North Dakota Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Reciprocity (2026)
Quick answer: North Dakota (ND) is a constitutional-carry (permitless) state meaning anyone 18+ who can legally possess a handgun may carry concealed without a permit (including non-residents). North Dakota honors permits from 39 states. Going the other way, a North Dakota permit lets you carry in 34 states (6 that honor it plus 29 permitless states).
📌 Reviewed against official sources: August 14, 2026 · By James Nicholas
Where your North Dakota permit works (carry out)
With a North Dakota-issued resident permit you can legally carry in 34 states: 6 honor the permit itself and 28 are permitless-carry states where eligible visitors need no permit at all. Some destinations impose conditions (age 21+, enhanced-permit-only, or resident-permit rules) as always check the destination state page.
✅ Permitless — no permit needed (28)
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNew HampshireOhioOklahomaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontWest VirginiaWyoming
✅ Honor your North Dakota permit (6)
⚠ Conditional — verify first (5)
Delaware Class 1 license only Minnesota Class 1 license only Nevada Class 1 only Pennsylvania Class 1 license only Washington Class 1 only
Whose permits does North Dakota honor? (carry in)
North Dakota honors resident permits from 39 states:
ND AG (verified Aug 14, 2026): 39 states recognize the ND Class 1 license, 26 recognize Class 2; ND honors resident and non-resident licenses from states that recognize ND’s (NDCC 62.1-04-03.1). The Vermont listing is vestigial — VT issues no permits.
Key North Dakota carry restrictions
- Duty to inform: permitless carriers MUST inform law enforcement they are carrying upon any in-person official contact (ND AG)
- Constitutional carry valid only inside North Dakota
- Must carry valid driver’s license/nondriver ID (physical or digital) when carrying permitless
- No magazine capacity limit
Duty to inform police: Yes (permitless carriers) on official contact.
North Dakota permit basics
North Dakota Concealed Weapon License (Class 1 and Class 2) ND AG/BCI; Class 1 requires training + shooting test; Class 2 open-book test; 5 years. Minimum age: 21. Even in a permitless state, a permit remains useful for out-of-state reciprocity and other benefits.
North Dakota carry FAQ
Can you conceal carry in North Dakota without a permit?
Yes. North Dakota has had permitless (constitutional) carry since 2017: anyone 18+ who may legally possess a handgun can carry concealed without a permit, including eligible non-residents. Standard restrictions on prohibited places still apply.
What states honor a North Dakota (ND) carry permit?
A North Dakota resident permit is honored in 6 states (plus 5 with conditions), and 28 more states have permitless carry where no permit is needed — 34 states total. See the full lists on this page or use our interactive reciprocity map.
Does North Dakota recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits?
North Dakota honors resident permits from 39 states. Check the list on this page — some entries carry permit-type or age conditions.
Can I carry in Montana with a North Dakota permit?
Montana has permitless carry, so you can carry there without any permit if you’re 18+ and legally eligible.
Is there a duty to inform police in North Dakota?
Yes (permitless carriers) on official contact.
Official sources
- ndlegis.gov/assembly/65-2017/regular/bill-overview/…
- attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/concealed-weapon-licenses…
- attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/constitutional-concealed-…
- attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/concealed-weapon-licenses…
- handgunlaw.us/states/northdakota.pdf
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on August 14, 2026 — including a dedicated primary-source verification pass against state statutes, attorney general and state police pages. Spot an error or a law change? Tell us and we’ll fix it fast.
Related states & resources
Neighboring states: Montana, Minnesota, South Dakota.
Tools: Interactive Reciprocity Map · Concealed Carry Reciprocity Guide · Concealed Carry by State · 2A Legal Glossary · carry gear reviews at Popular EDC.
Not legal advice. Freedom’s Lodge and Brand Avalanche Media are not attorneys; this page is general educational information, verified against the official sources above as of August 14, 2026 and subject to change at any time. Confirm current law with the official state source and/or a licensed attorney before carrying. See our full legal disclaimer and how we verify this data.
Take North Dakota's carry rules with you
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