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How to Obtain a Concealed Weapon License

  • Complete an application. The application form is available from your local chief of police or sheriff, or the certified test administrators. Contact information for the North Dakota Police Departments and Sheriff's Departments is available at ND POST Board.
  • All applicants must successfully complete a written test, administered by a person certified by the Attorney General. In addition, applicants for a Class 1 license must show familiarity with the weapon, and complete classroom instruction and proficiency testing.
  • Following successful completion of all testing requirements, the license 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 $45 made payable to the ND Office of Attorney General. The applicant’s fingerprints are taken at the local law enforcement agency.
  • The local law enforcement agency will review the application, conduct a local background check, determine the applicant's eligibility for the license, and forward that information and the fingerprints to the BCI.
  • 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 (AFIS).
  • Applicants must provide all documentation relating to any court-ordered treatment or commitment for mental health or alcohol or substance abuse, or incidents of domestic violence and, if applicable, shall complete and return the authorization for release of medical records included in the application packet.
  • Upon approval by the director of the BCI, the applicant is issued a license that is valid for a period of three years.

North Dakota Licenses for Nonresidents

  • Nonresidents of North Dakota can apply for a North Dakota Concealed Weapon License.
  • Follow the instructions above for obtaining the license.

Minimum Age to Apply for a License

  • Eighteen (18) for Class 2 license;
  • Twenty-one (21) for Class 1 license.

Testing Requirements, Fees, and Test Administrator Information

  • Only test administrators certified by the Attorney General may conduct testing. Many law enforcement agencies throughout North Dakota have officers who can conduct the tests. A list of certified test administrators is posted on this page, or you can contact your local law enforcement agency for information on test administrators in your area.
  • All testing and classroom instruction must be completed within the State of North Dakota. The maximum fee a test administrator may charge is fifty dollars ($50).
  • An applicant for a Class 1 license must successfully complete classroom instruction and an open book test based on the Concealed Weapon License Manual, show familiarity with the firearm or dangerous weapon, and complete an actual shooting or proficiency exercise.  An applicant for a Class 2 license is required to complete the open book test offered for the Class 1 license.

Where to Get a Personal Photo

  • Any business that takes passport photos will be able to take the photos for you.
  • Some law enforcement agencies may also take the photos for you.
  • Polaroid photos may work, but please keep in mind that the photos must contain a head and shoulders shot that is 1" X 1¼.

License Renewal Process

  • Prior to expiration, a reminder card notifying the license holder of the need to renew is mailed to the last known address provided to BCI.
  • The renewal process may be started no earlier than 90 days prior to the license expiration date and no later than 90 days after the license expiration date.
  • The standard application form is used for renewals. The renewal box at the top of the application should be checked.
  • Approval for renewal must be obtained from the sheriff of the applicant’s county of residence and, if applicable, the chief of police of the applicant’s city of residence.
  • Repeating the written test is not required for timely renewals of a Class 2 license. To renew a Class 1 license, the applicant must have completed the requirements for a Class 1 license within one year before submitting the application for renewal.
  • Submission of fingerprints is not required for timely renewals.
  • All license renewal applications require submission of two 1" X 1¼" color photos and a check for $45 made payable to the Office of Attorney General.
  • If the renewal process for a Class 2 license is not started within the designated period (90 days prior to expiration and up to 90 days after expiration), the individual must begin as a new applicant and complete all testing and license requirements.

Reasons a License Might be Denied

  • Any material misstatement made in the application process by the applicant.
  • The applicant is prohibited by state or federal law from owning, possessing, or having a firearm under that person's control.
  • Failure to disclose information on the application or to provide a release of records.
  • For any other good and valid cause as determined by the Chief Agent of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and subject to review. (This section will not be used arbitrarily to deny or revoke a license.)

If There is a Change in the License Holder's Address

An updated license will be issued at the license holder's request. The outdated license must be surrendered before the updated license may be issued. Send the outdated license, along with the following information, to the BCI:

  •  Full name
  •  Old address
  •  New address
  •  There is no fee for an updated license.

Lost License

The BCI may issue a replacement license upon request. The license holder must make a written request to the BCI and include the following information:

  •  Full name
  •  License number
  •  Date of Birth
  •  There is no fee for a replacement license. For security, the replacement license will be sent to the address provided on the application form.