Can a felon own a gun in North Carolina?

North Carolina prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. For nonviolent felonies, a person may petition the court for restoration of firearm rights under NCGS 14-415.4. The requirements are very stringent, including a 20-year waiting period after rights are otherwise restored.

How can a felon restore gun rights in North Carolina?

Petition the district court under NCGS 14-415.4 (nonviolent felonies, 20-year wait, single felony only), or seek a gubernatorial pardon.

What is the waiting period for gun rights restoration in North Carolina?

20 years after restoration of citizenship rights for court petition. The 20-year clock starts after completion of sentence.

Are there exceptions to gun rights restoration in North Carolina?

Only nonviolent felony convictions are eligible for the court petition process. Violent felonies require a gubernatorial pardon. Only one felony conviction is allowed on the record to qualify. Pardons in NC are extremely rare (only 16 granted 2001-2024).

Can a convicted felon ever own a gun in North Carolina?

Yes, but it is extremely difficult. For a nonviolent felony (single conviction only), you may petition the district court for restoration — but only after a 20-year waiting period following restoration of citizenship rights. For violent felonies, only a governor's pardon can restore gun rights, and North Carolina pardons are among the rarest in the nation. The federal prohibition under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) also applies independently.

Why is there a 20-year waiting period for gun rights restoration in North Carolina?

The 20-year waiting period was established by the General Assembly when it enacted N.C.G.S. 14-415.4 in 2010. The legislature determined that a long period of law-abiding conduct after a felony conviction was necessary to demonstrate rehabilitation before firearms rights could be restored. This is one of the longest waiting periods in the nation for a court-based restoration process.

How much does it cost to petition for firearms rights restoration?

The filing fee is $200, payable at the time the petition is filed with the district court. Additional costs may include attorney fees (if you hire a lawyer), certified copies of your criminal records, and any other documentation required for the petition.

What are my chances of getting a governor's pardon in North Carolina?

Extremely low. Between 2001 and 2024, only 16 pardons were granted in North Carolina. The Governor has full discretion and is not bound by any legal criteria. Pardons are generally considered a last resort for individuals who have no other path to restoration. If you are eligible for the court petition process (nonviolent felony, 20-year wait), that is typically a more realistic pathway.

Does the automatic restoration of citizenship rights (voting) after sentence completion also restore my gun rights?

No. North Carolina automatically restores voting rights and other citizenship rights under Chapter 13 of the General Statutes upon completion of your sentence. However, firearms rights are addressed separately under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4 and require a separate petition with a 20-year waiting period. The restoration of citizenship rights is the starting point for the 20-year clock — not the endpoint.

Can I possess a firearm in my home even with a felony conviction?

No. North Carolina's prohibition under N.C.G.S. 14-415.1 is not limited to public carry — it prohibits a felon from purchasing, owning, possessing, or having in their custody, care, or control any firearm, regardless of location. This includes possession in your home, vehicle, or any other location.

How does the new federal 18 U.S.C. 925(c) program affect North Carolina residents?

The DOJ is developing a process under 18 U.S.C. 925(c) to allow individuals with federal firearms disabilities to petition for relief. This program was dormant since 1992 and is expected to begin accepting applications in 2026. It may be particularly significant for North Carolina residents, given the state's extremely long 20-year waiting period — the federal process could potentially provide relief sooner than the state process, at least for the federal prohibition.

Felon Gun Rights in North Carolina

Must petition for restoration

It depends, but restoration is extremely difficult. If you were convicted of a nonviolent felony and have only one felony conviction, you may petition the district court to restore your firearms rights — but only after a 20-year waiting period following restoration of your citizenship rights. For violent felonies, only a governor's pardon can restore gun rights, and pardons in North Carolina are exceedingly rare. The federal prohibition under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) also applies independently.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

North Carolina prohibits all convicted felons from possessing firearms under N.C.G.S. 14-415.1. The state has an extraordinarily stringent restoration process: for nonviolent felonies, a person may petition the district court under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4, but only after their citizenship rights have been restored for at least 20 years, they have only one felony conviction, and they meet numerous additional requirements. For violent felonies, only a governor's pardon can restore gun rights — and North Carolina pardons are among the rarest in the nation (only 16 granted between 2001 and 2024). This makes North Carolina one of the most difficult states in which to restore felon gun rights.

