Delaware pistol permit application has stringent laws.

This means that for you to get the license successfully, you must understand all the gun laws fully.

Delaware Gun Permit Summary

The prothonotary office in Delaware is responsible for issuing the gun permit in the state.

The state has a May-issue policy, and the permits application approval depends on the discretion of the officials.

The state attorney general also has the discretion to issue temporary permits to non-residents.

• Recommended Reading: Delaware Gun Laws

There are no purchase permits, but every buyer must complete the criminal record background check.

How To Get A Gun Permit In Delaware?

Delaware pistol permit application is available to anyone that is twenty-one years old or more and is legally allowed to possess firearms.

The permit is only for concealed carry in the state because the state is a permissive open carry state.

Delaware Gun Permit Laws

Delaware does not require a firearm permit before someone can open carry in the state. Anybody that is eighteen years old or more, without any prohibition or restraining order to make use of firearms, can open carry.

The state also prohibits the manufacturing, possession, buying, and selling of assault weapons such as machine guns, semi-automatic firearms, and the likes.

Anybody found with any of these firearms is guilty of a felony, according to Delaware gun laws.

Delaware Pistol Permit Requirements

To apply for a firearm permit in the state, you must meet all of Delaware pistol permit law requirements. They include the following:

• You must be eighteen years old or more.
• You must complete a licensed firearm training.
• You must provide five references from your county of residence. These references will testify that you are of the required age, good morals, have a reputation in the community that does not suggest that you are a violent individual, and you need the gun for self-protection and or protection of your property.
• You must confirm your Delaware concealed carry permit application by swearing an oath and writing a letter or affirmation in the presence of a notary or a state officer. The affirmation letter must also ascertain that your certificates are valid, and the signatures from your five references are authentic.
• You must not have been a felony or convict of any violent crime in Delaware or any other state in the country.
• If you are below the age of twenty-five, you must have never been a delinquent juvenile.
• You must not be a user or dealer in narcotics or have previously been a convict of illegal use of any substance that is controlled by the DEA.
• You must not have a restraining court order in your name due to physical abuse or the use of a firearm.
• You must be mentally healthy and have never been admitted to a mental hospital or any mental health institution.
• You must meet every other federal law requirement for a CCW permit.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Delaware

A summary of firearms permits purchase in Delaware includes the following:

• State permit to purchase long guns: Delaware does not issue a state permit to purchase long guns.
• State permits to purchase handguns: Delaware does not issue a state permit to purchase handguns.
• State permit to open carry: Delaware is a permissive state, so no permit required to open carry.
• State permits to conceal carry long guns: Delaware does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
• State permits to conceal carry handguns: Delaware issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In Delaware?

To apply for any Delaware pistol permit, either the initial or renewal application, the cost is sixty-five dollars.

Gun Permit Application And Renewal In Delaware?

The process to apply for Delaware pistol permit includes the following:

Download Your Application Form

Obtaining an application form is available online. All you have to do is download the form and complete it.

You must have plans to take a training class before submitting your application. In Delaware, you can apply for the pistol permit without a training certificate.

But upon the approval of your permit, you have a grace of three months to submit your training certificate.

Public Declaration

Publish a Delaware pistol permit application in your county’s newspaper agency. This must be done ten days before applying.

Submit proof that you publish this with your local newspaper.

Some other details you must know about publishing your CCW permit declaration include the following:

• The local newspaper must have a minimum of thirty-five percent circulation within your county.
• Your full names must be in the publication.
• Your residence address must be in the publication.
• Provide Your Fingerprint

You will get an invite from the state police to have your fingerprint taken by the State Bureau of Identification (SBI). This should be within forty-five days or applying.

Have it in mind that the fingerprint submission is strictly based on appointment. Also, verify all payments before attending the interview.

Complete Your Reference Questionnaires

Provide your five references with questionnaires for them to complete.

Your five references must:

• Be from your county of residence.
• Not in any way related to you.
• Have known you for a minimum of one year.

Mail Your Notarized Application

After you complete your application in the presence of a notary, mail it to your local prothonotary office in your county.

Other documents to include with the application include:

• Your set of fingerprints and other necessary documents.
• Two passport photographs that are at least six months old.
• Your application fee.

Submitting Gun Training Certificate

After approval, complete and submit your training course certificate within ninety days.

If you can’t complete the training course in this period, provide proof that you have at least enrolled and the course is still ongoing.

If you do not provide a certificate of training or enroll within the stipulated period, the court will conclude that you no longer want a permit, and this may invalidate your application.

To get another permit after this, you will have to go through all of the whole processes again.

If you fulfill all of these stages, you will get your permit.

