Washington, D.C. is a shall-issue district with concealed weapons licenses issued by D.C. Metropolitan Police.
All firearms must be registered, and this process acts as a permit to purchase. Individuals cannot possess ammunition without a valid registration of a firearm.
Open carry is illegal in D.C.
District of Columbia Concealed Carry Pistol Licenses (CCPLs) are required in order to concealed carry and are issued to residents and non-residents and require a firearms training course that has been approved by the Metro Police. You must be at least 21 years old to get a concealed carry license in D.C. Any firearm you plan on carrying in Washington D.C. will also need to be registered in the District. In addition, possession of ammunition for an unregistered firearm is prohibited in the District of Columbia. Some areas are off-limits even with a D.C. CCPL, including schools, public memorials on the National Mall and along the Tidal Basin and the area around the White House. In terms of reciprocity, Washington D.C. does not honor CCW licenses from any other state.
Where can I carry with my District of Columbia permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
preemption?
Does not apply. Washington D.C. does not have preemption laws.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in District of Columbia law. However, a person shall not unlawfully assault, or threaten another in a menacing manner with a dangerous weapon.
red flag law?
Yes. District of Columbia 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.
carry while using alcohol or drugs?
No consumption is allowed.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
driver's license linked to pistol license?
No. Your District of Columbia driver’s license is not linked to your District of Columbia concealed carry pistol license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No. The District of Columbia does not allow the public to access concealed carry registry information.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
Yes, you have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Washington D.C.[D.C. Code § 7-2509.04(d)]
"assault weapons" ban?
Yes. The District of Columbia deems assault weapons unregisterable, thereby prohibiting possession of these firearms. Unregisterable firearms cannot be sold or transferred in the District.
You can find a list of firearms and more information here.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
Yes.
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Licenses are granted to non-residents, but any firearm carried in Washington D.C. must be registered in the District. In addition, individuals who don't have a residence or place of business in D.C. must have a permit from their state of residence.
Carry Basics
open carry permitted?
No. D.C. does not permit open carry.
constitutional carry?
No. The District of Columbia does not allow constitutional carry.
minimum age for concealed carry?
You must be at least 21 years old to get a concealed carry license in D.C.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. A concealed weapons license does not allow you to carry weapons other than handguns.
ammunition restrictions?
Yes. In order to possess ammunition, a person must have a registration certificate for a firearm. Licensed dealers may transfer ammunition only to the registered owner of a firearm of the same caliber or gauge as the ammunition, or to a nonresident of the District who provides proof that the weapon is lawfully possessed and is of the same gauge or caliber as the ammunition to be purchased.
In addition, a person with a CCPL may not carry any "restricted pistol bullet" as that term is defined in DC Code. Furthermore, the District’s firearms regulations limited the amount of ammunition concealed-carry licensees may carry to 20 rounds. In June 2022, this limit was challenged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Heller v. District of Columbia, Civil Action No. 22-1894 (DLF). The provision was repealed, which went into effect on Dec. 30, 2022.
[D.C. Code Ann. §§ 7-2501.01(13A), 7-2506.01 and CDCR 24-2343.1]
gun permit licensure?
D.C. is a shall issue jurisdiction.
byrna's?
Yes, it is legal for purchase and possession by civilians. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under D.C. law. However:
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS & TASERS - A person 18 years or older may possess a stun gun or Taser in the District of Columbia, although it may only be used to protect themselves or their property. No one other than a law enforcement officer is allowed to possess a stun gun in a building or office occupied by the District of Columbia government, a penal institution, secure juvenile residential facility, a halfway house, any building that is occupied by a children’s facility, preschool, elementary or secondary school, or any building or grounds in which the owner or occupant clearly posts forbidding the carrying of a stun gun.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Washington D.C. law requires:
TEAR GAS - Legal with similar restrictions to pepper spray. Registration is required, and misuse is prohibited.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. There are no specific restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUGEIONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are illegal under Washington D.C. law. Items such as batons, billy clubs, slapjacks, and similar weapons are classified as "dangerous weapons," making their possession outside the home prohibited.
NUNCHUCKS - Prohibied unless specifically authorized for training purposes.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Illegal under Washington D.C. law. Brass knuckles are classified as "dangerous weapons," and their possession, manufacture, sale, or use is strictly banned.
magazine limits for handguns?
No more than 10 rounds. The term “large capacity ammunition feeding device” means a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip or similar device that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The term “large capacity ammunition feeding device” shall not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
****The District of Columbia Court of Appeals as ruled in Benson v. United States that the District's ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds violates the Second Amendment.Handgun Purchase & Possession
purchase permits?
Yes. The firearms registration process also serves as a permitting process.
handgun purchase/registration process
If you purchase a firearm in the District of Columbia or move to the District of Columbia with a firearm, you must register your firearm with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This process must be completed before a licensed dealer is legally allowed to release a firearm to you after a purchase. All firearms sales, including private sales, must be conducted through a licensed dealer.
Not all firearms are eligible for registration or legal to own in the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia utilizes firearms lists approved by the states of California, Massachusetts and Maryland. A firearm does not need to be found on all three lists in order to be eligible for registration in the District. The MPD website includes a complete list of approved firearms.
To register a firearm in the District of Columbia an individual must complete a Firearms Statement of Eligibility Form. You will turn in this form along with an Application for Firearms Registration Certificate Form at the time that you apply for registration. Note that both the seller and the purchaser must complete portions of the Firearms Registration Certificate Form. Both forms can be found on the MPD website.
An individual must also obtain a certificate of completion from a free, 30-minute online Firearms Safety Training Course through the Metropolitan Police Department. This requirement may also be fulfilled by providing evidence that the applicant has received firearms training in the U.S. Military or if the applicant possesses a license or permit from a state with similar or stricter education requirements.
