Steps to Register a Firearm in District of Columbia
No person or organization may possess or control a firearm in the District of Columbia unless they hold a valid registration certificate. Registration certificate are issued to
District residents possessing a handgun for self-defense within the resident’s home or place of business
As part of the application process for a license to carry a concealed pistol pursuant to § 7-2509.02;3
An organization that employs at least one commissioned special police officer whom the organization arms during the business hours
A retired Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) police officer
The Fire Marshal for the purpose of enforcing the District’s arson and fire safety laws
A firearms instructor for the purpose of conducting firearms training.
Any person who is applying for a registration certificate must provide to the Chief of Police the following
Their full name
Their address
Their business occupation
Their date and place of birth
Their sex
If they ever has been by The District denied or revoked their license
A description of the applicant’s role in any mishap involving a firearm
The complete details on the firearm
The complete details from whom the firearm was obtained, and in the case of a dealer, their license number
Where the firearm will be kept
If the applicant has applied for other registration certificates
Any other information that the Chief of Police wishes for
Requirements to hold a firearm license
Complete online safety training
Obtain a background check
For all firearms
More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful
FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.
Does District of Columbia Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?
No, District of Columbia does not have a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm,
but federal law requires all federally licensed firearm dealers to perform a background check before any sale of a firearm.
The District has no law requiring firearms dealers to initiate background checks prior to transferring a firearm. As a result, firearms dealers must initiate the background check required by federal law by contacting the FBI directly.
Owning a firearm in District of Columbia
Does District of Columbia have a Gun Free Zone law?
Yes, District of Columbia has a defined list of gun free zones:
Open carry is prohibited in the District and people with concealed carry licenses are prohibited from carrying a handgun in the following locations :-
A building or office occupied by the District of Columbia
The building and grounds of an childcare facility or a school
A hospital
A penal institution
A polling place
A public transportation vehicle
A bar where alcohol is being served
A stadium
A gathering or special event open to the public
The public memorials on the National Mall
Specific areas around the White House
The U.S. Naval Observatory
A church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship
Does District of Columbia Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?
Yes, you are required to take a safety course prior to owning a firearm in District of Columbia.
A person applying for a concealed carry permit in the state must certify that they have completed at least 2 hours of range training