The period for a Delaware permit renewal process is between the second of January and the first of June of the renewal year.

While filing the renewal application, make sure that you add a copy of your old license to it. Then, mail the application to the prothonotary office of the local county you reside in.

Gun Reciprocity With Delaware

Delaware has reciprocity with only states in the USA that accept its gun license.

Its reciprocity with other state consists of the following:

States That Delaware Will Honor Their Permits

If you are from these states, then you can possess firearms with Delaware with your concealed weapon permit. These states are:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Florida
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• West Virginia

States That Recognize Delaware Pistol Permits

These states allow the possession of firearms within their territory, as long as you have a Delaware pistol license, but note that as a resident of Delaware, you must only handle firearms according to gun laws in these states. They are:

• Alabama
• Indiana
• North Dakota

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With Delaware

Even though these states will accept Delaware pistol permits, they have particular requirements to consider before doing so. They include:

• Colorado
• Florida
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Puerto Rico

States With Permitless Policies

In these states, there are no requirements to have a permit to possess firearms. They are constitutional carry states, and include the following:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In Delaware

Some of the most frequently asked questions about the possession of firearms in Delaware include the following:

Must I Obtain A Permit Before I Conceal Carry In Delaware?

Yes. You can only conceal carry with a Delaware gun permit.

How Long Is Delaware Concealed Weapon Permit Valid?

Delaware pistol license expires three years after the initial application. Upon renewal, subsequent licenses will expire after five years

Is Delaware Gun Permit Available For Non-residents?

Yes. However, this is not the same as residents’ licenses.

Only the Delaware attorney general can issue a non-resident license, and this is usually a temporary license based on the person’s stay in the state.

A non-resident can apply for such a license based on employment grounds, and nobody can get more than three temporary licenses in the state.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On Delaware Gun License?

To change the name or address on your Delaware gun permit, you need first to write a letter to a court and send it with a copy of your driver’s license with your new name and home address.

You will get a new permit with the new details mailed to you.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Delaware Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

Immediately you realize that your permit is missing, contact the local prothonotary office.

How Soon Can I Apply For Delaware Pistol Permit After Moving To The State?

New residents can apply for a Delaware pistol permit after getting a driver’s license in the state.

Can I Make Use Of Delaware Weapon Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

No, the permit expires and remains invalid upon the establishment of residency in another state.

Do I Need Delaware Pistol Permit To Open Carry In The State?

No, there is no need for a pistol permit to open carry in Delaware since it is a permissive open carry state.

Anybody, eighteen years old or more, without a prohibition to possess firearms, can open carry in Delaware.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For Delaware Pistol Permit?

The age requirement for Delaware pistol permit is twenty-one years old or more.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In Delaware?

No, Delaware does not issue a purchase permit for firearms.

Does Delaware Pistol Permit Exempt Anyone From Completing A Criminal Background Check While Purchasing A Firearm?

No. The background check is compulsory even for permit holders.

Do I Need A Delaware Pistol Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No. Possession of firearms in dwelling places and workplaces is legal without a permit.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For Delaware Pistol Permit?

Yes. Every permit holder must complete a firearm training approved by the state.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In Delaware?

Delaware does not have any processing period for the possession of firearms in the state.

Is Delaware A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, Delaware has preemption gun laws, with the state government preserving all rights for the possession of firearms.

What Is The Age Requirement For Firearm Possession In Delaware?

The minimum age requirement for the possession of firearms in Delaware is eighteen years old.

Relevant Gun Permit Laws And Legislature In Delaware

Some of Delaware gun laws relating to pistol permits in the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

If you have a Delaware pistol permit or that of any state that has reciprocity with Delaware, you can conceal carry in your car.

However, without a permit, you cannot conceal carry and must keep the firearm in plain sight in your car.

[Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1442]

Possession Of Firearms In Road Side Areas Of The State

With Delaware pistol permit or that of any reciprocal state, you can possess firearms in roadside areas.

Possession Of Firearms In Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Area

According to [Title 7 – Wildlife 3900-8.3.4.9], Delaware allows pistol permits holders to possess firearms in forests, parks, and wildlife management areas, except anywhere in such places that have a post prohibiting firearms.

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurant And Bars

You can conceal carry in restaurants and bars with a Delaware pistol permit or any permit from a state that has a reciprocity deal with Delaware.

The only exception for this is if there is a post prohibiting the possession of firearms, or if you are under the influence.

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

Delaware does not have any restrictions on the possession of firearms in hotels. So management of hotels or other similar establishments can come up with their policies for the use of firearms within their premises.

Additional Resources

Delaware Gun Laws
Delaware Concealed Carry Laws
Delaware Open Carry Laws