State Laws · DC
District of Columbia Gun Laws
Effective as of Various; most recent significant changes post-Bruen 2022-2023 (Post-Bruen carry reform). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
The District of Columbia requires a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) for concealed carry, issued by the Metropolitan Police Department. Following Bruen, DC transitioned from may-issue to shall-issue. Applicants must complete a firearms training course (classroom and range qualification), be at least 21, and pass a background check. The license is valid for two years.
Key statute: D.C. Code § 22-4506 — issuance of concealed carry pistol licenses.
Open Carry
Open carry is prohibited in the District of Columbia.
Who Cannot Carry
DC has extensive disqualifying criteria including: convicted felons, persons convicted of weapons offenses, persons convicted of certain misdemeanors within the past five years, persons who have been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a mental institution, persons addicted to alcohol or controlled substances, persons subject to protection orders, and persons under 21.
Prohibited Locations
DC prohibits carry in extensive locations including: the U.S. Capitol grounds, the White House and its grounds, the Supreme Court building and grounds, any building or grounds of the National Mall, the National Zoo, all public and private schools and universities, childcare facilities, libraries, hospitals and mental health facilities, public transit vehicles and facilities, government buildings, bars and nightclubs, stadiums, and any private property not displaying signage permitting firearms.
Purchase Requirements
DC requires registration of all firearms with the Metropolitan Police Department. All sales must go through a licensed dealer. DC has an assault weapons ban, a magazine capacity limit of 10 rounds, a mandatory 10-day waiting period, and allows only one handgun registration per 30 days. Background checks are required for all transfers. DC also has a red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order).
Citations
D.C. Code Title 7, Chapter 25 (firearms control); D.C. Code Title 22, Chapter 45 (weapons).
Look up statutes at DC Council — Legislation →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →District of Columbia statutes
DC Council — Legislation →This link goes to District of Columbia's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.