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.