JACKSON – Applying for a handgun permit in Northampton County can be as easy as the touch of a computer mouse.

Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith announced that effective Oct. 8, individuals wishing to purchase a handgun can apply for a permit online. Look for the On-line Handgun Permit Application when visiting www.northamptonnc.com/sheriff.asp.

“We’re getting onboard with the wave of technology,” said Smith. “Technology is replacing the normal paperwork procedure typically used by those wanting to apply for a handgun permit.”

The cost of the permit remains unchanged ($5). However, there is additional $3 fee to make an online application. That convenience fee is not collected by the Sheriff. This fee is paid to the company that provides this order, payment and processing system to the public. You do have the option of applying and paying via cash in person at the Sheriff’s office. By doing so, you will not be charged the convenience fee.

Once the permit is complete, applicants will be notified within the mandatory 7-to-10 day waiting period (needed to process the application). Upon being notified their application is approved, individuals can come to the Sheriff’s Office in Jackson, show the required photo identification, and pick-up their permit(s).

“This will make the process much easier for the public,” Smith said. “Before we went to this electronic process, a person wanting to apply for a handgun permit would have to do so during our regular business hours here at the office. Now, with the online process, a person can make a permit application from their home computer at any time, day, night, and weekends.”

For those without access to a computer, Smith has set one up in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office for the purpose of making permit application online.

“If you come into the office to use the computer here and are in need of help, we’ll gladly assist you with that process,” Smith said.

The Sheriff reminded those wishing to apply for a handgun permit that they must be a U.S. citizen, a naturalized citizen or a resident alien; be 18 years of age; have attained at least one month’s residency in Northampton County; at the time of permit pickup, provide a valid driver’s license or other picture ID with current address provided by the State of North Carolina; Resident Aliens must bring a resident alien card, social security card and a NC driver’s license or NC ID card; and Naturalized Citizens must bring your Naturalization Certificate or valid US Passport.

For those who have been convicted of any felony, or similar offense in any jurisdiction, or currently under indictment for any felonious offense; a fugitive from justice; have been convicted of a Domestic Violence Offense; have unresolved criminal charges pending; have a suspended driver’s license; dishonorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces; have a substantial history of convictions, arrests, or reports demonstrating a continuing pattern of criminal activity; or is an illegal alien or unlawfully residing in the United States, you are prohibited from applying for a handgun permit.