Overview for District of Columbia
D.C. has the most extensive and most restrictive gun laws in the United States.
A background check is required, which includes fingerprinting. The cost of the firearms registration permit is between 60 and 48 dollars, depending on the gun you’re planning to get. The costs include the application fee, ballistics test, fingerprinting, and a background check. The process to get a gun is so complex the police have a webpage explaining the registration process. More information on registering in the District of Columbia can be found here.
No permits or licenses from other states are honored in D.C., so people moving from other states must apply for District of Columbia permits and licenses. Vermont, Arizona, and Alaska allow D.C. residents with gun permits to carry concealed handguns in their states.
D.C. has many places that are considered gun free zones these include universities, playgrounds, and schools, along with other public areas. There is also a 10 day waiting period from the purchase of a gun to obtaining it.
No permits or licenses from other states are honored in D.C., so people moving from other states must apply for District of Columbia permits and licenses. Vermont, Arizona, and Alaska allow D.C. residents with gun permits to carry concealed handguns in their states.
D.C. has many places that are considered gun free zones these include universities, playgrounds, and schools, along with other public areas. There is also a 10 day waiting period from the purchase of a gun to obtaining it.
| Law | Long-guns | Handguns |
|---|---|---|
| Permit to Purchase | Yes | Yes |
| Open Carry | No | No |
| Concealed Carry | No | No |
| State Preemption of Local Restrictions | Yes | Yes |
| Firearm Registration | Yes | Yes |
| Owner License | Yes | Yes |
The Concealed Carry Permit
(often encompasses the open carry permit)
- Price: $48 - $60
- Valid for 3 years
- Regarding Non-residents of District of Columbia: Does Not Issue
- An owner's license is Not Needed
- Permit to Purchase: Not Needed
- Permits to Purchase Year/Cost: Not Needed
District of Columbia Concealed Carry Reciprocity
District of Columbia Magazine Capacity
The District of Columbia prohibits the possession, sale or other transfer of any large capacity ammunition feeding device
District of Columbia Ghost Gun law
The Ghost gun law in District of Columbia states the following:Ghost guns are prohibited in the District of Columbia. A ghost hunt in District of Columbia is defined as
- A firearm that, after the removal of grips, stocks, and magazines, is not as detectable as the Security Exemplar
- A firearm of which no major component is as detectable as the Security Exemplar
- A firearm which does not depict the actual image when inspected by the types of detection devices
- A firearm, including a frame or receiver, that lacks a unique serial number
District of Columbia Imitation Firearms
What is classified as an Imitation Firearm in District of Columbia?
The following is a list of imitation firearms in District of Columbia:
- An air rifle
- Air gun
- Air pistol
- B-B gun
- Any similar type gun
Does District of Columbia have a gun buy back program?
District of Columbia does not run, or fund any gun buyback programs.
Does District of Columbia have an inheritance gun law?
Yes, District of Columbia has an inheritance gun law.