Here is the NC Administrative code pertaing to your question. It is not illegal to own turtles or tortoises (owning 5 or more native species is regulated by a different code 15A NCAC 10H .1302) but selling within the state is prohibited.

10A NCAC 41A .0302 SALE OF TURTLES RESTRICTED
(a) Purpose of this Regulation. This Regulation is adopted to prevent the spread of salmonellosis from pet turtles to humans.
(b) Sale of Turtles Prohibited. No turtle shall be sold, offered for sale, or bartered by any retail or wholesale establishment in
North Carolina.
(c) Sale of Turtles for Scientific, Educational, or Food Purposes Exempted. Subsection (b) of this Regulation does not apply
to the sale of turtles to institutions for scientific or educational purposes nor to the sale of turtles for food purposes.
(d) Sale of Turtles Outside North Carolina Exempted. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (b) of this Regulation,
wholesale establishments in North Carolina dealing in the sale of turtles shall not be prohibited from selling turtles to other
wholesale or retail establishments outside the State of North Carolina.
(e) Determination of Compliance. Authorized agents of the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources and
local health departments shall have authority to enter any retail or wholesale establishment at all times to determine
compliance with this Regulation.
History Note: Authority G.S. 130A-144;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. December 5, 1977;
Amended Eff. February 3, 1992.

Hope this helps

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