Carry Concealed Handgun Permits

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has had an operational change for issuance of concealed handgun permit applications. Please choose from the following links to obtain instructions concerning our services.

Location

Application for a concealed handgun permit takes place at the Forsyth County Public Safety Center located at 301 N. Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.

Hours of Operation

The Sheriff’s Office accepts applications for concealed carry handgun permits in-person in two ways; walk-in on a first-come, first-serve basis or by appointment. Please see each service requested for hours and days of operation.

Fees

New Application - $95.00 (includes notary fee and fingerprinting fee)
Renewal Application - $80.00 (includes notary fee)
Duplicate - $15.00

Method of Payment

Cash or Credit/Debit cards are accepted.

*A processing fee will be charged by the vendor for each transaction.*

Processing Information for Concealed Carry Weapons Permit

Processing may take up to 45 days after the background check is complete and all mental health returns are received. This process generally takes 60-90 days from the date of application. If the application for a permit is denied, the applicant will be notified in writing stating the reason for the denial. An applicant may appeal the denial, revocation, or non-renewal of a permit by petitioning the Chief District Court Judge.

The Permits Unit does not provide application status over the phone. Any applicant wanting to check the status after 90 days from application date of a permit may request an update by emailing permits@fcso.us or by appearing in person at the Sheriff's Office. Once the permit is approved, the applicant will be contacted by an auto dialer via the phone number provided at time of application. The applicant must appear in person and provide proper identification when picking up the permit.

General Information

  • 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.
  • Permit is valid for a period of five (5) years.
  • Must be a resident of North Carolina for a minimum of 30 days and provide proof of being a Forsyth County Resident. (Such as a NC ID or Driver's License with a Forsyth County address)
  • Renewal of existing permit can be submitted up to 90 days before the expiration date. Failure to renew an existing permit prior to the expiration date may result in requiring a new firearms safety certificate.
  • If a permit is lost or stolen, the applicant must immediately notify the Permits Unit in person and sign an affidavit. A duplicate card will be initiated at the fee listed above.
  • When a change of address occurs, applicant must notify the Permits Unit in person within thirty (30) days. There is no fee incurred for this process, unless the individual requests a duplicate permit. If a duplicate permit is not obtained, the Change of Address Form must be kept with existing permit at all times.
  • Fingerprints are submitted to the SBI and FBI for criminal background checks; rejection of fingerprints may result in the denial of an application.
  • There is no fingerprint requirement on renewals if prints were submitted electronically via AFIS machine after June 30, 2001.
  • State law allows individuals who possess a Concealed Handgun Permit to make handgun purchases without a handgun permit (but it is also at the dealer's discretion to require a purchase permit).
  • For further assistance or questions, contact our office at permits@fcso.us
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