Handgun Purchase Permit Process

In order to purchase a handgun or crossbow you must be issued a permit by the Watauga County Sheriff's Office.  To apply for a crossbow and  handgun purchase permit in Watauga County, you will need to follow the steps below.  Please note that the process is different for a Concealed Carry Permit.  Click here for the Concealed Handgun Application process.

 1.  Download, print and fill out the Watauga County Gun Pruchase Permit Application, AND the Additional Questions Sheet COMPLETELY.

 2.  Bring the Application and Additional Question Sheet to the Watauga County Sheriff's Office.

3.   The Sheriff's Office will notify you once your application is processed and a determination for approval or denial is made. 

4.   If your application is approved then you can visit the Sheriff's Office to collect your permit.  You can purchase up to 4 permits per application for $5 each.  Each permit is good for 5 years. 

 Please allow up to 30 days for processing.

Please contact us if you have any questions.