How Do I get a Carry Permit in DC?
The District of Colombia continues to have strict firearm laws, so it is imperative that you are properly licensed and any firearm(s) is/are properly registered. Possessing a firearm in D.C. without a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) is a felony and carries a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $12,500. D.C. does not have reciprocity with any state, so a permit from another state will not suffice.
Who is eligible to obtain a carry license in DC?
Any person who meets the following criteria is eligible to obtain a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) in the District of Colombia:
Be 21 years of age or older. (Applicants between the age of 18 and 21 may qualify to register a long gun[1] if they have a notarized statement from their parent or guardian stating that the parent or guardian assumes civil liability for all damages resulting from the applicant’s use of the firearm. This special registration, however, will expire on the applicant’s 21st birthday.)
Not stand convicted of certain weapons offenses, or a felony in this or any other jurisdiction (which includes all crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year).
Not be under indictment for a crime of violence or a weapons offense.
Within the previous five years:
Not stand convicted: (1) of a narcotics or dangerous drug offense; (2) under D.C. Official Code § 22-404 (assaults and threats) or § 22-407 (threats to do bodily harm), or a violation of a similar statute in another jurisdiction; (3) of two or more violations of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; (4) of an intrafamily offense punishable as a misdemeanor; (5) of a misdemeanor involving certain firearms violations. (6) Stalking; or (7) violation of an Extreme Risk Protection Order.
Not have been acquitted of any criminal charge by reason of insanity or adjudicated a chronic alcoholic by any court.
Not have been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to any mental hospital or institution.
Not have a history of violent behavior.
Not have been the respondent in an intrafamily proceeding in which a civil protection order or a foreign protection order was issued against the applicant.
Not appear to suffer from a physical defect which would make it unsafe to possess and use a firearm safely and responsibly.
Not have been found negligent in any firearm mishap causing death or injury to another human being.
Not otherwise be ineligible to possess a firearm under D.C. Official Code § 22-4503.
What do I have to do before I apply?
All applicants for a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) must complete the required training before a permit will be issued. An applicant may, however, apply for preliminary approval prior to completing the training. The training requirements can be found here.
CCPL applicants must complete at least 16 hours of firearm training from an MPD-certified firearm training instructor, as well as two hours of range training from an MPD-certified instructor. The training must cover the following topics:
(a) Firearm safety, including firearm safety in the home, a discussion of prevention of access by minors, locking and storing of firearms, and use of safety devices such as secure lock boxes;
(b) Firearm nomenclature;
(c) The basic principles of marksmanship;
(d) The care, cleaning, maintenance, loading, unloading, and storage of pistols;
(e) Situational awareness, conflict management, and use of deadly force;
(f) Selection of pistols and ammunition for defensive purposes; and
(g) All applicable District and federal firearms laws
Where Do I Apply?
All Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) applications are reviewed and issued by the District of Colombia Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The application can be found on the mpdc.dc.gov website, or here. Once the application and action items are completed, they must be brought to the Firearms Registration Section in person at 300 Indiana Ave. NW, Room 3077, Washington, DC 20001 during normal business hours. Call the Firearms Registration Branch at 202-727-4275 to schedule an appointment.
What Information Do I Need?
In order to successfully complete the application for a CCPL, the applicant must provide a Statement of Eligibility, information regarding their firearms training background, and the applicant’s authorization to disclose mental health records.
How Long Does It Take to get a Carry Permit in DC?
Applications will typically be approved or denied within 90 days of submission. This period may take longer if MPD deems a more extensive background check necessary.
What are the Steps for Appealing the Denial of my Carry Permit?
If your application for a CCPL is denied, an appeal process is available, but you need to act quickly. The Concealed Pistol Licensing Review Board has the authority to review appeals of application denials. First, all applicants must file their appeal within fifteen days of the Chief’s official denial notice. The appeal requires four documents to be submitted to the Review Board via email: (1) a copy of the firearms registration certificate or approved Form PD219 Application; (2) a copy of the Police Chief’s final action being appealed (i.e. the denial document); (3) a detailed description of why the Chief’s denial of the application was in error, including the current relief sought; and (4) proper authorization for representation, if an attorney is hired to assist with the appeal.
Do I need a lawyer for an appeal?
While an attorney is not required to assist in submitting an appeal, they are highly beneficial to the process and can increase the likelihood that the appeal is successful.
Do I have to register my firearms?
The District of Columbia requires that firearms be registered through MPD. This does not apply to someone who is simply traveling through the District and has the firearm(s) stored in a locked container in their vehicle and is compliant with federal interstate transport laws. You can find a guide on firearm registration on the mpdc.dc.gov website or by clicking here.
Have additional questions regarding carry permits in DC?
Contact us at 240-396-4373 or click here to schedule a consultation.
