Anyone wanting to carry a concealed handgun legally under North Carolina's new law must meet certain requirements, including:

* Must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years old and a resident of North Carolina for at least 30 days.

* Must successfully complete an approved firearms safety and training course that covers, among other things, state laws regarding use of deadly force.

* Cannot suffer from a physical or mental infirmity that prevents safe handling of a gun.

* Cannot have any previous felony conviction.

* Cannot be under indictment for or be subject to a finding of probable cause involving a felony.

* Cannot have a history of criminal violence.

* Cannot have a history of mental illness.

* Cannot have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

* Cannot be a fugitive from justice.

* Cannot have been discharged from the military under conditions less than honorable.

* Cannot have been convicted within the past three years of driving while impaired.

* Cannot have a trial, appeal or sentencing pending for a crime that would disqualify the applicant from obtaining a concealed handgun permit.

* Cannot have entered a prayer for judgment for a crime that would disqualify the applicant from obtaining a concealed handgun permit.

Those who meet the requirements must submit to their local sheriffs:

* An application form completed under oath.