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MPDC

Legal Firearms

The Metropolitan Police Department is the agency responsible for registering firearms in the District of Columbia. By being familiar with the law and the process, you will be able to quickly and easily register your weapon and ensure that you are in compliance with the District’s laws regarding proper registration and safekeeping of your weapon. If you wish to register a firearm or apply for a License to Carry a handgun, both must be done through an appointment.

Key Terms Used in this Guide

  • DC Official Code: The laws of the District of Columbia. Individuals may access the current DC Code online.

  • FFL or Federal Firearms Licensee: An entity authorized by the US government to sell and buy firearms.

  • FRB or Firearms Registration Branch: The branch of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that registers firearms for the public.

 

Firearms Registration

The Metropolitan Police Department is the agency responsible for registering firearms in the District of Columbia. The Department’s publication, Firearms Registration General Requirements Guide (below), provides you with the information you need to comply with the District’s laws regarding proper transfer, registration, and safekeeping of your weapon. By being familiar with the law and the process, you will be able to quickly and easily transfer and/or register your weapon and ensure that you are in compliance.

 

Firearms Registration Procedures

A brief description of the firearms registration procedure is listed below. For a more detailed outline of the process, please read the Complete Firearms Registration Procedures. 

Firearms Registration Procedures in Brief

Newly Purchased Firearm

To register a newly purchased firearm, the applicant must provide a completed MPD “Application for Firearms Registration Certificate” (or PD-219), that becomes your firearms registration certificate. You should request a PD-219 from MPD before you shop for a firearm. You may pick it up at MPD’s Firearms Registration Branch (FRB), request that it be mailed to you, or download it online.

Part of the PD-219 must be completed by the SELLER. The seller is identified in each of the possible scenarios below.

Rifle or Shotgun

  • Under federal law, you may purchase a rifle or shotgun in a state in which you do not live from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). In this instance, the SELLER is whoever initially sells the firearm to you.
  • You will complete the rest of the application and bring it to MPD along with all other necessary materials to complete the registration process; the FFL will hold the firearm until it is approved by MPD.
  • Once the application is approved[1], MPD will notify you. You can pick up your registration certificate or request that it be mailed to you. Your registration process is then complete.
  • After you get the registration certificate, bring it to the dealer to pick up your rifle or shotgun.[2]

Handgun

  • Under federal law, a handgun purchased in a state in which you do not live MUST be transferred through an FFL in your state of residence.
  • Once you purchase a firearm in another jurisdiction, request the original dealer to arrange to ship the firearm to an approved FFL dealer in DC, which will then become the SELLER. (At the time of this publication, no FFLs in the District are providing retail sales to the public.) Contact the MPD to schedule an appointment.
  • Prior to the appointment, check mpdc.dc.gov/firearms for eligibility and a list of documents required for firearms license and registration applications.
  • During your appointment, MPD will provide and complete Section A of MPD’s “Application for Firearms Registration Certificate” (PD-219) and the Branch of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) “Firearms Transaction Record” (form 4473).
  • Submit all other required materials to MPD during your appointment and pay the necessary fees (see District Government Fee Schedule under the Complete Firearms Registration Procedures section in this Guidebook).

Previously Owned Firearm

To register a firearm you already own, you must file an application immediately after the firearm is brought into the District. You can comply with this requirement by personally communicating your intent to register the firearm to MPD before bringing the gun into the District. You must then file an application for a registration certificate within 48 hours after communicating your intent to do so.

  • Please note that it is illegal to possess a magazine that holds more than ten rounds of ammunition in the District of Columbia.
  • A Firearm Application Addendum-Used Firearm Explanation Form must be completed for all previously owned/used firearms. This form requires information on seller/transferor and when, where, and location the firearm was obtained.
  • Once the application is approved, MPD will notify you. You can pick up your registration certificate or request that it be mailed to you. Your registration process is then complete.

