Non-Resident permit · AL → ND
Is a Alabama Non-Resident Permit Valid in North Dakota?
Alabama has no non-resident permit program (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). Travelers who want multi-state coverage usually pair their home-state permit with a widely honored non-resident permit from another state.
Why
- Alabama does not issue carry permits to non-residents (alea: alabama issues concealed carry permits only to alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence).
AG: 'North Dakota will honor a valid concealed carry license/permit (resident and non-resident) issued by a state that has agreed to recognize a North Dakota license' (NDCC 62.1-04-03.1) — the honored list above is the AG's list of states recognizing the ND Class 1 license. Separately, any adult 18+ with a valid US state/territory ID who may lawfully possess can carry permitless regardless of permits.
The permit (Alabama)
- Permit
- Alabama Concealed Carry Permit (Pistol Permit)
- Issued by
- County sheriff
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- No — ALEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence.
The destination (North Dakota)
- Recognition policy
- Honors a named list of 39 states
- Permitless carry
- Yes (18+)
- Duty to inform
- No (present permit on demand)
- Magazine limit
- No state limit
Carry rules in North Dakota
North Dakota's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.
- Not proactive by statute: license carriers must produce the license for inspection upon an officer's request, and permitless carriers must disclose the firearm if the officer inquires and show state ID on request (NDCC 62.1-04-04; $20 noncriminal fee). The AG's Constitutional Carry page nonetheless instructs permitless carriers to inform law enforcement on any in-person contact — safest practice is to inform.
- North Dakota sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
- North Dakota allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
- A loaded handgun in a vehicle is legal for ND licensees, out-of-state reciprocity carriers, and permitless-eligible individuals carrying a valid state/territory ID (NDCC 62.1-02-10(3),(8)).
Off-limits places in North Dakota
- Bar areas set aside for alcohol sale/consumption, and bingo gaming sites (NDCC 62.1-02-04)
- Schools and school-sponsored events on school property
- Churches and other places of worship (unless the congregation authorizes)
- Publicly owned or operated buildings (NDCC 62.1-02-05 'public gatherings')
Frequently asked questions
- Is a Alabama non-resident permit valid in North Dakota?
- Alabama has no non-resident permit program (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). Travelers who want multi-state coverage usually pair their home-state permit with a widely honored non-resident permit from another state.
- Do I have to tell police in North Dakota that I am carrying?
- Not proactive by statute: license carriers must produce the license for inspection upon an officer's request, and permitless carriers must disclose the firearm if the officer inquires and show state ID on request (NDCC 62.1-04-04; $20 noncriminal fee). The AG's Constitutional Carry page nonetheless instructs permitless carriers to inform law enforcement on any in-person contact — safest practice is to inform.
- Does North Dakota limit magazine capacity?
- North Dakota sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
- Can I carry in North Dakota without any permit?
- North Dakota allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
- Does Alabama issue non-resident carry permits?
- No. Alabama issues carry permits to residents only (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.
Official sources
- ND Attorney General — Reciprocity with Other States (honors resident and non-resident licenses; Class 1/Class 2 lists) — accessed 2026-08-08
- ND Attorney General — Constitutional Concealed Carry (18+, any state/territory ID, inform-on-contact guidance) — accessed 2026-08-08
- ND Attorney General — Eligibility for a Concealed Weapon License (ages 18/21, residency and non-resident criteria) — accessed 2026-08-08
- NDCC Chapter 62.1-04 — Concealed Weapons (62.1-04-02, -03, -03.1, -04) — accessed 2026-08-08
- NDCC Chapter 62.1-02 — Possession of Weapons (liquor establishments, public gatherings, vehicle carry) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Alabama Attorney General — Reciprocity For Concealed Carry Permits (current as of May 1, 2026) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency — Gun Laws — accessed 2026-08-08
- Jefferson County Sheriff — Understanding the New Permit-less Carry Law — accessed 2026-08-08
- Jefferson County Sheriff — Pistol Permits (issuing authority; age 19, 18 military) — accessed 2026-08-08