← North Carolina firearms laws›Open Carry

North Carolina Open Carry Laws (2026)

Permitted: Open carry of a handgun needs no permit in North Carolina if you are 18 or older and not otherwise prohibited.

PermittedVerified Oct 12, 2026

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Open carry of a handgun needs no permit in North Carolina if you are 18 or older and not otherwise prohibited. The state ban covers concealed carry only. Local governments may ban guns in public buildings, and carrying a gun to the terror of the public is still a crime. Place restrictions apply, and anyone under 18 generally cannot carry a handgun.

Official source: ncdoj.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Carry in states bordering North Carolina

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

GeorgiaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Georgia without a license for any lawful weapons carrier, and no permit is required.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: georgia.gov · Full Georgia rule →
South CarolinaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in South Carolina without a permit for eligible people 18 or older. This took effect on March 7, 2024 under H.3594.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: sled.sc.gov · Full South Carolina rule →
TennesseePermitted
Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Tennessee without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
VirginiaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal without a permit unless a law bars it. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: vsp.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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