State

Gun Laws in North Dakota

Discover comprehensive information on North Dakota's gun laws. Learn about permits, registration, assault weapon laws, concealed carry, open carry, and more. Stay informed and ensure responsible, legal firearm ownership.

Subject/Law Long Guns Hand Guns Relevant Statutes Notes
State permit required to purchase? No No
Firearm registration? No No
Assault weapon law? No No
Magazine capacity restriction? No No
Owner license required? No No
Permit required for concealed carry? N/A No 62.1-03-01
62.1-04-03
North Dakota is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 18 years or older. Class 1 permits are issued to those 21 or older, and Class 2 permits are issued to those 18 or older.
Permitless carry took effect on August 1, 2017.
Permit required for open carry? No No 62.1-03-01 May carry openly without permit.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? Yes Yes 12.1-05-07
State preemption of local restrictions? Yes Yes 62.1-01-03 "A political subdivision, including home rule cities or counties, may not enact a zoning ordinance or any other ordinance relating to the purchase, sale, ownership, possession, transfer of ownership, registration, or licensure of firearms and ammunition which is more restrictive than state law."
NFA weapons restricted? No No 62.1-01-01 Binary triggers are not considered machine guns.
Shall certify? Yes Yes 62.1-05-03 Shall certify within 30 days.
Peaceable Journey laws? No No
Background checks required for private sales? No No
Duty to inform? Yes Yes 62.1-04-04 Only when carrying without a permit.

Gun Laws by State: North Dakota

Understanding Gun Laws in North Dakota

When it comes to gun laws, each state in the United States has its own unique set of rules and regulations. In North Dakota, the gun laws are relatively relaxed compared to other states. This article will provide an overview of the key gun laws in North Dakota.

Permits and Registration

In North Dakota, there is no requirement for a state permit to purchase either long guns or handguns. This means that individuals can purchase firearms without having to first obtain a permit from the state. Similarly, there is no requirement for firearm registration in North Dakota. This means that individuals do not need to register their firearms with the state. This is the case for both long guns and handguns.

Assault Weapon Laws and Magazine Capacity Restrictions

North Dakota does not have any laws specifically relating to assault weapons. This means that individuals can own and possess assault weapons without any additional restrictions. Similarly, there are no magazine capacity restrictions in North Dakota. This means that there are no limits on the number of rounds that a firearm magazine can hold.

Owner License and Concealed Carry Permit

There is no requirement for an owner license in North Dakota. This means that individuals do not need to obtain a license to own a firearm. However, when it comes to concealed carry, North Dakota is a "shall issue" state. This means that the state will issue a concealed carry permit to any citizen or lawful permanent resident who is 18 years or older, provided they meet certain requirements. Class 1 permits are issued to those 21 or older, and Class 2 permits are issued to those 18 or older. It's important to note that permitless carry took effect on August 1, 2017, meaning that a permit is not required for concealed carry.

Open Carry and Castle Doctrine

Open carry is also permitted in North Dakota without a permit. This means that individuals can carry a firearm openly without needing to obtain a permit. North Dakota also has a Castle Doctrine law, which allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves in their homes.

State Preemption of Local Restrictions

North Dakota has a state preemption of local restrictions. This means that local governments cannot enact laws relating to the purchase, sale, ownership, possession, transfer of ownership, registration, or licensure of firearms and ammunition that are more restrictive than state law.

NFA Weapons and Shall Certify

North Dakota does not restrict NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons. This includes weapons such as machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors. However, binary triggers are not considered machine guns. North Dakota is also a "shall certify" state, which means that the state is required to certify the transfer or making of a firearm in accordance with federal law within 30 days.

Duty to Inform and Private Sales

In North Dakota, there is a duty to inform law enforcement of firearm possession only when carrying without a permit. There are no background checks required for private sales of firearms.

In conclusion, North Dakota has relatively relaxed gun laws, with no requirements for permits to purchase, firearm registration, or owner licenses. However, it's always important to stay informed about the latest laws and regulations to ensure responsible and legal firearm ownership.