Find Gun Policy Facts

Armed violence prevention, gun control laws and the small arms trade:

Research supported by

Go To...

Northern Mariana Islands — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

expand all collapse all

StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in the Northern Mariana Islands is 1,9901

Compare
Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in the Northern Mariana Islands is 2.551 firearms per 100 people

Compare
Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in the Northern Mariana Islands is reported to be 1,9901

Compare
Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered firearms per 100 people in the Northern Mariana Islands is 2.522

ProductionGun Industry

Compare
Firearm Manufacture

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence3 4

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

In the Northern Mariana Islands, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 5

Import Control

In the Northern Mariana Islands, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 5 6

Compare
Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to the Northern Mariana Islands is reported to be US$38,1947 (2007)

Compare
Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in the Northern Mariana Islands is moderate8

Compare
Regulation of Arms Brokers

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law9

Compare
End User Certificates

Customs regulations in the Northern Mariana Islands do not include9 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

Compare
Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in the Northern Mariana Islands is categorised as permissive10

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in the Northern Mariana Islands is the Commonwealth Weapons Control Act11 12

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in the Northern Mariana Islands are regulated by the Department of Public Safety13

Compare
Right to Possess Firearms

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law9

Compare
Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In the Northern Mariana Islands, civilians are not allowed to possess all firearms other than .22 calibre rifles and .410 gauge shotguns14

Compare
Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In the Northern Mariana Islands, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited14

Compare
Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In the Northern Mariana Islands, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is prohibited14

Compare
Regulation of Handguns

In the Northern Mariana Islands, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is prohibited14

Compare
Gun Owner Licensing

In the Northern Mariana Islands, only licensed gun owners13 15 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Compare
Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in the Northern Mariana Islands are not required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm13 9

Compare
Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in the Northern Mariana Islands is 21 years15

Compare
Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in the Northern Mariana Islands undefined13 required to pass background checks

Compare
Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In the Northern Mariana Islands, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required9

Compare
Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in the Northern Mariana Islands does not stipulate9 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

Compare
Firearm Safety Training

In the Northern Mariana Islands, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required16 for a firearm licence

Compare
Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in the Northern Mariana Islands are permitted to possess any number of permitted firearms9

Compare
Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

A licensed firearm owner in the Northern Mariana Islands is permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition9

Firearm Registration

Compare
Civilian Gun Registration

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the law requires17 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

Compare
Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In the Northern Mariana Islands, licensed firearm dealers are required17 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Compare
Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In the Northern Mariana Islands, licensed gun makers are not required9 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

Compare
Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited18 19

Compare
Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In the Northern Mariana Islands, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful18 19 20

Compare
Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is 15 days13

Compare
Regulation of Gun Shows

In the Northern Mariana Islands, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated9 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in the Northern Mariana Islands include21 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in the Northern Mariana Islands include20 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in the Northern Mariana Islands include6 22 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm Marking

In the Northern Mariana Islands, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law3

Compare
Firearm Tracing

In the Northern Mariana Islands, state authorities do not carry out9 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Compare
Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In the Northern Mariana Islands, state authorities do not employ9 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

Carrying Guns

Compare
Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In the Northern Mariana Islands, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is prohibited22

Compare
Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In the Northern Mariana Islands, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is prohibited22

Compare
Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is up to 5 years prison and/or a fine of up to $5,00023

Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Compare
Destruction and Disposal Policy

In the Northern Mariana Islands, it is not state policy9 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, the Northern Mariana Islands is not a Member State of the United Nations

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list24 the Northern Mariana Islands as a Participating State
Last Updated on 2 June 2011

Short References

1.

Tebuteb, Ramon and Liberty Dones.2005.‘Probe Firearm Permits.’ Saipan Tribune.Guam:1 May. (Q773)Full Citation

2.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Northern Mariana Islands.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4273)Full Citation

3.

CNMI.2003.‘Manufacturers and Wholesalers.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q790)Full Citation

4.

CNMI.2003.‘Manufacture, Sale or Possession of Firearms and Dangerous Devices.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q781)Full Citation

5.

CNMI.2003.‘Shipment and Delivery of Firearms, Dangerous Devices, and Ammunition.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q788)Full Citation

6.

CNMI.2003.‘New Residents, Temporary Residents and Visitors to the Commonwealth.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q794)Full Citation

7.

Marsh, Nicholas.2011.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 June. (Q16)Full Citation

8.

Ferdie Dela Torre. 2006. ‘Search Warrant Covers House of Acting Police Director.’ Saipan Tribune (Northern Marianas). 13 February. (N77) Full Citation

9.

Northern Mariana Islands.2003.‘Short Title.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q4919)Full Citation

10.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

11.

Northern Mariana Islands.2003.‘Short Title.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q4918)Full Citation

12.

CNMI.2003.‘Local Laws.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q775)Full Citation

13.

CNMI.2003.‘Identification Cards.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q776)Full Citation

14.

CNMI.2003.‘Prohibited Acts.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q782)Full Citation

15.

CNMI.2003.‘Identification Card Prerequisite to Purchase, Possession, and Use; Prima Facie Evidence of Possession.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q778)Full Citation

16.

CNMI.2005.‘Mandatory Firearms Safety Education.’ Public Law 14-51: Mandatory Firearms Safety Education Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,14 January. (Q785)Full Citation

17.

CNMI.2003.‘Records and Reports by Dealers.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q786)Full Citation

18.

CNMI.2003.‘Private Sales or Transfers.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q787)Full Citation

19.

CNMI.2003.‘License for Transfer.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q795)Full Citation

20.

CNMI.2003.‘License for Transfer; Display; Conduct of Dealer's Business.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q789)Full Citation

21.

CNMI.2003.‘Civil Liability and Criminal Liability.’ The Minor Children Firearms Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q784)Full Citation

22.

CNMI.2003.‘Carrying Firearms.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q783)Full Citation

23.

CNMI.2003.‘Penalties.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q791)Full Citation

24.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation