![North Dakota State Flag](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/North-Dakota-State-Flag.png)
First Things First
Since North Dakota already allows for permitless concealed carry, it makes sense that it would be a shall-issue state, and will issue a concealed weapons license (CWL) as long as you meet the requirements and submit all the required information. Those from out of state also will be happy to know that the state does issue non-resident CWLs. The catch is that the testing requirements that are part of the application process cannot be waived, and must be done in North Dakota. Unless you are already going to be stopping by the state, you are better off applying for a non-resident CCW permit from Arizona, Florida, or Utah.So what do I need to do?
To qualify for a North Dakota CWL, you actually need to first decide which version of the CWL you want before applying with your local sheriff’s office. To qualify for a Class 2 license, you must:- Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident alien;
- Be legally allowed to own a firearm (well, yeah);
- Be 18 or older;
- Be a resident of North Dakota for at least a year; and
- Provide proof of completion of the training requirements.
So which version should you choose?
As long as you are 21 or older, you should apply for the Class 1 license. It has more requirements for the testing portion, but many states will not recognize a Class 2 license from North Dakota when it comes to reciprocity.What about the testing requirements?
Once you decide which type of license you want to get, you’ll need to take the test for the correct license you are applying for. Both Class 2 and Class 1 licenses include an open book test from a manual on the weapons safety rules and deadly force laws of North Dakota. You’ll also have to show proficiency in a course of fire. The course of fire in the testing includes demonstrating competency in:- The loading and unloading of a firearm;
- Use of safety devices;
- Basic firearm functioning; and
- Minimal accuracy.
- Complete classroom instruction;
- Demonstrate familiarity with your firearm; and
- Successfully complete a firearms proficiency (live fire) test.
![North Dakota CWL](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/North-Dakota-CWL.png)
Time for an Upgrade
If you absolutely must have a CWL and only qualify for a Class 2, that’s perfectly understandable. Just keep in mind, when you qualify for a Class 1 CWL 3 years later when you turn 21, you’ll need to go through the entire application process again, and also go through the same testing that is required for getting a Class 1 CWL. If you decide to renew your Class 2 CWL, then no additional testing is required, with the only downside being that you still have a Class 2 CWL instead of a Class 1.The Waiting Game
Once you’ve figured out which class of CWL to apply for, gone through the testing, and completed the application, you’ll need to wait about 60 days to get a decision on your CWL. Since North Dakota is a shall-issue state, as long as you did everything correctly, you’ll have a shiny new CWL in the mail at the end of 2 months. If you get a denial letter in the mail instead, then the letter will state why you were denied, and how you can fix the mistake. Either way, when you eventually get that CWL, you’ll want to keep it, along with your driver’s license, on you at all times to present to law enforcement officers when asked. Aside from that, just remember to renew it every 5 years!Where do you think you’re going?
Even with your CWL, you still aren’t allowed to carry your handgun into some places. For those of you who already checked out our North Dakota gun laws section, you’ll remember that even with permitless carry, some places are still off limits. Carrying is prohibited at:- Liquor establishments;
- Gaming sites (i.e. casinos);
- Athletic or sporting events;
- Schools or school functions;
- Church or church functions;
- Political rallies or functions;
- Music concerts; and
- Publicly owned parks where hunting is not allowed, or publicly owned or operated buildings, not including federal or state parks or buildings.
![Safe in trunk of car](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Safe-in-trunk-of-car-e1511832835680.png)
Reciprocity
The entire reason for getting a CWL in the first place! For those of you who qualify, here is where you can see that a Class 1 permit makes a lot more sense than a Class 2 CWL. A Class 1 CWL is recognized in:- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Viriginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
![North Dakota Reciprocity Map](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/North-Dakota-Reciprocity-Map.png)
- Arizona
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin