​To apply for a pistol purchase permit, you must:

  1. Bring a Valid North Carolina Driver's License or NC ID Card
  2. You must appear in Person (do not mail the application) at: 
    Wake County Sheriff's Office
    330 S. Salisbury Street
    Raleigh, NC 27602
    First Floor Records Division
  3. Complete a short application

Pistol Permit Application

 

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
$5.00 per permit. We accept cash or check only.

Limit of 5 permits per application. ( No exceptions)

Permits must be picked up within six weeks of application approval date.

Permits take seven to ten business days to complete. You do not need to call to see if you have been approved. A letter will be sent to the address on your application if you have been denied.

Buying and Selling Pistols


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

  1. Must be 21 years old.
  2. Must be a resident of Wake County for a minimum of 30 days.
  3. Must have a valid NC Driver’s License or NC ID Card.
  4. Resident Aliens: Must bring a resident alien card, social security card and a NC driver’s license or NC ID card.
  5. Naturalized Citizens: Must bring your Naturalization Certificate or valid US Passport.
  6. Must NOT be convicted of any felony, or similar offense in any jurisdiction or currently under indictment for any felonious offense
  7. Must NOT be a fugitive from justice
  8. Must NOT be an unlawful user of, addicted to, marijuana, and depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug
  9. Must NOT be adjudged incompetent on grounds of mental illness, nor have been committed to any mental institution
  10. Must NOT be convicted of a Domestic Violence Offense
  11. Must NOT have unresolved criminal charges pending
  12. Must NOT have a suspended driver's license
  13. Must NOT have a substantial history of convictions, arrests, or reports demonstrating a continuing pattern of criminal activity
  14. Must NOT be discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
  15. Must NOT be an illegal alien or unlawfully residing in the United States
  16. Must NOT have been a citizen of the United States and renounced that citizenship
  17. Must NOT have an active court order of protection (50B) that alleges any domestic threat or violence.

 
If Your Permit Request Is Denied:

  1. 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 Major.
  2. You will be notified as to the results of the appeal within a reasonable time.
  3. 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, please call 919-856-6949.

    *** It is your responsibility to know the NC gun laws. Below is a link to the NC firearms laws and a downloadable copy of the Wake County firearms ordinance.***

    NC Department of Justice

Wake County Firearms Ordinance