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Pistol Purchase Permits


You must obtain a valid pistol permit whether you receive the weapon from a commercial dealer or a private person. The requirement also applies without regard to whether it is a transaction for money or a gift.

It is a misdemeanor to sell or otherwise dispose of a handgun without first obtaining a pistol permit from the recipient of the pistol.

Requirements for a Pistol Purchase Permit

  • Must be 21 years old
  • Must be a resident of Wake County
  • Must have a valid picture ID
  • Must NOT be convicted of any felony, or similar offense in any jurisdiction or currently under indictment for any felonious offense
  • Must NOT be a fugitive from justice
  • Must NOT be an unlawful user of, addicted to, marijuana, and depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug
  • Must NOT be adjudged incompetent on grounds of mental illness, nor have been committed to any mental institution
  • Must NOT be convicted of a Domestic Violence Offense
  • Must NOT have unresolved criminal charges pending
  • Must NOT have a suspended driver's license
  • Must NOT have a substantial history of convictions, arrests, or reports demonstrating a continuing pattern of criminal activity
  • Must NOT be discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
  • Must NOT be an illegal alien or unlawfully residing in the United States
  • Must NOT have been a citizen of the United States and renounced that citizenship
  • Must NOT have an active court order of protection (50B) that alleges any domestic threat or violence

Procedure For Making Application

To apply for a pistol purchase permit, you must:

  1. Bring a Valid North Carolina Driver's License or ID Card
  2. Appear in Person at:
    Wake County Sheriff's Office
    330 S. Salisbury Stret
    2nd Floor Records Division (turn right off the elevator)
    Raleigh, NC 27602
  3. Complete a short application

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

If Your Permit Request Is Denied

You will be notified in writing of the denial and the reason for it. If you wish to contest the administrative denial, you may appeal, in writing, to the Sheriff through the Administrative Division Captain.

You will be notified as to the results of the appeal within a reasonable time.

If the administrative denial is upheld, you have the right to appeal, in writing, to the Chief District Judge for Wake County. This decision is final.

For Additional Information

For additional information, please call 919-856-6949.