Washington DC Gun Permit

Washington DC issues gun permits for concealed carry of firearms in the state.

You must meet all requirements provided by Washington DC pistol permit law before you apply for the gun license.

Washington DC Washington DC Gun Permit Summary?

Washington DC is a shall-issue state for pistol license application, and the state Law enforcement division is in charge of the process.

How to Get a Gun Permit in Washington DC?

The age requirement to apply for a gun permit in Washington DC is twenty-one years old, and it is for only those who have legal rights to possess firearms.

Washington DC Permit Laws

Washington DC does not allow open carry of firearms in the state, regardless of if you are a pistol permit holder.

For the use of machine guns, large capacity firearms, and military weapons, you must be a federally licensed individual before you can have them in your possession.

The state defines machine guns as weapons that can shoot automatically more than once after a single pull on the trigger.

Washington DC also prohibits the use of Teflon coated ammunition in the state.

Washington DC Pistol Permit Requirements

Washington DC requirements to apply for gun permits as provided by gun laws of the state include the following:

  • You must be at least twenty-one years old.
  • You must be a resident of Washington DC or a non-resident that has property in the state.
  • You must enroll and qualify for a Washington DC course for firearm training.
  • You must not be a convict for any felony or a crime that has to do with violence.
  • You must not have a bad vision.
  • You must not have a court order that prohibits you from using, handling, and possession of firearms in Washington DC.
  • You must meet all federal law requirements for a gun permit in the United States.

Different Types of Gun Permits in Washington DC

A summary of firearms permits issued in Washington DC includes the following:

  • State permit to purchase long guns: Washington DC does not issue a state permit to purchase long guns.
  • State permits to purchase handguns: Washington DC does not issue a state permit to purchase handguns.
  • State permit to open carry: Washington DC prohibits the open carry of firearms.
  • State permits to conceal carry long guns: Washington DC does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
  • State permits to conceal carry handguns: Washington DC issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

Gun Permits Application and Renewal Law in Alabama?

The processes to apply for Washington DC pistol permit includes the following:

Complete Firearm Training Course

You must apply for a recognized Washington DC firearm training class before the application procedure.

Download Application Form

Review the concealed carry guide for Washington DC pistol permit application, and download the application form online

Submit Application

You can submit your application to Room 3058, 300 Indiana Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20001

Submit The Necessary Documents

Some of the documents you have to submit with the application form include the following:

  • A state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
  • Your firearm training certificate with an appended signature from you and the certified firearm instructor.
  • Your applicant checklist.
  • Two fingerprint cards.
  • The required fee, payable to the law enforcement division.

Military members that are actively in service must provide a military order, while retired and honorably discharged members must provide proof.

Retired law enforcement officers, honorably discharged members of the military, and disabled veterans are exempt for CCW permit fees in Washington DC.

The address to mail your application is the law enforcement division data center, Columbia, Washington DC 29221-1398. P.O. BOX 21398.

For the permit renewal process, you will receive a mail renewal within ninety to one hundred and twenty days before the expiration of the permit.

For permits that have expired for more than eighteen months, you must first complete a paper renewal application and submit the current copy of your driver’s license.

Note that there is no online option for renewal application in Washington DC.

  • How Much Does It Cost to Get a Gun License In Washington DC?

The cost of initial and renewal permit applications in Washington DC is $75.

Gun Permit Reciprocity with Washington DC?

Washington DC will accept pistol permits from states that accept its pistol license.

Other aspects of its reciprocity include the following:

  • States That Recognize Washington DC Pistol Permit.

These states will allow pistol license holders in Washington DC to possess firearms within their territory and according to their gun laws. The states include the following:

  • Arkansas 
  • Idaho 
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Mississippi 
  • Missouri 
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire 
  • Ohio
  • South Dakota 
  • Tennessee
  • Vermont 
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Washington DC.

Before you possess firearms in these states with your Washington DC gun permit, you must meet other individual requirements. They state are:

  • Arizona 
  • Alaska 
  • Kansas 
  • Kentucky 
  • Maine 
  • Michigan
  • Oklahoma 
  • West Virginia 
  • States That Have Permitless Policy for The Possession of Firearms.

In these states, you do not need a pistol permit to open or concealed carry. As long as you meet the minimum age requirements for the possession of firearms, you can handle guns. Most of the states are constitutional carry states.

