How To Get Your District of Columbia Concealed Carry Permit
Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing District of Columbia's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CCPL varies by state.
Read about the process for getting a District of Columbia Concealed Carry Pistol License below.
Steps To Get A District of Columbia Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1:
COMPLETE a firearms training course
Step 2:
DOWNLOAD the application and instructions.
Step 3:
BRING all the items noted in the instructions to the Firearms Registration Section at:
Room 3058
300 Indiana Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
You will be fingerprinted and photographed.
You will be notified within 60 days whether your application has been approved or denied.
Find a CCW Training Class
What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in District of Columbia?
An applicant must complete a firearms training course certified by the chief, including at least 16 hours of training of the following:
- Firearms safety
- Firearm nomenclature
- Basic principles of marksmanship
- Care, cleaning, maintenance, loading, unloading and storage of pistols
- Situational awareness, conflict management and use of deadly force
- Selection of pistols and ammunition for defensive purposes
- All applicable D.C. and federal firearms laws and D.C. law pertaining to self-defense
At least two hours of range training that includes live-fire exercises must also be completed and conducted by an instructor certified by the chief.
Potential Exemption: Per D.C. Code of Municipal Regulations 2336.3, the chief may, on a case-by-case basis, exempt a person from the training requirements if the person submits evidence that he or she has received firearms training that is equal to or greater than that required by the act.
A renewal applicant must complete four hours of firearm safety training and two hours of range practice within the previous 12 months.
What Are the District of Columbia License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?
An applicant must:
- Be 21 or older;
- Possess a registered pistol, or register one at time of CCPL application;
- Have a bona fide residence or place of business:
- Within the District of Columbia,
- Within the United States and a license to carry a pistol concealed upon his or her person issued by the lawful authorities of any state or subdivision of the United States, or
- Within the United States and meet all registration and licensing requirements;
- Have completed a firearms training course, combination of courses;
- Be a suitable person to be so licensed;
- Not have been convicted of any weapons offense or felony in any jurisdiction;
- Not be under indictment for a weapons or violence offense;
- Not have been convicted of assault, bodily harm or drugs offense within the prior 5 years;
- Not currently suffer nor have suffered from any mental illness or condition that creates a substantial risk that he or she is a danger to himself or herself or others in the previous 5 years;
- Not have been acquitted of any charge by reason of insanity within the last 5 years;
- Not have not been admitted to any mental hospital within the last 5 years;
- Not have any physical defect that would make it unsafe to use a firearm;
- Not have been found negligent in a firearm incident that resulted in death or injury;
- Not have been found guilty of a misdemeanor family offense;
- Not have renounced U.S. citizenship;
- Not be legally blind;
- Not have been convicted of 2 or more driving under the influence charges within the last 5 years;
- Not have had a civil protection order placed on him or her within the last 5 years;
- Not have had a conviction of stalking within the last 5 years;
- Not have a history of violence within the last 5 years;
- Have completed a firearms training course provided by the Metropolitan Police; and
- Meet federal law requirements.
*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.
What are the Fees and Terms?
90 Day Processing Time
$75 for Initial Permit
$75 for Permit Renewals
Valid for Two Years from Initial Date of Issue
Where Can I Find Application Forms?
What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?
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.
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.
How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in District of Columbia?
Concealed Carry Pistol Licenses (CCPLs) are required to be renewed every 2 years.
Step 1
COMPLETE four hours of firearm safety training and two hours of range training
Step 2
RENEW online or download the application and instructions.
Step 3
BRING all the items noted in the instructions to the Firearms Registration Section at:
Room 3058
300 Indiana Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
You will be photographed.
Step 4
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX. You will be notified within 60 days whether your application has been approved or denied.
The USCCA has the CCW Permit Resources You Need
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Make sure you understand District of Columbia Gun Laws and District of Columbia concealed carry reciprocity with other states.