Quick Answer

Federal Law — 18 USC 922(g)

The federal prohibition under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) applies independently of North Carolina law. North Carolina automatically restores citizenship rights (voting, holding office) upon completion of sentence under Chapter 13 of the General Statutes — but this does NOT restore firearms rights, which are addressed separately under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4. A successful court petition under 14-415.4 may satisfy the federal 'civil rights restored' exception because it represents a formal judicial restoration of firearms rights. A governor's pardon would also address the federal ban. The DOJ's new 18 U.S.C. 925(c) process, expected in 2026, may provide an additional federal pathway.

Can restore gun rights

✓Persons convicted of a single nonviolent felony who have had their citizenship rights restored for at least 20 years, have been a North Carolina resident for at least 1 year, have had no felony or violent misdemeanor convictions since the original felony, and successfully petition the district court under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4
✓Persons who receive a governor's pardon (Pardon of Forgiveness or Unconditional Pardon) that restores firearms rights
✓Persons whose felony convictions are reversed, vacated, or expunged
✓Persons convicted of nonviolent felonies in other jurisdictions who have had their civil rights (including firearms) restored by that jurisdiction for at least 20 years and have been discharged unconditionally

Cannot restore gun rights

✗Persons convicted of violent felonies (Class A, B1, or B2 felonies; Class C-I felonies involving assault as an essential element; any felony involving possession or use of a firearm or deadly weapon) — only a governor's pardon can restore rights
✗Persons with more than one felony conviction (even if all are nonviolent) — the court petition process requires only a single felony conviction
✗Persons convicted of a federal or state misdemeanor crime of violence since the felony conviction
✗Persons who have not been North Carolina residents for at least 1 year before filing the petition
✗Persons whose citizenship rights have been restored for fewer than 20 years
✗Persons who are subject to any active domestic violence protective order

Step-by-Step Process

Verify that your conviction is a nonviolent felony

Under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4(e), a 'nonviolent felony' excludes: any Class A, B1, or B2 felony; any Class C through I felony that involves an assault as an essential element of the offense; any felony that includes the possession or use of a firearm or deadly weapon as an essential or non-essential element; and certain other violent offenses. If your conviction is classified as violent under this definition, the court petition process is unavailable — only a governor's pardon can restore your rights.

Confirm that 20 years have passed since restoration of citizenship rights

North Carolina automatically restores citizenship rights (voting, holding office) upon completion of your sentence under Chapter 13 of the General Statutes. The 20-year clock for the firearms restoration petition starts from the date your citizenship rights were restored — typically the date you completed your sentence (including probation, parole, and post-release supervision). You must have been free of felony convictions and violent misdemeanor convictions during this entire 20-year period.

Verify residency and single-felony requirement

You must have been a resident of North Carolina for at least 1 year before filing the petition. You must also have only one felony conviction on your record — multiple felony convictions from the same event that were consolidated for sentencing count as one felony for this purpose. If you have more than one felony conviction from separate events, you are ineligible for the court petition.

Obtain and complete the petition form

Obtain Form CV-654 (Petition and Order for Restoration of Firearm Rights) from the North Carolina Judicial Branch website (nccourts.gov). Complete all sections of the form, including details about your conviction, sentence completion, and rehabilitation. You will need certified copies of your criminal history and conviction records.

File the petition and pay the filing fee

File the completed petition in the district court of the district where you reside. A $200 filing fee is required at the time of filing. The petition must be served on the district attorney of the prosecutorial district where you reside.

Attend the court hearing

The district court will schedule a hearing on your petition. The district attorney may support or oppose the petition. The court will evaluate whether you meet all statutory requirements, including the 20-year waiting period, single felony conviction, nonviolent classification, residency, and absence of subsequent violent convictions. The court has discretion to grant or deny the petition.

