Washington, D.C. Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in Washington D.C., here are some things about the permit process you should know:
The District of Columbia is a shall-issue state. Concealed carry is legal in Washington, D.C. with a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) and licenses are available to residents at least 21 years old. Concealed Carry Pistol Licenses are issued by the D.C. Metropolitan Police.
Is there a waiting period to buy a handgun in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, there is a 14- to 21-day waiting period to process the Firearms Registration Certificate in Washington, D.C.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. An Application for Firearms Registration Certificate is required to purchase handguns in Washington, D.C.
Do you need to register handguns in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. Handguns, rifles and shotguns need to be registered in Washington, D.C.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) in Washington, D.C.?
Any Washington, D.C. resident at least 21 years of age can apply for a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL).
Is firearms training a requirement in Washington, D.C. for a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL)?
Yes. A firearms-training course is required for a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) in Washington, D.C.
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) in Washington, D.C.?
Applicants for a Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) must:
- Be a Washington, D.C. resident
- Be 21 years of age
- Complete a firearms safety course
- Possess a registered handgun
- Meet federal law requirements
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) in Washington, D.C.?
- Complete a firearms-training course
- Download and complete an application on the DC Metropolitan Police Department website dc.gov.
- Gather the documents outlined in the instructions and bring them to: Firearms Registration Section, 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 3058, Washington, D.C. 20001. You will be fingerprinted and photographed. You will be notified in 90 days if your application has been approved.
How much does a Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry Permit cost?
The fee for a Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) is $75.
Does Washington, D.C. recognize concealed-carry pistol permits from other states?
No. Washington, D.C. does not honor concealed-carry permits issued by other states.
Is Washington, D.C. a Constitutional Carry jurisdiction?
No. Washington, D.C. is not a Constitution Carry jurisdiction.
Is Washington, D.C. an Open Carry jurisdiction?
No, open carry is not legal in Washington, D.C..
Is Washington, D.C. Stand Your Ground Jurisdiction?
No, Washington, D.C. is not a Stand Your Ground jurisdiction.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal in Washington, D.C.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Washington, D.C.?
No. Magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds are banned in Washington, D.C.
Are there ammunition restrictions in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. A person must have a registration certificate for a firearm to possess ammunition.
Does Washington, D.C. have gun-storage laws?
Yes. The Washington, D.C. gun-storage law requires firearms be unloaded, and either disassembled, or secured by a trigger lock, gun safe, locked box, or other secure device.
Does Washington, D.C. have a Red Flag law?
Yes. Washington, D.C. has a red-flag law. Family members, cohabitants, mental-health professionals and law enforcement are allowed to petition for an order to surrender to law-enforcement authorities any firearms, ammunition, registration certificates, licenses to carry a concealed pistol, or dealer’s licenses in the respondent’s possession. The respondent is prohibited from purchasing or possessing any firearm or ammunition for the duration of the interim and or final extreme-risk protection order.
