Delaware Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in Delaware, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
Delaware is a may-issue state. Concealed carry is legal in Delaware with a Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL) and licenses are available to residents at least 18 years old. Concealed-carry permits are issued at the county level by the prothonotary office.
Is there a waiting period to buy a firearm in Delaware?
No. There is no waiting period to get a permit to buy a firearm in Delaware.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Delaware?
Yes. A permit is required to purchase a handgun in Delaware.
Do you need to register handguns in Delaware?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in Delaware.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL) in Delaware?
Any Delaware state resident who is at least 18 years of age can apply for a Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL).
Is firearms training a requirement in Delaware for a Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL)?
Yes, a firearms training course is required for a for a Delaware Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL).
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL) in Delaware?
To obtain a Delaware Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL), applicants must:
- Be a Delaware resident
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Complete a firearms-safety course
- Present five (5) references
- Meet federal law requirements
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL) in Delaware?
- Download and complete an application from the Delaware Courts website delaware.gov.
- Publish your application in a local newspaper and obtain an affidavit from the newspaper company at least 10 business days before your court date.
- Make an appointment to be fingerprinted. Call the State Bureau of Identification at (302) 739-2528 to receive the address of the Delaware State Police Troop to report to.
- Have five (5) references complete the required questionnaire from the Delaware Courts website delaware.gov.
- Take the notarized application to the prothonotary office, or mail it to the prothonotary office in the county in which you reside, along with your set of fingerprints, two passport-style photographs, firearms-training certificate, references, and fee.
- Complete a firearms-training course within 90 days of submitting the application.
How much does a Delaware Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL) cost?
The fee for a Delaware Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL) is $65.
Does Delaware recognize concealed-carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. Delaware honors permits issued by other states that recognize Delaware licenses to carry concealed deadly weapons.
Is Delaware a Constitutional Carry state?
No. Delaware is not a Constitutional Carry state.
Is Delaware an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in Delaware without a permit for any person at least 21 years of age who can legally possess a firearm.
Is Delaware a Stand Your Ground state?
No. Delaware imposes a duty to retreat..
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Delaware?
No. But there are exceptions. Delaware bans numerous specifically named semi-automatic centerfire rifles, semi-automatic shotguns, and semi-automatic pistols. The law also bans “copycat” assault weapons, which are defined as being a firearm that, while not specifically listed as a banned assault weapon, is either a semi-automatic centerfire rifle, semi-automatic shotgun, or semi-automatic pistol with one or more specific banned cosmetic features.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Delaware?
No. In Delaware, magazines capable of holding more than 17 rounds are prohibited.
Does Delaware have gun-storage laws?
Yes. It is against the law to intentionally or recklessly store or leave a loaded and unsecured firearm where a minor or other prohibited person can and does, access it; and:
- The firearm was not stored in a locked box or container;
- The firearm was not disabled by a trigger lock;
- The firearm was not stored “in a location that a reasonable person would have believed to be secure”; and
- The “unauthorized person did not obtain the firearm as the result of an unlawful entry by any person.”
Is Delaware a Red Flag state?
Yes. A family member of a person, or a law enforcement officer, may file a petition prohibiting and enjoining a person from controlling, owning, purchasing, possessing, having access to or receiving a firearm.
