<P> Any other possession or use of fully automatic weapons in North Carolina is unlawful . </P> <P> The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 is a federal law that allows out - of - state sworn law enforcement officers to carry concealed handguns in all states . These out - of - state law enforcement officers may carry in certain areas of North Carolina as long as they are a qualified officer of a governmental agency . They must also be authorized by law to enforce criminal laws with the statutory powers of arrest and be authorized to carry firearms with their agency . The officer must carry valid photo identification as an officer . In North Carolina, the out - of - state officer may not carry in either public or private areas where the possession of firearms is prohibited . Certain qualified retired officers may also be eligible to carry concealed handguns in North Carolina . </P> <P> To acquire a handgun in North Carolina (including private sales, gifts, and inheritance) an individual must go to the county sheriff's office in the county in which they reside and obtain a pistol purchase permit . This is not required if one has a CHP (Concealed Handgun Permit). State law requires the applicant to appear in person with government ID, pay a $5 fee, undergo a background check similar in scope and scrutiny to NICS, and have a reason for owning a pistol (hunting, target shooting, self defense, or collecting). Because there are 100 different counties in North Carolina, there are different sets of rules and requirements for obtaining such a permit, which can be determined arbitrarily by the local sheriff . Some sheriffs impose other restrictions such as a limit on the number of permits applied for at a time, waiting periods, and / or proof of good moral character (a witness or references, in some cases notarized with affidavits). The Pistol Purchase requirements are a holdover from Jim Crow laws that were designed to prevent African - Americans and other minorities from easily obtaining handguns . </P> <P> In accordance to North Carolina Law, no county or local government can require handgun registration . </P>

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