Open Letter to NC FFLs
A Message From ATF

Good afternoon,

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) sent the following notice this morning regarding North Carolina FFLs. Please review the notice in its entirety.

From ATF:

Good morning,

On March 29, 2023, the North Carolina legislature overrode the Governor’s veto and North Carolina Senate Bill 41 became law. Among other provisions, this bill repealed N.C. Gen. Stat. § GS 14-402, which required persons in North Carolina to have a license or permit to purchase or receive a pistol. The Brady Act, 18 U.S.C. § 922(t)(3)(A) permits the use of a NICS alternate permit that “allows [a] person to possess or acquire a firearm.” Because North Carolina has repealed its pistol purchase law, a North Carolina pistol purchase permit no longer “allows [a] person to possess or acquire a firearm” and does not meet the criteria for a NICS alternate permit. Accordingly, North Carolina pistol purchase permits – regardless of when issued – may not be used on or after March 29, 2023, as an alternative to the NICS check requirement

The Open Letter to North Carolina FFLs was posted here for your reference.

Please contact FIPB@atf.gov if you have any questions.