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North Carolina Open Carry Laws (2026)
Permitted: Open carry of a handgun is legal in North Carolina without a permit for anyone 18 or older who is not prohibited.
PermittedVerified May 31, 2026
Carrying across state lines?The free LawLert iPhone app alerts you at each state line with whether that state lists your permit as recognized. No account.Get the appOpen carry of a handgun is legal in North Carolina without a permit for anyone 18 or older who is not prohibited. Carrying "to the terror of the public" remains unlawful.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free appTrack this law — get alerted when it changes
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