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Obtaining handgun permits in Duplin County
The Duplin County Sheriff's Office issues two types of permits relating to handguns. A Permit to purchase a handgun must be obtained to purchase a handgun and a Concealed handgun permit must be obtained in order to carry a concealed handgun.
*This form is designed for your convenience to type in your information and print.
Permit to purchase a handgun
The Applicant Must be of good moral character, and a resident of Duplin County, and able to certify that the weapon is required for one or more of the following reasons only: protection of home, business or property of the applicant; target shooting; collecting; or hunting. The applicant must be 21 years of age or older due to restrictions on firearms dealers, and must not be: convicted of any felony, or similar offense in any jurisdiction or currently under indictment for any felonious offense; or a fugitive from justice; or an unlawful user of, addicted to, marijuana, any depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug; or an adjudged incompetent on the grounds of mental illness; nor have been committed to any mental institution. (Statutory Authority: G.S. 14-404); or convicted of a domestic violence offense
The Application Process:
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.
The applicant must certify to the above requirements. The penalty for any false statements by either party may include criminal prosecution for perjury.
The applicant must have a valid North Carolina driver's license bearing the correct, current address or another picture ID.
The processing period is generally seven days. At the time that the applicant returns for the permit, he or she shall be required to produce a valid driver's license or other form of current, valid photographic identification.
Permits cost $5.00 each. There is an administrative limit of five (5) permits per application. The permit is valid for five (5) years from issue date.
If Your Permit Request Is Denied
You will be notified in writing of the denial and the reason for it. If you wish to contest the administrative denial, you may appeal, in writing, to the Sheriff. You will be notified as to the results of the appeal within a reasonable time.
If the Sheriff upholds the administrative denial, you have the right to appeal, in writing, to the Chief District Judge for Duplin County. This decision is final.
Carrying and Transporting a Weapon
Before transporting a weapon out of state, contact the federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Division for the appropriate requirements.
Your Responsibilities
No one should consider acquiring a firearm unless he or she is willing to become thoroughly familiar with it and the laws governing its use. Any library has books on the operation of firearms, recommended ammunition, maintenance and safety procedures.
Knowing your weapon includes learning to aim and fire it accurately. Remember, your pistol is a tool. If you are not familiar with your weapon's safety features, you may become more dangerous than any assailant to yourself or innocent bystanders.
When you practice outdoors, you must have, in your possession, the written permission of the owner of the land if you are firing any centerfire weapon or ammunition. Even with rimfire ammunition, you must have actual permission to target shoot on another's property or within 1,000 feet of another's livestock.
A firearm is know in civil law as a dangerous instrumentality. This means that you owe the highest duty of care in the handling of your weapon. You must always exercise extreme caution when handling or practicing with your weapon. Some high-velocity ammunition can travel more than a mile.
Do not lend your weapon to another. You may be charged as an accessory to any crime committed with it or may incur civil liability for its use.
If your firearm is lost or stolen, report it to the appropriate jurisdiction immediately. Always keep the serial number, model and other descriptive information concerning your weapon readily available. It is nearly impossible to recover a stolen weapon if this information cannot be provided by the owner.
If you or anyone else with access to your weapon may consume alcohol, stimulants or other drugs, lock the weapon away. Alcohol and gunpowder don't mix any better than alcohol and gasoline.
Do not keep your weapon where anyone else, particularly a child, can find it. With the dangerously realistic "toy" weapons now on the market, a child cannot be relied upon to be able to distinguish the real thing. It is too late to worry about safety when your friend or a child is dead.
It Is a Crime to:
Point a gun, loaded or unloaded, at another without lawful excuse.
Threaten someone with a gun, loaded or unloaded, without lawful excuse, even if you don't point it at him or her directly.
Take a weapon onto State or Federal property, except for hunting with the permission of Wildlife Officers.
Possess a weapon on lands registered with the Wildlife Commission without a valid entry permit.
Discharge any firearm within 1,000 feet of animals or a residence without the permission of the owner.
Discharge any centerfire weapon for any reason, including hunting or target shooting, on the private property of another without the prior written permission of the land owner in your possession.
Fire a gun inside any city limits without the prior permission of the Chief of Police.
Self-Defense
Under our system of law, you cannot intentionally kill or seriously injure another human being simply to protect property or possessions. The use of deadly force should be a last resort, necessary for the protection of human life from an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury. Never point a weapon at another unless there is no other way. Once the trigger has been pulled, there is no way to recall the bullet. Your weapon and your actions are your responsibility.
Requirements for obtaining a Concealed Handgun Permit
Applications are available?
Applications must be typed or printed and notarized.
Fingerprint Hours: 08:30AM-11:00AM & 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Fees are as follows:
Application Fee: $80.00
Renewal Fee: $75.00
Duplicate $15.00
Fees are non-refundable and required by State Law.
Applicant must meet all application requirements
The Applicant must be:
21 years of age or older
a United States citizen
a resident of North Carolina for 30 days preceding the filing of the application.
The applicant must not suffer from a physical or mental infirmity that would prevent the safe handling of a handgun.
At the time of application, the applicant must present:
An original certificate of completion from a certified course adopted by the Criminal Justice Education Training Standards Commission. (716-6470)
Two full sets of fingerprints administered by the City County Bureau of Identification. (The cost for this service is $10.00.
Valid photographic identification and proof of residence.