Alternative: Apply for a governor's pardon

If you are ineligible for the court petition (violent felony, multiple felonies, or less than 20 years since restoration), you may apply for a governor's pardon. Submit a petition to the Governor's Office. There is no standardized application — you must prepare a written request with supporting documentation. You must wait at least 5 years after release from supervision before applying. Note that North Carolina pardons are extremely rare: only 16 were granted between 2001 and 2024.

Waiting Period

For the court petition under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4, you must wait at least 20 years after your citizenship rights are restored (typically the date of sentence completion). This is one of the longest waiting periods in the nation. For a governor's pardon, you must wait at least 5 years after release from supervision before applying, but there is no guaranteed timeline for a decision — and pardons are exceedingly rare in North Carolina.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
N.C.G.S. 14-415.1 — Possession of Firearms by Felon Prohibited	1971	The core prohibition statute. Makes it a Class G felony (8-31 months imprisonment) for any person convicted of a felony to purchase, own, possess, or have in their custody, care, or control any firearm or weapon of mass death and destruction. Also prohibits possession of certain other weapons.
N.C.G.S. 14-415.4 — Restoration of Firearms Rights	2010	Establishes the court petition process for restoring firearms rights for nonviolent felony convictions. Requires: single nonviolent felony, 20 years since citizenship rights restored, 1 year NC residency, no subsequent felony or violent misdemeanor convictions, and a $200 filing fee. Only applies to nonviolent felonies as narrowly defined in the statute.
N.C.G.S. Chapter 13 — Restoration of Citizenship Rights	1971	Provides for automatic restoration of citizenship rights (voting, holding office) upon completion of a felony sentence. This is the trigger for the 20-year clock under 14-415.4 — the waiting period runs from the date citizenship rights are restored.
N.C. Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 5(6) — Governor's Power of Clemency	1971	Grants the Governor the power to grant pardons after conviction. The Governor has full discretion and is not bound by any legal criteria. Pardons in North Carolina are historically rare — only 16 were granted between 2001 and 2024.
18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) — Federal Felon-in-Possession Prohibition	1968	The federal law independently prohibiting firearm possession by anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. Applies in North Carolina regardless of state law.

Edge Cases

I have two felony convictions from the same event that were consolidated for sentencing. Can I still petition?

Yes. Under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4(b), 'multiple felony convictions arising from the same event and consolidated for sentencing count as one felony' for purposes of the petition process. You must still meet all other requirements: nonviolent classification, 20-year waiting period, residency, and no subsequent violent convictions.

My felony was for drug possession (not violent). Is it considered 'nonviolent' under 14-415.4?

Most likely, yes. Drug possession offenses are typically classified as nonviolent under 14-415.4, provided the conviction does not involve an element of assault, use of a firearm or deadly weapon, or other disqualifying factors. However, drug trafficking offenses may have different characteristics depending on the specific statute of conviction. Review the statutory definition carefully or consult an attorney.

I was convicted in another state. Can I petition for firearms restoration in North Carolina?

Yes, under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4(c). A person convicted of a nonviolent felony in another jurisdiction may petition if: at least 20 years have passed since their unconditional discharge or unconditional pardon by the convicting jurisdiction, their civil rights (including firearm rights) have been restored in that jurisdiction, and they meet all other North Carolina requirements (residency, single felony, no subsequent violent convictions). This is a narrow pathway because many states do not restore firearms rights automatically.

If the court grants my petition, can my gun rights be revoked later?

Yes. Under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4(d), if a person whose firearms rights have been restored is subsequently convicted of any felony, their firearms rights are 'automatically forfeited and revoked.' There is no second chance — a subsequent felony conviction permanently revokes the restored rights.

I was convicted of a Class C felony for a drug offense. Is this considered violent?

Not necessarily. The 'nonviolent' definition under 14-415.4 excludes Class A, B1, and B2 felonies automatically. For Class C through I felonies, the exclusion applies only if the offense involves assault as an essential element, or the possession or use of a firearm or deadly weapon. A Class C drug trafficking offense, for example, would likely be considered nonviolent unless it involved one of these elements. The determination depends on the specific offense, not just the class.

Can I possess long guns (rifles/shotguns) even if I cannot possess handguns?

