Gun Laws in District of Columbia
Explore comprehensive information on gun laws in the District of Columbia. Learn about permit requirements, firearm registration, carry laws, weapon restrictions, and more for responsible gun ownership.
| Subject/Law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes | Notes |
|---|
| Permit required to purchase? | Yes | Yes | | The firearm registration process also serves as a permitting process. |
| Owner license required? | Yes | Yes | | The firearm registration process also serves as a licensing process. |
| Firearm registration? | Yes | Yes | | All firearms except certain black powder firearms, must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. A background check and online training are required. |
| License required for concealed carry? | N/A | Yes | | The Metropolitan Police Department shall issue a License to Carry a Handgun to a qualified applicant. |
| Open carry allowed? | No | No | | Open carry is prohibited. |
| Assault weapon law? | Yes | Yes | | Assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles prohibited. |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | Yes | Yes | | Illegal to possess magazines of more than 10 round capacity. |
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | Yes | | Automatic firearms, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, and silencers prohibited. |
| Peaceable journey laws? | No | No | | Federal law (FOPA) applies. |
| Background checks required for private sales? | Yes | Yes | DC Code §7–2505.02 | Private party firearm transfers must be conducted through a licensed dealer, who is required by federal law to conduct a background check and keep a record of the sale. This only applies to sales made within the District of Columbia. Sales made by DC firearms owners outside of the District of Columbia must only conform to that state's transfer laws. |
| Waiting period? | Yes | Yes | | After purchasing a firearm, the buyer must wait ten days before taking possession of the gun. |
| Red flag law? | Yes | Yes | | |
| Duty to inform? | Yes | Yes | | |
Understanding Gun Laws by State: District of Columbia
When it comes to gun laws, it's important to understand that each state has its own set of rules and regulations. In this article, we're going to focus on the gun laws in the District of Columbia. We'll cover everything from permits and licenses to open carry laws and magazine capacity restrictions.
Permit and License Requirements
In the District of Columbia, both long guns and handguns require a permit to purchase. The firearm registration process also serves as a permitting process. This means that before you can buy a gun, you need to go through the registration process, which includes a background check and online training. The same process is also required for obtaining a firearm owner's license. So, whether you're planning to buy a long gun or a handgun, you need to get a permit and a license first.
Firearm Registration
All firearms, except certain black powder firearms, must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. This includes both long guns and handguns. The registration process involves a background check and online training. It's important to note that this is a mandatory requirement for all firearm owners in the District of Columbia.
Concealed Carry and Open Carry Laws
When it comes to carrying firearms, the District of Columbia has specific laws. For concealed carry, a license is required. The Metropolitan Police Department issues a License to Carry a Handgun to qualified applicants. However, open carry is prohibited for both long guns and handguns. This means you cannot carry a firearm in public in a manner where it is visible to others.
Assault Weapon Laws and Magazine Capacity Restrictions
The District of Columbia has laws pertaining to assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles. Both of these types of firearms are prohibited. In addition, there are restrictions on magazine capacity. It is illegal to possess magazines of more than 10 round capacity for both long guns and handguns.
NFA Weapons Restrictions
The District of Columbia also restricts NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons. This includes automatic firearms, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, and silencers. All of these are prohibited.
Private Sales and Background Checks
Private party firearm transfers must be conducted through a licensed dealer, who is required by federal law to conduct a background check and keep a record of the sale. This only applies to sales made within the District of Columbia. Sales made by DC firearms owners outside of the District of Columbia must only conform to that state's transfer laws.
Waiting Period and Red Flag Law
After purchasing a firearm, the buyer must wait ten days before taking possession of the gun. This is known as the waiting period. The District of Columbia also has a red flag law, which allows law enforcement or family members to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone who may present a danger to others or themselves.
Lastly, there is a duty to inform law in the District of Columbia. This means that if you are carrying a firearm and are stopped by a law enforcement officer, you have a legal obligation to inform the officer that you are carrying a firearm.
Understanding the gun laws in your state is crucial for responsible gun ownership. If you're a resident of the District of Columbia, make sure you're familiar with these laws before purchasing or carrying a firearm.
