Renewal applications for Concealed Handgun Permits are accepted in-person on a first-come, first-serve basis with no appointment necessary. You must submit your renewal application no more than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of your permit.
The hours are as follows:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (excluding Holidays)
The Sheriff’s Office also offers limited appointments. Please see our “View On-line calendar” below to schedule the preferred available date and time for an appointment.
Location
Application for a handgun permit takes place at the Forsyth County Public Safety Center located at 301 N. Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Fee
Renewal Application - $80.00 (includes notary fee)
Method of Payment
Cash or Credit/Debit cards are accepted.
*A processing fee will be charged by the vendor for each transaction.*
Renewal Applications (Print all 4 forms)
- Address Attachment
- Application for Concealed Handgun Permit
- Mental Health Records Authorization of Release
- CHP Mental Health Affidavit
Application Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must provide current/valid identification in the form of either a N.C. Drivers License or N.C. Identification card showing your Forsyth County address.
- Must provide a list of previous addresses within for past 20 years or until the age of 18. Your current address must be listed first.
- Must have successfully completed an approved N. C. Concealed Handgun Training Course and provide the original certificate with application.
- Sworn Law Enforcement Officers and Armed Security personnel may exempt the CHP class requirement by bringing in a copy of their most recent qualification scores signed by either their range officer or direct supervisor.
- Must provide complete set of legible fingerprints (taken at time of application).
Processing Information for Concealed Handgun 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 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 your application. Applicant must provide proper identification when permit is picked up.
General Information
- Permit is valid for a period of 5 years.
- 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.
- When a change of address occurs, applicant must notify the Permits Unit within thirty 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.
- For further assistance or questions, contact our office at permits@fcso.us