Notes

[1] Under DC law, the Chief of Police must approve or deny an application for a registration certificate within a 60-day period beginning on the date the Chief receives the application, unless good cause is shown, including nonreceipt of information from sources outside the District government; provided, that in the case of an application to register a firearm validly registered under prior regulations, the Chief shall have 365 days after the receipt of such application to approve or deny such application. The Chief may hold in abeyance an application where there is a revocation proceeding pending against such person or organization. (D.C. Official Code § 7-2502.07(b))

[2] Under DC law, a firearms dealer cannot release a firearm to a purchaser until 10 days after the initial date of purchase. (D.C. Official Code § 22-4508) Therefore, although MPD will process an application for registration in fewer than 10 days, the buyer cannot pick up the gun from the dealer until 10 days after initial purchase.

[3] Under DC law, the Chief of Police must approve or deny an application for a registration certificate within a 60-day period beginning on the date the Chief receives the application, unless good cause is shown, including nonreceipt of information from sources outside the District government; provided, that in the case of an application to register a firearm validly registered under prior regulations, the Chief shall have 365 days after the receipt of such application to approve or deny such application. The Chief may hold in abeyance an application where there is a revocation proceeding pending against such person or organization. (D.C. Official Code § 7-2502.07(b))

[4] Under DC law, a firearms dealer cannot release a firearm to a purchaser until 10 days after the initial date of purchase. (D.C. Official Code § 22-4508) Therefore, although MPD will process an application for registration in fewer than 10 days, the buyer cannot pick up the gun from the dealer until 10 days after initial purchase.

 

FAQs About Purchasing a Handgun for Use in DC

The most common scenario for handgun transactions through the Metropolitan Police Department is for new purchases of handguns. The questions below specifically address questions about handgun transactions. For information about purchasing and transferring long guns, or transferring any handgun that is already lawfully owned in another jurisdiction, please refer to the other information titled Firearms Registration in the District of Columbia, or call (202) 671-6563.

Q: I would like to purchase a handgun. What do I need to do?

A: Have the handgun dealer where you are making your purchase contact the Federal Handguns Licensing Office (FFL) and send your purchase to an Authorized DC Federal Firearms License Dealer.

Q: What happens once the FFL receives my handgun? Will I be notified?

A: Yes. You will be notified by the FFL.

Q: What do I need to bring with me to my initial appointment?

A: Your initial visit will last approximately 30-45 minutes. To prepare, it is highly recommended that you complete -- and sign electronically -- the required documents in advance. Clicking the "Submit and Sign" button will automatically submit your documents to MPD as required.

NOTE: If applying for a Concealed Carry Pistol License, in addition to the other documents listed above, please complete the Concealed Carry Pistol License Application and see the application instructions.

Q: How many appointments are there for the purchase of a handgun? What happens and what is the duration of each visit?

A: For handgun registrations, there is one visit you will need to make in person. It will last approximately 30-45 minutes. During this visit:

  • Identification and proof of residency will be verified
  • A fingerprint check will be conducted
  • Photo will be taken and your electronic signature captured.

When registration is complete, the certificate and card will be mailed to you.

Q: What happens between the first and second visit while I am waiting?

A: MPD conducts a background check to confirm that the applicant meets the requirements under District law.

Q: Is there an age requirement to register a handgun?

A: Yes. A person must be 21 years of age or older to register a handgun. However, a long gun may be registered to a person the age of 18-21 years old with a notarized statement affirming authorization from a parent or guardian.

Q: How long does the whole process take before I will be able to receive my registration(s) and card(s)?

A: The purchaser will be directed to complete the application documents and schedule an appointment to come in to the registration office for the initial appointment. The registration and card(s) should be available within 14 – 21 days of the first appointment.

Q: What would disqualify me from registering a gun?

A: Under District and US law, an applicant must:

  • Not stand convicted of certain weapons offenses, or a felony in this or any other jurisdiction (which includes all crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year).
  • Not be under indictment for a crime of violence or a weapons offense.
  • Not be a fugitive from justice.

