NEW Concealed Weapons Permit Laws 1 Aug 2009

[Onlinedad]

July 31, 2009
NEW CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT LAWS
Take Effect August 1, 2009
BISMARCK – Beginning August 1, 2009, applicants for a North Dakota Concealed
Weapon Permit will have a choice of permits. In an effort to increase the number of
states that recognize North Dakota’s concealed weapon permits, the new law creates a
two-tier system.
The Class 2 permit is available to anyone over the age of 18 who passes an open book
test, and is the same as the existing permit. To receive a Class 1 permit, however, the
applicant must be over 21, complete a course of classroom instruction, the open book
test, and pass a proficiency test.
“Some states refused to recognize our permits because North Dakota did not require a
concealed weapon permit holder to complete a shooting proficiency test,” said Attorney
General Wayne Stenehjem. “By creating a two-tier system, we are able to
accommodate existing permit holders and still offer a choice to people who are
interested in reciprocity with other states.”
Two states, Arizona and West Virginia, already have agreed to recognize our new Class
1 permits, although neither state will recognize Class 2 or existing permits. Eleven other
states that have not previously extended reciprocity, including Minnesota, are still
reviewing North Dakota’s new laws.
Other changes to the concealed weapons laws and rules that take effect on Saturday
include:
• Application fee increases to $45.00;
• All testing and classroom instruction must be conducted within the state.
• All existing permits automatically convert to a Class 2 permit on August 1, 2009,
and keep the same expiration date. Existing permit holders may apply to upgrade
to a Class 1 permit upon completion of the necessary testing requirements.
Detailed information about the new rules and application process, and a list of certified
test administrators, is available online from the Attorney General’s website, at
Concealed Weapons Permits.
There are currently 12,733 North Dakota concealed weapons permit holders.
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