Firearm Information
Handgun Permits
| Location and Hours of Operation |
Application for a handgun permit takes place on the 2nd floor (main entrance) of the Sheriff’s Office Administration Building located at 120 West Third Street in downtown Winston-Salem.
Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Each application - $5.00 plus Notary Fee - $3.00
Cash Only (division does not maintain funds to make change)
| Number of Permits Allotment |
May apply for up to 12 permits per calendar year. Exception may be made in writing directly to the Sheriff for additional
permits providing the Sheriff finds acceptable justification.
- Must apply in person.
- Must be able to properly complete application process.
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must provide current/valid identification in the form of either a N.C. Driver's License or N.C. State Identification Card.
- Must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
- Must be a resident of Forsyth County for a minimum of 6 months.
- Must provide proof of residency.
- Must provide a list of all previous addresses.
- Must be of good moral character.
- Must not have any pending charges or unserved papers.
- Must pass criminal history background check.
- Must be eligible to own, posses or receive a firearm under the provisions of State or Federal Law. See N.C. Firearm Laws.
The processing time for a handgun permit is 7 business days (State law mandates up to 30 days). Criminal history information
may result in a denial of an application. Letters of denial are sent to the applicant within the 7 business day time frame.
Individuals receiving a denial of application letter may appeal the denial to the Chief District Court Judge.
Once application is approved, the permit will be kept on file for pickup for a period of 30 days from the application date.
Thereafter, the permit expires. Applicant must provide proper identification when permit is picked up.
- Permit applications are taken under oath and notarized. False or fictitious information provided during the application process may cause the applicant to be criminally charged.
- Handgun permits are for the purpose of making a purchase of this type of weapon. The permit does not entitle the applicant to carry a concealed weapon.
- Once the permit is issued to the applicant, the permit is valid for a period of 5 years.
- Permit is not renewable or replaceable if lost or stolen.
- Division does not provide application status over the phone.
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