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Gun Purchase Permits  

Pistol Purchase Permits

Applications taken Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Closed Holidays)

Criteria to apply for a Pistol Purchase Permit:

  1. An applicant must be a resident of Buncombe County for at least 30 days.
  2. An applicant must be 21 years of age.
  3. Current North Carolina Picture ID (Drivers License or Identification Card).
  4. Be a citizen, a naturalized citizen or resident alien

Applicant may receive up to TEN permits per year -$5.00 fee per permit.

Permit to Purchase a Handgun is valid for a period of five years from the date of issuance.

Please allow up to 30 days for processing of applications and criminal background check.

Persons not eligible include anyone:

  1. Under indictment or against whom a finding of probable cause exists for a felony
  2. Found guilty in any court for a felony
  3. Who is a fugitive from justice
  4. Who is an unlawful user of or addicted to illegal drugs;
  5. Discharged from the armed forces for other than honorable reasons
  6. Who has been ruled mentally ill or lacking mental capacity
  7. Ineligible to own, possess or receive a firearm under the provisions of state or federal law
  8. Fully satisfied as to the good moral character of the applicant
  9. Found guilty of a crime or crimes of domestic violence or has an active Restraining Order