-Applicant must be a citizen, a naturalized citizen or a resident alien*
-Applicant must be twenty-one (21) years of age
-Must provide proof of residency in Polk County
-Must provide a valid driver's license or other picture ID with current address provided by the state of NC
-Applicant MUST complete the application online through Permitium (Select Apply for Purchase Permit above).
Gun Permits/Concealed Handgun Permits can be notarized at:
Polk County Sheriff's Office
164 Government Complex Dr.
Columbus, NC 28722
A criminal background check must be performed before granting of permit.
*Resident Aliens should bring resident alien card, social security card and NC driver's license or NC ID card. Naturalized Citizens should bring Naturalization Certificate or valid US Passport.
-Permits to purchase handguns cost $5 (plus $3 online convenience fee) each.
-Applications are accepted and processed Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm (Closed Holidays).
-Permit to purchase a handgun is valid for a period of five (5) years from date of issue.
-Please allow fourteen (14) days for processing of application and criminal background check.
The online application will incur an additional $3.00 convenience fee that is assessed by the third party software vendor. (Please note that this convenience fee is not collected by the Sheriff's Office.)
Guns must be carried in plain view. Guns must not be carried in a pocket, purse, under a car seat or in any other concealed manner unless you have a concealed handgun permit.