📅 2026 Update: Changes in North Dakota Gun Laws

Since the original article on North Dakota gun laws was written, there have been several important updates affecting gun ownership and the process of obtaining permits. These changes include new requirements in other states that could influence North Dakota's regulations and practices. The earlier article continues further down the page for readers seeking more detailed information.

🔄 Recent Changes in Other States

Michigan has introduced new rules for firearm purchases. Buyers must now have a firearms purchase license or a concealed handgun license. For long guns, a background check needs to be conducted by a licensed dealer within five days before buying.

💵 Current Fees and Costs

In Michigan, the fees for obtaining a firearms purchase license or a concealed handgun license can vary by county. Similarly, in Alabama, the county sheriff's office sets the fee for a concealed handgun license, which also varies by county. This trend of variable fees is seen in Kentucky and Ohio as well, where costs depend on county regulations.

📝 Forms and Steps for Purchasing Firearms

In Michigan, applicants must go through a background check conducted by the Department of State Police. This process includes reviewing state databases and checking with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Other states, like Alabama and Ohio, have similar requirements, where the local sheriff's office conducts background checks before a purchase can be made.

⏳ Processing Times for Background Checks

Background checks are a crucial part of the firearm purchasing process. In Michigan, the Department of State Police is responsible for conducting these checks, while in Alabama, the sheriff's office handles this task. The time for processing can vary but is essential to ensure safety during firearm transactions.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 🔄 Changes in Michigan require licenses for firearm purchases.
  • 💵 Fees for licenses vary by county in several states.
  • 📝 Background checks are mandatory before purchasing firearms.
  • ⏳ Processing times for checks can differ between states.

💡 Tips for Understanding Gun Laws

Review the specifics of your situation with your attorney.

🔍 Know Your Requirements

Understanding eligibility is key. In North Dakota, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and at least 18 years old to purchase firearms.

📄 Complete the Necessary Checks

Ensure that you complete all required background checks before buying a firearm. This is a standard procedure across many states, including Michigan and Alabama.

💰 Be Aware of Costs

Familiarize yourself with the fees associated with purchasing firearms in your area. These can vary significantly by county, as seen in Michigan and Alabama.

📞 Seek Local Resources

Utilize local law enforcement or state police resources for guidance. They provide information about the application and background check processes.

🕒 Plan for Processing Times

Be prepared for potential waiting periods when applying for permits or licenses. Processing times can affect when you can complete a purchase.

🏆 Services for Gun Owners Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section covers services relevant to gun ownership and purchases. These services were ranked based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026. The reviews can change over time, and while star ratings offer insight, they may not reflect the full customer experience.

🥇 1. GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com has been rated 4.6 on Trustpilot. This online marketplace is known for facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers of firearms and accessories. However, some reviewers note that customer service response times may be delayed due to increased sales.

🆓 Free Government Resources

Various government agencies provide assistance to those looking to purchase firearms. In Michigan, the Michigan State Police, in Alabama, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and other state police departments across the country offer information and support regarding firearms purchases and background checks.

🔎 What to Compare in Firearm Services

  • 🔍 Customer reviews and ratings.
  • 💵 Fees associated with licenses and purchases.
  • 📋 Background check processes.
  • 🕒 Processing times for applications.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔫 What is the minimum age to purchase a firearm in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase a firearm legally.

📜 Are there background checks required in North Dakota?

Yes, background checks are generally required in North Dakota for purchasing firearms.

🔒 Can I carry a concealed weapon in North Dakota?

Yes, North Dakota allows concealed carry, but you must obtain a permit to do so legally.

🏢 Where can I get information about local gun laws?

Local law enforcement agencies or state police offices can provide information about gun laws specific to your area.

🧾 How do fees for concealed carry permits vary?

Fees for concealed carry permits can differ by county in North Dakota and other states, such as Michigan and Alabama.

📆 What is the processing time for background checks?

Processing times for background checks can vary by state and local jurisdiction, so checking with your local sheriff's office is advisable.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Gun Laws

Recent court rulings have impacted various aspects of gun ownership and regulations. These decisions reflect ongoing debates and changes in gun laws across the U.S.

For more recent rulings, you can check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update







Based on violent crime statistics, North Dakota ranks as the safest state in the country. With just 2 murders resulting from firearms in 2009, one must think that the state's stance on gun control is fairly rigid. This presumption is far from reality, as North Dakota has some of the weakest gun control laws in the United States. North Dakota's basic requirements for purchase, possession, and concealment is as follows-



State Requirements



Shotguns and Rifles

North Dakota Gun Laws


  No permit necessary to purchase



  Registration of rifles and shotguns is not mandatory



  Licensing of owners is not necessary



  A permit to carry shotguns or rifles is not necessary



Handguns or pistols



  No permit necessary to purchase



  Registration is not mandatory



  Licensing of owners is not necessary



  A permit to carry is necessary only if the firearm is concealed



North Dakota has a few provisions in regards to carrying, possessing, or concealing a loaded weapon. It is illegal to keep or carry a loaded firearm in any motor vehicle, unless it is a security enforcement car, a concealed weapons permit is present, or it belongs to a member of the military. Unloaded handguns may be carried one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset, and must be in plain sight to be considered legal. Concealed carry of a loaded weapon is only permissible after an application process is fulfilled.



Although laxity is prevalent in regards to the North Dakota law on gun control, the process for obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon is somewhat difficult. The application and interview process is conducted by the chief of the bureau of criminal investigation.



The candidate must demonstrate and show these various attributes to be granted a permit to conceal a loaded weapon: Must have a valid reason for carrying a concealed firearm, is not prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm, has written approval from the chief of police and sheriff of the applicant's county, and must satisfactorily complete the bureau's application. The application includes a background check and a criminal records check.



Pending approval, the applicant must successfully complete a background investigation as well as an open book test on firearm safety. Also included in this test, is a competency exam on loading and unloading a weapon, use of safety devices, and basic functions of the weapon. Unlike most states this application revolves heavily around background checks and firearm safety. The distribution and regulating laws surrounding the gun market in North Dakota is extremely casual.



North Dakota's weakest enforcement is placed on gun shows and the distribution of weaponry. Even though it is a border state, North Dakota possesses severely limited regulations on sellers of ammunition, high-powered assault rifles, and other guns. Firearms bought at a gun show do not require a license, permit, or even a background check. There is no firearm safety instructional present at the time of purchase nor are there pamphlets given detailing the warnings associated with such a weapon.



Distributors at a gun show are not required to document their sales, nor do they have to file anything with the state. Police inspections are not allowed at a gun show, and there are no security inspections to be followed. There is no limit on bulk purchases, magazine sizes, or ammunition regulations either. Granted, the right to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon may be stringent, but the rules and regulations applied to a gun show are nonexistent. 



The issue of North Dakota should not revolve around firearm safety or violent crime statistics. The topography of the region combined with the population density will inherently make it a safe state. Concern exists however, in the fact that there is a lack of regulation in regards to trafficking and curbing underground gun markets from forming.