Completed applications must be brought in person to the Metropolitan Police Department - Firearms Regulation Section along with a photo ID, proof of residency in the District of Columbia and proof that you have met the MPD’s education and training requirements.
Next, you must pay the application fee and submit to fingerprinting for a background check. Your application will either be approved or denied within five business days. You must then bring your certificate of registration to the licensed dealer, who will release the firearm to you no sooner than ten days after the initial purchase was made.
handgun registration?
Yes. All firearms must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. A background check and online training are required.
approved handgun list?
Yes. The Metropolitan Police Department maintains a roster of "handguns not determined to be unsafe" that includes the approved handgun rosters from California, Maryland and Massachusetts. Handguns with superficial differences from handguns on the roster – such as color or grip material – can be registered. Handguns that are removed from the California list for administrative reasons remain on the District list.
district of columbia license exempts from background check?
No.
minimum age to possess and transport?
21 years old. At 21 years of age, a person may possess and transport a handgun in the District of Columbia.
waiting period?
Yes. There is a 10-day waiting period.
possess a handgun on my private property without a license?
No. In order for an individual to possess a firearm in their home or place of business, the firearm must first be registered with the D.C. Metro Police Department. In addition, a registration permit does not allow someone to take a firearm outside of those two locations.
background checks for private gun sales?
Yes. Private party firearms transfers must be conducted through a licensed dealer, who is required by federal law to perform a background check and keep a record of the sale.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For District of Columbia Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
wear a covid mask & carry?
Yes, there is no known statute in District of Columbia making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. A D.C. code was identified making it illegal to wear any mask or hood, so as to conceal the identity of the wearer while engaged in conduct prohibited by civil or criminal law, with the intent of avoiding identification.
what are the knife laws in district of columbia?
It is illegal to concealed carry any deadly or dangerous weapon in a place other than the person’s dwelling place, place of business or on other land possessed by the person, except for a handgun carried by a person with a District of Columbia Concealed Carry Pistol License. It is illegal to possess a blackjack, slungshot, sand club, sandbag or switchblade knife. It is illegal to possess, with the intent to use unlawfully against another person, a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches or other dangerous weapon. You may not possess a deadly weapon in safe school or recreation zones.
Application:
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
Washington D.C. grants licenses to non-residents, but any firearm you plan on carrying in Washington D.C. will need to be registered in the District.In addition, individuals who don't have a residence or place of business in D.C. must have a permit from their state of residence. The process is the same as for residents.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of District of Columbia.
Valid For:
2 years
Lost/Stolen Licenses:
Upon discovery of such loss, notify the chief in writing of the loss, theft or destruction of the registration certificate or of a registered firearm. Return the registration certificate to the chief.
Name/Address Changes:
Contact the D.C. Metropolitan Police for instructions.
Fees:
$75 for initial and renewals
Processing Time:
90 days
Residency Changes:
Moving to District of Columbia and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?District of Columbia issues licenses to both residents and non-residents. Since the District doesn't distinguish between resident and non-resident licenses, you can apply for your license at any time.
Moving from District of Columbia and have a District of Columbia resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your District of Columbia license remains valid?If a person with a District of Columbia pistol license establishes residency in another state, the pistol license is valid until it expires provided you notify the D.C. Metro Police of any change of address.
Step 1:
Complete a firearm training course if required.
Step 2:
Download the application and instructions.
Step 3:
Bring all the items noted in the instructions to the Firearms Registration Section at:
300 Indiana Ave, NWWashington, D.C. 20001
Room 3058
You will be fingerprinted and photographed.
Step 4:
You will be notified within 60 days whether your application has been approved or denied.
carry/possess at a hotel?
Private persons or entities owning property in the District of Columbia may prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on their property. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
No, you cannot concealed carry on any premises where alcohol is served, or sold and consumed on the premises, although there are exceptions for on-premises retailers with specific classes of licenses.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
Whenever a licensee carries a concealed pistol and approaches any prohibited location, or is subject to any prohibited circumstance, the licensee shall:
[Title 7 Subtitle J Chpt. 25 § 7-2509.07]
Any person who is not otherwise prohibited by the law from transporting, shipping or receiving a firearm shall be permitted to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry the firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry the firearm if the firearm is transported in accordance with this section.
[Title 22 Subtitle VI Chpt. 45 § 22-4504.02. Lawful transportation of firearms.]
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
No. Firearms are prohibited in public parks in the District of Columbia.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Does not apply. The District of Columbia does not have roadside rest areas.
carry in vehicle?
Yes, with a D.C. CCPL only. Without a license, the firearm must be unloaded inside a locked container, other than the glove compartment or console, and separate from ammunition.
[D.C. Code § 22-4504.02]
Self-Defense
Under the case law of the District of Columbia, the District is neither a “stand your ground” nor a “duty to retreat” jurisdiction. The District case law has established a middle ground.
Based on case law and jury instructions, you are entitled to claim self-defense:
You may use the amount of force which, at the time of the incident, you actually and reasonably believe is necessary to protect yourself (or a third person) from imminent bodily harm. This may extend to the use of deadly force if you actually and reasonably believe you are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm from which you can save yourself only by using deadly force against your assailant. You should take reasonable steps, such as stepping back or walking away, to avoid the necessity of taking a human life, so long as those steps are consistent with your own safety. However, you do not have to retreat or consider retreating when you actually and reasonably believe that you are in danger of death or serious bodily harm and that deadly force is necessary to repel that danger. Generally, you may not use deadly force to protect your property.
District of Columbia Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-03
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2021-05-17
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
2020-11-11
Added information on potential training exemption in the Training Section
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