Firearms & Permits

Concealed Handgun Permit

In order to carry a concealed handgun you must acquire a Concealed Handgun Permit.  The process to obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit is as follows:

 1)  You must attend a NC Concealed Carry Certification Course.  Click Here for classes offered and their schedules.

 2)  Upon successful completion of the Concealed Carry Certification Course you will be issued a certificate and you will be eligible to begin the application process.

 3)  First you will need to contact New River Behavioral HealthCare and let them know that you are applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit.  They will get some information from you and they will then send us a notification that you have been there.  Their fee is $15.

 4)  Complete and Print the following forms: (NOTE:  All forms must be notarized, which we can do at the office, so DO NOT sign the forms until you turn them into the Watauga County Sheriff's Office. ) 

•            Application for Concealed Handgun Permit (DCI CHPA)
•           "Release of Physical and Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Confidential Court Records for Concealed Handgun Permit"
•           "The Do's and Don'ts of Carrying a Concealed Weapon"  

 5)  Turn in the above forms to the Sheriff's Office with the application fees.  The fee for applying for a new handgun permit is $90.  The fee for a renewal permit is $75.  All fees are non-refundable.  If you are former military then you must also bring a copy of your DD-214 (Discharge Certificate).   When you come into the office to turn these forms in you will be fingerprinted.

 6)  Processing will take approximately 45 to 90 days from the date you turn in the application.  The State of North Carolina issues the permits to our office directly.  If you are approved for the Concealed Handgun Permit then you will be called by our office when your permit arrives.  

NC Concealed Carry Certification Course

There are several instructors in the area that offer Concealed Carry courses.  Their contact information is at the bottom of this page and you are encouraged to contact the instructors directly should you have any questions about the Concealed Handgun Application process. 

The course consists of 2 sections:  The "Classroom" section and "Firing Range" section

The "Classroom" section will consist of the following subjects:

1. Legal Aspects of Deadly Force
2. Non-Deadly Force
3. Review of North Carolina Statutes on the Use of Force
4. Safety Issues
5. Gun Handling

The Firing Range Section consists of the following:

• Actual Firing of the Handgun
• Distance for firing will be 3, 5, 7, and 10 yards.
•  You will need at least 40 rounds of ammunition.
• Any Caliber Handgun can be used.

The cost of the class is $60, which goes completely to the instructors.  Below are the names and contact information for the Firearms Instructors in the area: