Carolina Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyer UpdatesNorth Carolina’s concealed carry law may be on the verge of a historic change. Presently, you must still have a valid permit to carry a
concealed handgun. On July 29, 2025, the North Carolina Senate voted to override Governor Stein’s veto of Senate Bill 50, known as the “Freedom to Carry NC” act. In order for the law to go into effect, the NC House must also vote to override the veto by a three-fifths majority.
Until both chambers of the NC General Assembly vote to override the Governor’s veto, the existing concealed carry permit requirement remains in full force. As the law now stands, anyone who carries a concealed handgun in North Carolina without a valid permit or legal authority, is still subject to criminal prosecution.
If you are facing criminal charges, are under investigation in the Charlotte metro region, including Mecklenburg and Union County, and want more information about carrying a concealed weapon charges, contact Powers Law Firm for experienced, confidential guidance. TEXT or call now: 704-342-4357
What Is “Permitless” Concealed Carry and How Could North Carolina’s Law Change?
If the House votes to override, North Carolina will become a permitless carry state for most adults.
Anyone eighteen or older, who is not otherwise barred by law, could carry a concealed handgun in public (subject to certain restrictions) without obtaining a permit.
There would be no more mandatory training classes, fingerprinting, or sheriff’s approval required to concealed carry in North Carolina. “Permitless” carry would apply only to handguns, not rifles, shotguns, or other types of weapons such as knives or brass knuckles.
The new law, as proposed, would not eliminate the concealed carry permit process. In fact, permits will likely remain important for those who wish to carry concealed in other states, as many states require a permit for reciprocity.
For the most part, existing open carry rules would remain unchanged. The proposed law would not override or supersede any prior limitations on open carry.
Importantly, this legislative change also would not apply retroactively.
The new statute, if put into effect, would likely specify an effective date and will govern only offenses committed on or after that date. Any case involving conduct before the effective date could still be prosecuted under the law that was in effect at the time of the alleged offense. The proposed law is a statutory amendment, not a constitutional change.
Concealed Carry in North Carolina: Who Can Carry and Where?
| Category | Permitless Carry Allowed? | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Adults age 18+ (not otherwise prohibited) | Yes, if law is enacted | SB 50 |
| Felony conviction (any firearm) | No | G.S. 14-415.1 |
| Under 18 years old | No | SB 50, Existing Law |
| Subject to Domestic Violence Protective Order | No | G.S. 50B-3.1 |
| Unlawful drug users, fugitives, others prohibited by state/federal law | No | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) |
Places Where Concealed Carry Remains Illegal (For Everyone)
- Schools and school property (G.S. 14-269.2)
- Colleges and universities
- Courthouses and courtrooms
- Law enforcement offices
- Most government buildings
- Private property with posted “no guns” signs
- Bars and restaurants where alcohol is sold and consumed (G.S. 14-269.3; as amended by SB 50)
- Federal property, including post offices (18 U.S.C. § 930)
Who Would Still Be Prohibited from Carrying a Concealed Handgun?
Even if permitless carry becomes law, not everyone will be eligible to carry a concealed handgun in North Carolina.
The new law would not change the longstanding prohibitions for certain people. Convicted felons, some misdemeanor offenders, those under eighteen, anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order, fugitives, unlawful drug users, and others prohibited by state or federal law would remain barred from carrying concealed.
Violating these restrictions would also remain a criminal offense and could result in serious penalties.
If you have a felony conviction under North Carolina or federal law, you are permanently prohibited under federal law from possessing or carrying any firearm, including handguns, rifles, or shotguns.
North Carolina permits restoration of firearm rights under G.S. 14‑415.4, but this state-level restoration does not remove the federal ban.
The only recognized paths to restoring federal firearm rights are through a presidential pardon or, in very rare cases, discretionary relief under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). In practice, nearly all people with felony convictions remain federally prohibited from possessing firearms, even if their rights are restored by a state court.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or have a pending charge, visit our criminal defense for more information.
Where Would Concealed Carry Still Be Illegal?
Even with permitless carry, North Carolina law would continue to restrict firearms in many locations.
Concealed handguns remain illegal in schools and on school property, colleges and universities, courthouses, law enforcement offices, most government buildings, and any private property that posts a sign banning firearms.
Importantly, concealed carry remains illegal in establishments where alcohol is sold and consumed, such as bars and many restaurants with ABC permits.
Senate Bill 50 amends G.S. 14-269.3 to remove the exemption that previously allowed concealed carry in bars and restaurants by permit holders, as long as they did not consume alcohol.
Under current law, CHP holders could legally carry in such establishments if they remained sober. The amendment eliminates that exception.
To be clear, if SB 50 becomes law, it will be illegal to carry in any alcohol-serving venue regardless of permit status, while consuming alcohol or if alcohol remains in the body.
Carrying a concealed weapon of any type of federal property, including post offices and other federal buildings, is always off-limits.
What Happens If You’re Charged with Carrying a Conceal Weapon?
If you are charged with unlawful concealed carry (carrying a concealed weapon) before any proposed permitless carry law takes effect, your case could be prosecuted under the law that was in effect on the date of the alleged offense.
Any permitless carry legislation, if enacted, would not apply retroactively. If you did not have a valid permit at the time, you may still face prosecution and possible conviction under current North Carolina law. Only conduct occurring on or after the effective date of any new law would be evaluated under the new statute.
As a practical matter, some prosecutors may use discretion and decline to pursue cases that would not be illegal under permitless carry, but there is no guarantee. Each district attorney decides independently.
Any new law may provide a defense to traditional concealed carry charges for eligible adults, but would not protect those who are otherwise prohibited from carrying or accused of carrying in places where weapons remain banned.
Will Prior Convictions Be Erased? Understanding Post-Conviction Relief
North Carolina courts do not vacate or expunge convictions simply because the legislature changes the law.
Under established state law and court precedent, convictions are evaluated according to the statutes in effect at the time of the offense.
Unless the General Assembly expressly states that a statutory amendment is retroactive or creates a new expunction remedy, changes in the law apply only to future conduct.
A Motion for Appropriate Relief (MAR) based solely on the fact that the law has changed after a conviction is almost certain to be denied. Courts have consistently held that final judgments remain valid unless a new law is made retroactive by statute or by explicit legislative intent. See N.C.G.S. § 15A-1415(b); State v. Todd, 313 N.C. 110, 326 S.E.2d 249 (1985); State v. Smith, 359 N.C. 199, 607 S.E.2d 607 (2005).
Should You Still Get a Concealed Handgun Permit?
Even if permitless carry becomes law, maintaining a North Carolina concealed handgun permit is still smart. Some states only recognize your right to carry if you have a valid North Carolina permit.
Permitless carry will not provide reciprocity when traveling outside North Carolina.
A permit also provides proof of formal safety training and may help protect your interests if you are ever involved in a firearms-related investigation.
Penalties for Violating Concealed Carry Law
In North Carolina, unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, meaning carrying a handgun concealed on your person without a valid permit, or outside the legal exceptions, is generally prosecuted under G.S. 14-269 and is most often a Class 2 misdemeanor.
However, certain repeat offenses or violations by prohibited persons, such as convicted felons, can result in felony charges under G.S. 14-415.1. Additionally, violating the concealed handgun permit law, for example, carrying where guns are prohibited or with a revoked permit may result in separate criminal charges under G.S. 14-415.21 and related statutes.
Penalties can include jail, probation, fines, a permanent criminal record, and, for felons, permanent loss of firearm rights. The proposed permitless carry law does not change the consequences for anyone who is not legally eligible to possess or carry a handgun under state or federal law.
Key Takeaways: Stay Informed and Protect Your Legal Rights
As of now, permitless concealed carry is not law in North Carolina. The House must still vote to override the governor’s veto. If the override succeeds, most adults will be able to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, but restrictions remain.
For the official bill text and legislative status, consult the NC General Assembly’s bill tracker or see updates at NRA-ILA.
Concealed carry will still be illegal in schools, government buildings, places serving alcohol, private property that prohibits guns, and for anyone legally disqualified.
Charges for conduct before the law’s effective date will not be erased or retroactively dismissed.
Get Trusted Legal Guidance for Concealed Carry and Gun Charges
Gun laws are complicated, and even small changes in North Carolina legislation can have major consequences for your record, your rights, and your future.
If you have questions about your eligibility to carry, have been charged with a gun or concealed carry offense in Charlotte-Mecklenbug or Union County NC, contact Powers Law Firm. Call 704-342-4357.
About Powers Law Firm
Powers Law Firm is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and represents clients facing concealed carry and gun charges in Mecklenburg County and Union County. Our attorneys help people throughout the Charlotte region navigate legal issues involving gun charges, DWI, traffic offenses, and other criminal matters. We are committed to practical solutions, clear guidance, and protecting your rights in every case. Find us on Google Maps
To learn more about our firm, our attorneys, or to explore additional legal resources, visit our main website at carolinaattorneys.com.