The Wake County Sheriff’s Office will not accept walk-ins at this time for new purchase permit applicants. Please fill out your application online.
If your application is approved, you may pickup your permit without an appointment Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Applicant requirements for a Pistol Purchase Permit:
- Applicant requirements for a Pistol Purchase Permit:
- Must be 18 years old
- Must provide valid proof of Wake County residency
- Must have a valid government-issued ID confirming the identification of the applicant
- Resident Aliens: Must bring a resident alien card
- Military personnel must bring form DD-214 (discharged)
- Naturalized Citizens: Must bring your Naturalization Certificate or valid US Passport
- U.S. Citizens born outside of the U.S.A. to U.S. parent(s) must bring your documentation from the Department of State (Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certification of Report of Birth)
- Must NOT be convicted of any felony, or similar offense in any jurisdiction or currently under indictment for any felonious offense
- Must NOT be a fugitive from justice
- Must NOT be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, any depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug
- Must NOT be adjudged incompetent on grounds of mental illness, nor have been committed to any mental institution
To apply for a pistol permit you must apply online:
Complete application & pay applicable fees
Apply here to start the process.
When your permit(s) are ready:
You must appear in person at:
John Baker H. Public Safety Center
330 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh
Present a valid government-issued identification confirming the identity of the applicant.
Present a valid proof of Wake County residency.
Permits must be picked up by the applicant within twenty-eight (28) days of notification or you will have to re-apply.
Fees:
Online:
Five US dollars ($5.00) per permit (Cash, Credit or Debit), Non-refundable
Three US dollars ($3.00), for the first permit, plus a credit card convenience fee, Non-refundable
*Credit Card fee is not collected by and no portion is received by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office
Buying and selling pistols
You must obtain a valid pistol permit, whether you receive the weapon from a commercial dealer or a private person. The requirement also applies without regard to whether it is a transaction for money or a gift.
It is a misdemeanor to sell or otherwise dispose of a handgun without first obtaining a pistol permit from the recipient of the pistol.
Effective December 1, 2015
North Carolina General Statute 14-404(e1) requires applicants to sign a release of court orders concerning mental health and capacity for pistol purchase permits.
What if I am denied my handgun permit request?
If your permit request is denied, you will be notified in writing or via email as to why it was refused.
What do I do if my permit is refused?
If your permit request is refused you may appeal the decision to the Superior Court Judge of Wake County.
How do I appeal?
- North Carolina General Statute 14-404 provides that when an individual has been refused a pistol permit or had a pistol permit revoked by the Sheriff, the individual has the right to appeal the refusal / revocation.
- The individual may appeal the decision by submitting a written or typed petition (statement) to the Superior Court Judge setting forth the reasons for appeal.
- The petition along with a copy of the Sheriff’s notice of refusal / revocation must be submitted with a filing fee of $200 (personal checks will not be accepted) to the Clerk of Superior Court, Civil Division, Wake County Courthouse located at 316 Fayetteville St. Raleigh, NC 27601.
- Generally appeals of refusal / revocation of pistol permits are considered by the Superior Court Judge without hearing. The Superior Court Judge will notify the individual of his/her decision in writing.
Hours of operation:
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
This office will be closed on holidays observed by Wake County Government.
Questions call:
For questions, please call:
919-856-6949