DC
Federal District Nation's Capital

Washington D.C. Gun Laws

Your guide to firearms regulations in Washington D.C.

Last Updated: April 2026

Registration

Required for all firearms.

Very Strict

Highly restrictive laws.

Age 21+

For concealed carry.

No Carry

No permit issuance.

Requirements

  • Firearms registration required
  • Background check
  • Training course (20+ hours)
  • Mental health check

Prohibited

  • Assault weapons banned
  • Large capacity magazines (10+ rounds)
  • No concealed carry permit issuance
  • Ghost guns prohibited

Disclaimer

General informational purposes only.

DC Firearms Training Requirements

Washington D.C. requires completion of a certified training course before firearms registration.

Course Duration

  • Minimum 8 hours classroom
  • Minimum 2 hours range time
  • Live fire qualification

Course Curriculum

  • DC firearms laws & regulations
  • Safe handling procedures
  • Use of force laws
  • Storage requirements

Certification

  • MPD-approved instructor
  • Certificate valid for 3 years
  • Required for registration

Official DC Metropolitan Police Resources

Get official training information and find MPD-approved instructors directly from the DC government.

MPD Official Website Firearms Registration

Important DC-Specific Notes

  • • DC does not issue concealed carry permits to most residents (may change with court rulings)
  • • Firearms must be registered with MPD before possession
  • • Only DC-residents can register handguns; long guns have different rules
  • • Magazine capacity limited to 10 rounds
  • • Training certificate must be from MPD-approved instructor