This section applies to everyone who is not a qualified active law enforcement officer, a qualified retired law enforcement officer, or a CCDW license holder. If you fall into one of these exempt categories, please visit the corresponding tab. Step #1: Complete a Firearms Training Course with a certified instructor 1. Under 11 Del C. § 1448D, the training course must include: 1. Instruction regarding the knowledge and safe handling of firearms. 2. Instruction regarding safe storage of firearms and child safety. 3. Instruction regarding knowledge and safe handling of ammunition. 4. Instruction regarding safe storage of ammunition and child safety. 5. Instruction regarding safe firearms shooting fundamentals. 6. Live fire shooting exercises are conducted on a range, including the expenditure of a minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition. 7. Identification of ways to develop and maintain firearm shooting skills. 8. Instruction regarding federal and state laws pertaining to the lawful purchase, ownership, transportation, use, and possession of firearms. 9. Instruction regarding the laws of this State pertaining to the use of deadly force. 10. Instruction regarding techniques for avoiding a criminal attack and how to manage a violent confrontation, including conflict resolution. 11. Instruction regarding suicide prevention. 2. Pre-Approved Firearms Training Instructors 3. Training courses that satisfy the requirements of the statute offered by instructors who are not on the pre-approved list may also satisfy the statutory requirements. To find out if a course qualifies in advance of enrollment or whether a specific completed course qualifies, please contact the Permit to Purchase helpline at (302) 741-2800 during business hours or email DSP_SBIP2PMail@delaware.gov. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. If you submit a course certificate with your application that does not clearly satisfy the statutory requirements, the Permit to Purchase Office will contact you and/or the course provider to obtain additional information to determine if it meets the requirements. Step #2: Fingerprints/Photo ID appointment with IdentoGO The service code required for obtaining a handgun qualified purchaser permit (permit to purchase) is 27S8N2. This code is strictly for the permit to purchase background checks. Use of any other code will not be accepted, and you will have to pay to be fingerprinted again using the correct code. (Service Code 27S8N2) https://uenroll.identogo.com Step #3: Complete online application https://dsp.delaware.gov/p2p-applicant-portal/ Paper applications are available at all DSP Troop locations and can also be submitted at the SBI Permit to Purchase office with all required documents. 1. Upload the following documents with application 1. Photo identification 2. Military orders (if applicable) 3. Firearms Training Course Certificate or proof of exemption By law, SBI will issue a decision within 30 days from receiving a complete application. In the event an application is denied, SBI will notify the applicant of the decision. Applications submitted without all required steps will not be processed. Applicants will be notified of any missing items and may resubmit once requirements are met. For any questions regarding the application process, please call the Permit to Purchase helpline at (302) 741-2800 or email DSP_SBIP2PMail@delaware.gov. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Effective 11/16/2025, hours will be Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

1. Firearms Training Course: Complete a training course (including 100 rounds fired) with a certified instructor. 2. Fingerprinting: Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO using service code 27S8N2. 3. Online Application: Submit the application via the Delaware State Police Online Portal, uploading your ID, training certificate, and military orders (if applicable). 4. Background Check: The State Bureau of Identification (SBI) will conduct a criminal background check.

1. Treat every firearm as it is loaded. 2. Never point the firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. 3. Do not put your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot. 4. know what is behind you target.

In Delaware, an "assault weapon" is defined by a specific list of banned firearms as well as a "copycat" or feature-based definition that covers semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns. This ban, passed under the Delaware Lethal Firearms Safety Act of 2022 (HB 450), prohibits the manufacture, sale, and transfer of these weapons, though those acquired before June 30, 2022, are grandfathered in. Copycat weapons A semi-automatic firearm can be classified as a banned "copycat weapon" if it possesses certain features. Semi-automatic centerfire rifles are banned if they can accept a detachable magazine and have at least one of the following features: A folding or telescoping stock A pistol grip, thumbhole stock, or any other stock that allows the shooter to grip the weapon in a specific manner A forward pistol grip A flash suppressor A grenade or flare launcher A threaded barrel A barrel shroud An overall length of less than 30 inches Semi-automatic pistols are banned if they can accept a detachable magazine and have at least one of the following features: A threaded barrel A second hand grip An ability to accept the magazine at a location outside the pistol grip A barrel shroud Semi-automatic shotguns are banned if they have a folding or telescoping stock and a pistol grip, or if they have the ability to accept a detachable magazine. The ban also applies to shotguns with a revolving cylinder. Specifically named firearms The law also lists specific makes and models of firearms that are explicitly banned. These include certain rifles, shotguns, and pistols, such as: AA Arms AP-9 pistol Beretta 93R pistol Colt AR-15 and its variations Intratec TEC-9/DC-9 pistol UZI pistol and carbine This answer may include mistakes. For legal advice, consult a professional. .accordion-body

Assault weapons: Delaware has banned firearms classified as "assault weapons". High-capacity magazines: It is illegal to purchase or possess magazines capable of holding more than 17 rounds of ammunition. CDWL holders and military/law enforcement personnel are exempt from this ban.

Yes, a Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) license is required to carry a concealed weapon. Delaware is a "may-issue" state, and the application process is rigorous.

Yes, you can legally open-carry a handgun in Delaware without a permit if you are at least 18 and not otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm. Non-residents can also open-carry if they comply with state and federal regulations.

Assault weapons: "Assault weapons" and "copycat" assault weapons are banned in Delaware. Magazines: Magazines with a capacity of more than 17 rounds are generally forbidden. An exception is made for concealed-carry permit holders, members of the military, and retired law enforcement.

Handguns and rifles: You must be 21 years old to purchase handguns and rifles. Shotguns: You must be 18 years old to purchase shotguns.

No, Delaware does not require registration for handguns or other firearms.

Handgun: As of late 2025, a permit is required to purchase a handgun. Long Guns(rifles and shotguns): A permit is not required to purchase a rifle or a shotgun, but a background check is still mandatory. Existing Concealed Carry Permits: A valid Delaware Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CCDW) exempts a resident from the new handgun purchase permit requirement.