Within the previous five years:

  • Not stand convicted: (1) of a narcotics or dangerous drug offense; (2) under D.C. Official Code § 22-404 (assaults and threats) or § 22-407 (threats to do bodily harm), or a violation of a similar statute in another jurisdiction; (3) of two or more violations of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; (4) of an intrafamily offense punishable as a misdemeanor; (5) of a misdemeanor involving certain firearms violations. (6) Stalking; or (7) violation of an Extreme Risk Protection Order.
  • Not have been acquitted of any criminal charge by reason of insanity or adjudicated a chronic alcoholic by any court.
  • Not have been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to any mental hospital or institution.
  • Not have a history of violent behavior.
  • Not have been the respondent in an intrafamily proceeding in which a civil protection order or a foreign protection order was issued against the applicant.
  • Not appear to suffer from a physical defect which would make it unsafe to possess and use a firearm safely and responsibly.
  • Not have been found negligent in any firearm mishap causing death or injury to another human being.

Q: Is there a limit on the amount of ammunition that can be carried in magazine?

A: It is illegal to possess a magazine that holds more than ten rounds of ammunition in the District of Columbia. D.C. Official Code § 7-2506.01 prohibits the possession of a high capacity ammunition feeding devices.

License to Carry a Handgun

Pursuant to the decision of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Wrenn v. District of Columbia and Grace v. District of Columbia, applicants for a license to carry a concealed handgun in the District of Columbia no longer need to provide a good reason for carrying a handgun. All other suitability and training requirements as described in the regulations and application must still be met. All forms and information sheets will be updated shortly. In the meantime, if there is a reference to providing a good reason, please disregard. If your application for a carry license has been previously denied because of a failure to provide a good reason, you may reapply for a license to carry. You will not be charged a fee for this application.

If you have any questions, please contact the Firearms Registration Branch at (202) 727-4275.

 

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)

 

Retired and separated law enforcement officers who have license to carry a pistol under HR-218 must renew their license on a yearly basis. DC concealed carry pistol licenses must be renewed every two years. MPD offers online renewal services for both types of licenses. The online option will allow you to complete the required form and submit it along with your payment for processing. The Firearms Registration Unit staff will review your submitted application and send a reply to your request through the online portal.  Once your renewal application has been approved a new license will be mailed to you. As an additional convenience, you may use the site to update your license details, including your address.

Cancel Gun Registration Request

Cancel Gun Registration Request

Update Information on Record (address change, etc.)

Update Information on Record (address change, etc.)

Concealed Carry Firearms Training Instructors Certified by MPD

The following trainers have been certified to providing the training required under District law to applicants for a concealed carry license.

 

Disposal of Unwanted Firearms

People should also know that if they have a gun – legally registered or not – that they want to get rid of and make sure it doesn’t end up on the street, they can contact the police. We’ll take the gun, and as long as it has not been used in a crime, they won’t face any penalties for possessing it.

Some people who registered a gun may not want to keep it. There are legal ways to dispose of or voluntarily surrender a firearm:

 

  • Sell the firearm to a licensed dealer
  • Lawfully remove the firearm from the District of Columbia by moving it to a place where it can be lawfully possessed or giving it to a person who can lawfully possess it.
  • Turn the firearm over to the police Under District law, anyone can voluntarily surrender a firearm to police.
  • They won’t be charged with a crime for possessing an unregistered firearm. (There is no immunity for having used the gun in a crime.)
  • They don’t have to provide identification, photographs, or fingerprints.
  • The gun must be unloaded.
  • To avoid any unnecessary confusion and a potentially dangerous situation, I’d recommend that they contact the police station right before bringing it in.

