North Carolina is still gun friendly. If you are traveling from state to state and carrying, you need to know the situation in each state you are entering or you could get into trouble. For certain states or if you have any doubt at all, keeping moving through the state (reference the McClure-Volkmer Act to only stop for gas and emergencies) towards your final destination state. Your destination state must have acceptable laws for your stay. We make some generalities with our color map here for ease of use so you should always look up the current details of the laws. Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. You can also download an easy to print version with all states and details.
North Carolina Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: unrestricted, permit or license required for handguns
Consistency of laws: uniform throughout state
Self-defense: NO castle doctrine
Open carry: mostly unrestricted
Concealed carry: shall issue state, permits accepted from a few other states
Vehicle carry handguns: loaded secured in holsters and openly in vehicle
Vehicle carry long guns: loaded secured and open in vehicle
Official source information
North Carolina Statutes 14
Concealed Handgun Permit
State Police Permit Information
North Carolina Statutes
North Carolina Legislature
Do you have any experiences in North Carolina that you care to share with other travelers?
NC requires a permit to purchase a handgun (i.e. proof of background check by local sheriff), but does NOT require any type of license to own a handgun.
Thank you for the clarification and correction. The law says “license or permit” to purchase but it really is just a permit that is required as you state.