uses it to inflict injury or harm, the gun owner can face severe penalties. It’s best to consider investing in a gun safe or lockbox to securely store your firearms. This way, you can help protect your loved ones and yourself while staying within North Carolina’s legal requirements.
Conclusion
Owning and using a gun comes with big responsibilities. Make sure that you are able to follow the state laws regarding proper gun storage. You will face severe penalties if your gun is used to inflict harm on others.