Language in the DC Official Code

If a person or organization within the District voluntarily and peaceably delivers and abandons to the Chief of Police any firearm, destructive device or ammunition at any time, such delivery shall preclude the arrest and prosecution of such person on a charge of violating any provision of this section with respect to the firearm, destructive device, or ammunition voluntarily delivered. Delivery under this section may be made at any police district, station, or central headquarters, or by summoning a police officer to the person’s residence or place of business. Every firearm and destructive device to be delivered and abandoned to the Chief under this section shall be unloaded and securely wrapped in a package, and, in the case of delivery to a police facility, the package shall be carried in open view. No person who delivers and abandons a firearm, destructive device, or ammunition under this section, shall be required to furnish identification, photographs or fingerprints. No amount of money shall be paid for any firearm, destructive device, or ammunition delivered and abandoned under this section. (D.C. Official Code § 7-2507.05 (a))

Transporting a Firearm in the District of Columbia

When transporting your firearm in a vehicle, it must be unloaded, with neither the firearm nor any ammunition readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the transporting vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the driver's compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be unloaded and contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. If you are transporting your firearm in a manner other than in a vehicle, it must be unloaded, inside a locked container, and separate from any ammunition.

Whenever in possession of a firearm, a registrant shall have in his or her possession the registration certificate, or exact photocopy thereof, for such firearm, and exhibit the same upon the demand of a law enforcement officer. (DC Official Code §7-2502.08).

Do not bring your firearm or ammunition with you when you register your firearm. Possession of ammunition for an unregistered firearm is prohibited in the District of Columbia, and you may be subject to criminal charges. If registering a semi-automatic firearm, do bring the empty accompanying magazine. Please note that it is illegal to possess a magazine that holds more than ten rounds of ammunition in the District of Columbia.

Retrieving Your Firearm From a Dealer

Under DC law, a firearms dealer cannot release a firearm to a purchaser until 10 days after the initial date of purchase. (DC Official Code §22-4508) A gun dealer will not release your firearm until you return with your approved registration certificate.

Mace, Pepper Spray, Self-Defense Sprays and Stun Guns

It is legal to possess self-defense sprays in the District of Columbia, such as mace or pepper spray.

However, under D.C. Official Code § 7-2502.12, the only legal types of self-defense sprays are “a mixture of a lacrimator including chloroacetophenone, alphacloroacetophenone, phenylchloromethylketone, orthochloriobenazaim-alononitrile or oleoresin capsicum.” Additionally, the self-defense spray must be propelled from an aerosol container, labeled with clearly written instructions for use, and dated with its anticipated useful life. A person may use a self-defense spray only as reasonable force to defend themselves or their property and only if the self-defense sprays meets the requirements above.

A person 18 years or older may possess a stun gun in the District of Columbia; it may only be used to protect themselves or their property. No one other than a law enforcement officer is allowed to possess a stun gun in a building or office occupied by the District of Columbia government, a penal institution, secure juvenile residential facility, a halfway house, any building that is occupied by a children’s facility, preschool, elementary or secondary school, any building or grounds in which the owner or occupant clearly posts forbidding the carrying of a stun gun.

A business who sells more than five stun guns in a 12-month period in the District of Columbia, shall obtain a stun gun endorsement on their basic business license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.

For further information, please visit the MPD Firearms Registration Section, 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 3058, Washington, DC 20001 or contact them on (202) 727-4275.

Payment Information and Fees for MPD Services

The payment kiosk is located at:

Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters
300 Indiana Avenue, NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20001

The kiosk is clearly visible when you exit the elevators on the 3rd floor. Just look to the left.

Below is a list of available services and fees, all of which may be paid for at the payment kiosk:

  • Livescan Fingerprints: $35
  • Ink Fingerprints: $5
  • Police Clearance: $7
  • Traffic Report: $3
  • Concealed Carry Pistol License: $75
  • Firearm Registration: $13
  • Firearm Dealer: $300
  • Ammunition Dealer: $60
  • Firearm Instructor License: $400
  • Handgun Transfer Fee: $125
Contact TTY: 
711