  • Alaska 
  • Arizona 
  • Arkansas 
  • Idaho 
  • Kansas 
  • Kentucky 
  • Maine 
  • Mississippi 
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • North Dakota Oklahoma 
  • South Dakota
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia 
  • Wyoming 

FAQs About Gun Permits In Washington DC?

Some of the most frequently asked questions you should know about pistol permit in Washington DC, its application, renewal and other information are:

Do I Need a Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In Washington DC?

Yes. You cannot conceal carry firearms in Washington DC if you do not have a pistol permit issued in the state.

For How Long Is Washington DC Gun Permit Valid?

Washington DC pistol license is valid for 2 years; after which you have to apply for a pistol license.

Can Non-Residents Apply for Washington DC Gun Permits?

Only non-residents that are property owners in Washington DC and those that are members of the military posted to the state can apply for its pistol permit.

The process is the same as that of residents’ applications.

How Can I Change the Name and Address On My Washington DC Gun License?

For any change of address or name, you must first write the Washington DC law enforcement division within ten days of effecting the change and send a payment of five dollars.

The law enforcement division will issue a new license with the new name or the new address.

You will continue to make use of your current permit before you get the new permit with your updated details.

After receiving the updated permit, return the old one to the Washington DC law enforcement division.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Washington DC Permit or It Gets Stolen?

For missing or stolen pistol permits, apply for a replacement permit using the online application system. This will cost a five dollars’ fee.

You will also receive the replacement permit via mail after the law enforcement division has processed it.

Can I Make Use of Washington DC Gun Permit After Moving to Another State in The Country?

If you are moving out of Washington DC to live in another state, you have to submit the permit to a law enforcement division because it expires immediately if you establish residency in the state.

Do I Need a Washington DC Gun Permit to Open Carry in The State?

No, with or without a gun license in Washington DC, you cannot open carry firearms because the state prohibits it.

  • What Is the Minimum Age Requirement to Apply for Washington DC Pistols Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply for a pistol license in Washington DC.

Does My Firearm Permit Exempt Me from Completing a Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms in Washington DC?

Yes, if you are a Washington DC pistol permit holder, you do not have to undergo a criminal record background check before buying firearms in the state.

Do I Need a Washington DC Concealed Permit to Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, there are no requirements that you must be a licensee before the possession of firearms in your home, personal property, or any building you occupy either by lease or rent.

Do I Need to Complete Firearm Training Before Applying for Washington DC Pistol Permit?

Yes, you must complete a firearm training that covers all essential requirements to conceal carry and apply for a pistol license according to Washington DC gun laws.

What Is the Processing Period for Firearm Permits in Washington DC?

The processing period for the application of Washington DC gun license is ninety days.

Does Washington DC Have Ammunition and Firearm Restrictions?

Yes, you must be a federally licensed individual before you can possess assault weapons like machine guns, semi-automatic firearms, and military weapons.

Other exempted personnel are military members and law enforcement officers.

Is Washington DC a Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, the state has the authority to regulate firearms within its territories, but Districts can control the careless discharge of firearms within their boundaries.

Do I Need a Washington DC Concealed Weapon Permit to Hunt?

If you have a pistol permit license, you can conceal carry while hunting in Washington DC. However, it is a prohibition to use such firearms to take down wildlife during hunting.

What Is the Age Limit for The Possession of Firearms in Washington DC?

You must be at least eighteen years old to possess firearms in Washington DC.

Relevant Gun Laws Permits and Legislature in Washington DC.

Some of Washington DC pistol permit laws relating to the possession of firearms in the state include the following:

Possession of Firearms in Private Vehicles

You can carry firearms in private vehicles with or without a pistol permit issued by the state or anyone from a state that it recognizes.

But if you are carrying without a pistol permit, the firearm must be safe and stored away in the trunk of the vehicle, the glove compartment, or any other case.

Possession of Firearms in Roadside Areas of the State

According to the gun statute you can possess firearms in roadside areas of the state if you have a Washington DC pistol license or anyone issued by a state it recognizes.

Possession of Firearms in State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Areas

The laws indicate that you can conceal carry firearms in state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. Also, visit the website of these parks for more information on their concealed carry policies.

Possession of Firearms in Bars and Restaurant Areas

You can conceal carry in restaurant and bar areas of the state as long as you have a Washington DC gun permit or a permit from a state it recognizes.

However, you cannot possess firearms if there is a post prohibiting such or you are not under the influence of alcohol.

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