← North Dakota firearms laws›Open Carry

North Dakota Open Carry Laws (2026)

Permitted: Open carry of a handgun is legal in North Dakota at 18 or older if you are not a prohibited person and carry a valid driver's license or state ID.

PermittedVerified Oct 12, 2026

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Open carry of a handgun is legal in North Dakota at 18 or older if you are not a prohibited person and carry a valid driver's license or state ID. Without that, a handgun in public must be unloaded and in plain view or secured. Guns are barred at schools, places of worship and publicly owned or operated buildings, with exceptions.

Official source: attorneygeneral.nd.gov →

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

Open Carry in states bordering North Dakota

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

MinnesotaConditional
Open carry of a handgun in Minnesota requires a Minnesota Permit to Carry or a recognized out-of-state permit. The same permit covers both open and concealed carry.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: dps.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
MontanaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in Montana without a permit, but local governments may regulate certain areas.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: dojmt.gov · Full Montana rule →
South DakotaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in South Dakota without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →

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