Amends GS 14-415.12 (Criteria to qualify for the issuance of a permit), changing the criteria in GS 14-415.12(a)(3) to establish that the applicant cannot suffer from a mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun, as determined by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Amends GS 14-415.13(a), preventing the sheriff from requesting from a person applying for a concealed handgun permit information, character affidavits, additional background checks, photographs, or other information unless required by this article.

Deletes language requiring the submission of a release form that authorizes disclosure to the sheriff concerning mental health issues or capacity.  Mental health background checks, through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, are now found in GS 14-415.12(a)(3), as described above.

Amends GS 14-415.15 (Issuance or denial of permit), deleting the language in GS 14-415.15(a) that required records concerning the mental health or capacity of the applicant be submitted to the sheriff for the issuance of a permit.  Deletes language stating that an appeal of a permit denial in district court is a final determination.

Amends GS 14-415.19 (Fees), by adding a new subsection GS 14-415.19(c), providing that no fees other than those authorized under this section will be charged to any person for the application, renewal, or duplication of a permit issued under this Article, even for the cost of processing fingerprints, even if costs were incurred by the sheriff.

Effective October 1, 2013.