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Purchasing a firearm in District of Columbia

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 residentÕs 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 DistrictÕs 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 applicantÕs 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
• The permit is valid for 2 years

Common Firearm Offenses in District of Columbia

[¤ 22Ð402. Assault with intent to commit mayhem or with dangerous weapon] (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-402) [¤ 22Ð404.01. Aggravated assault] (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-404.01) [¤ 22Ð404.02. Assault on a public vehicle inspection officer] (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-404.02) [¤ 22Ð4502. Additional penalty for committing crime when armed] (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4502) [¤ 22Ð4503. Unlawful possession of firearm] (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4503) [¤ 22Ð4503.01. Unlawful discharge of a firearm] (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4503.01) [¤ 22Ð4503.02. Prohibition of firearms from public or private property] (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4503.02) [¤ 22Ð4511. False information in purchase of weapons prohibited] (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4511) [¤ 22Ð4514. Possession of certain dangerous weapons prohibited] (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4514)

More on District of Columbia Firearm Laws

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