How Do I Obtain a North Dakota Concealed Weapons Permit?

1. An application form must be filled out. The form can be obtained from your local chief of police or sheriff or by contacting the BCI.
2. The permit to carry a concealed handgun requires a written test to be taken by the applicant and administered by a person certified by the BCI; we are so certified.
3. Following successful completion of the test, the permit applicant must submit the following to his/her local law enforcement agency: the application, two color photos (size 1" X 1¼") and a check for $25 made payable to the ND Office of Attorney General.
4. The local law enforcement agency will review the application, conduct a local background check, determine the applicant's ability to obtain the permit, and forward that information to the BCI.
5. Fingerprints will be taken at the local law enforcement agency and submitted to the BCI with the application.
6. The BCI performs state and national background checks on each applicant. Additionally, each applicant's fingerprints are searched through the regional Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
7. Upon approval by the director of the BCI, the applicant is issued a permit that is good for three years.

Test administrators who are certified by the ND BCI conduct tests. ShootingSafely.com (Paul Horvick) is certified to conduct the tests. Our fee is $20. Contact us to set up an appointment at your convenience.

The written test is open book and consists of ten questions. If you do not have a copy of the Manual for North Dakota Concealed Weapons Permit, you can download one here.