No. North Carolina's prohibition under N.C.G.S. 14-415.1 covers all firearms — handguns, rifles, shotguns, and 'any weapon of mass death and destruction.' There is no distinction between long guns and handguns under North Carolina's felon-in-possession law. This differs from some other states that only restrict handguns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a convicted felon ever own a gun in North Carolina?: Yes, but it is extremely difficult. For a nonviolent felony (single conviction only), you may petition the district court for restoration — but only after a 20-year waiting period following restoration of citizenship rights. For violent felonies, only a governor's pardon can restore gun rights, and North Carolina pardons are among the rarest in the nation. The federal prohibition under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) also applies independently.
Why is there a 20-year waiting period for gun rights restoration in North Carolina?: The 20-year waiting period was established by the General Assembly when it enacted N.C.G.S. 14-415.4 in 2010. The legislature determined that a long period of law-abiding conduct after a felony conviction was necessary to demonstrate rehabilitation before firearms rights could be restored. This is one of the longest waiting periods in the nation for a court-based restoration process.
How much does it cost to petition for firearms rights restoration?: The filing fee is $200, payable at the time the petition is filed with the district court. Additional costs may include attorney fees (if you hire a lawyer), certified copies of your criminal records, and any other documentation required for the petition.
What qualifies as a 'nonviolent felony' for purposes of the restoration petition?: Under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4(e), a nonviolent felony is any felony EXCEPT: Class A, B1, or B2 felonies; Class C through I felonies that involve an assault as an essential element; felonies involving the possession or use of a firearm or deadly weapon as an essential or non-essential element; and certain other violent offenses. Drug possession offenses, property crimes, and financial crimes are typically considered nonviolent.
What are my chances of getting a governor's pardon in North Carolina?: Extremely low. Between 2001 and 2024, only 16 pardons were granted in North Carolina. The Governor has full discretion and is not bound by any legal criteria. Pardons are generally considered a last resort for individuals who have no other path to restoration. If you are eligible for the court petition process (nonviolent felony, 20-year wait), that is typically a more realistic pathway.
Does the automatic restoration of citizenship rights (voting) after sentence completion also restore my gun rights?: No. North Carolina automatically restores voting rights and other citizenship rights under Chapter 13 of the General Statutes upon completion of your sentence. However, firearms rights are addressed separately under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4 and require a separate petition with a 20-year waiting period. The restoration of citizenship rights is the starting point for the 20-year clock — not the endpoint.
Can I possess a firearm in my home even with a felony conviction?: No. North Carolina's prohibition under N.C.G.S. 14-415.1 is not limited to public carry — it prohibits a felon from purchasing, owning, possessing, or having in their custody, care, or control any firearm, regardless of location. This includes possession in your home, vehicle, or any other location.
How does the new federal 18 U.S.C. 925(c) program affect North Carolina residents?: The DOJ is developing a process under 18 U.S.C. 925(c) to allow individuals with federal firearms disabilities to petition for relief. This program was dormant since 1992 and is expected to begin accepting applications in 2026. It may be particularly significant for North Carolina residents, given the state's extremely long 20-year waiting period — the federal process could potentially provide relief sooner than the state process, at least for the federal prohibition.

Take Action — Direct Links

NC Judicial Branch — Petition and Order for Restoration of Firearm Rights (Form CV-654)
Official court form for petitioning for restoration of firearm rights under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4.
UNC School of Government — Firearm Rights After Felony Conviction
Comprehensive legal analysis of North Carolina's felon firearms prohibition and restoration process from UNC's School of Government.
NC General Assembly — N.C.G.S. 14-415.4 (Full Statute Text)
Full text of the firearms rights restoration statute, including all eligibility requirements and definitions.
Governor's Office — Clemency Information
Information on applying for a governor's pardon in North Carolina, including the clemency process.
CCRC — North Carolina Restoration of Rights Profile
Comprehensive overview of North Carolina rights restoration from the Collateral Consequences Resource Center.
NC Courts — Expungement Information
Information on expungement eligibility and process in North Carolina, which may be relevant if your conviction can be expunged.
DOJ — Federal Firearm Rights Restoration (925(c))
Information on the new federal firearms rights restoration process under 18 U.S.C. 925(c), expected to begin accepting applications in 2026.