Washington DC is a shall-issue state for CCW permits and the DC metropolitan police are responsible for processing permit applications in Washington DC.
The age requirement to apply for the permit is 21 years old.
Washington D.C. Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ❌ No - D.C. is not considered a constitutional carry state. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ❌ No - Washington D.C. does not allow for open carry whatsoever. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - Washington D.C. does allow for concealed carry within vehicles so long as you have a CCPL. If you do not have a permit, then you must store the firearm (unloaded) in a secure container that can lock (not your glovebox or center console) and it must be separated from ammo. |
Carry In State Park? | ❌ No - Washington D.C. does not allow for firearms in their parks. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ ❌ Yes/No - Washington D.C. does not allow for concealed carry (even with a license) on any property where alcohol is consumed or served. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ✅ Yes - Washington D.C. code specifically states that no weapons signs have the force of law behind them so long as they're presented on any property clearly and on a sign at least 8 inches with 36 point font. |
Must Notify Officer? | ✅ Yes - Washington D.C. is considered a duty to inform district. Upon interacting with any LEO you must notify them that you're carrying a firearm. |
District of Columbia CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
The District of Columbia does not recognize CCW permits issued by any other state or subdivision of the United States.
How Reciprocity Works In the District of Columbia
Non-residents in Washington D.C. can make use of firearms in the state as long as it is registered in the state. Non-residents that work and own properties in Washington DC can also apply for gun permits in the state.
Washington D.C.: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- Restaurants and bars
- Personal vehicle
- Roadside areas
- State forests and parks
Places Not Allowed
- Schools
- Public properties
- Government buildings
- Law enforcement agencies
- Detention facilities
- Polling unit
- Places of worship
- Health care centers
- Private properties
- Hotels and guest houses
- State capitol premises
Washington D.C.: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
No, Washington D.C. does not allow for open carry whatsoever.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, Washington D.C. does allow for concealed carry within vehicles so long as you have a CCPL. If you do not have a permit, then you must store the firearm (unloaded) in a secure container that can lock (not your glovebox or center console) and it must be separated from ammo.
Carry In State Parks
Yes, Washington D.C. does not allow for firearms in their parks.
Carry In Restaurants
Yes, Washington D.C. does not allow for concealed carry (even with a license) on any property where alcohol is consumed or served.
Constitutional Carry
No, the District of Columbia is not considered a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
Yes. Washington D.C. code specifically states that no weapons signs have the force of law behind them so long as they're presented on any property clearly and on a sign at least 8 inches with 36 point font.
Must Notify Officer
Yes, Washington D.C. is considered a duty to inform district. Upon interacting with any LEO you must notify them that you're carrying a firearm.
Additional Resources
District of Columbia Concealed Carry Laws
District of Columbia Open Carry Laws
District of Columbia Gun Permit Laws