District Of Columbia firearms laws govern how residents and visitors may purchase, possess, carry, and use firearms within the state. This guide covers the most important aspects of District Of Columbia gun laws as of 2026, including purchase requirements, carry permits, waiting periods, and self-defense statutes. Always consult official state statutes and legal counsel for binding legal guidance.
Permit to purchase: Registration required for all firearms. District Of Columbia requires a permit, license, or ID card before you can purchase certain firearms. This additional step involves a background check and may add processing time to your purchase. Buyers must be at least 21 years old for handguns and 18 years old for long guns (rifles and shotguns). All purchases through licensed FFL dealers require a federal NICS background check.
Background checks: Federal and local background check. When you purchase a firearm on WeaponDepot, it ships to your chosen FFL dealer in District Of Columbia who handles all required paperwork and background check processing.
Waiting period: 10-day waiting period.
Open carry: Prohibited.
Concealed carry: Permit required (shall-issue post-Bruen). District Of Columbia operates under a permit-based carry system. Residents must apply for and obtain a concealed carry permit before legally carrying a concealed firearm in District Of Columbia. Check local requirements for application procedures, fees, and training requirements.
Assault weapons ban, magazine limits, registration required, extensive restrictions. Federal restrictions on NFA items (short-barreled rifles, suppressors, machine guns) still apply and require ATF approval through the appropriate tax stamp process.
District Of Columbia follows the duty-to-retreat doctrine, which generally requires individuals to retreat if safely possible before using deadly force in public. The state also provides Castle Doctrine protections, protecting individuals who use force against intruders in their home, vehicle, or place of business.
District Of Columbia has enacted a red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order). This law allows law enforcement or family members to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. Additionally, District Of Columbia allows local municipalities to enact their own firearms regulations.
When you purchase a firearm on WeaponDepot, it ships directly to a licensed FFL dealer in District Of Columbia. At the dealer, you complete ATF Form 4473 and undergo the required background check. FFL transfer fees in District Of Columbia typically range from $15 to $75 per firearm. Use our FFL dealer directory for District Of Columbia to compare fees and find the best dealer near you.