Q: Can I apply for a concealed carry license if I do not have a gun?
A: No, you must either own or be in the process of purchasing a handgun to apply for a concealed carry license. You may apply for your firearm registration and a concealed carry license at the same time.
Q: Should I bring my firearm to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Firearms Registration Branch?
A: No. Firearms are not permitted inside the building.
Q: What should I bring with me to my appointment?
A: The Firearms Registration Branch will need your completed application form(s), two (2) proofs of residency, your government-issued photo ID, and the relevant training completion certificate. If you have not submitted these online through the Portal, you should bring hard copies with you. You should also bring a credit or debit card for payment if you have not already paid your fees online.
Q: Will I need additional appointments?
A: No, the process only takes one in-person appointment.
Q: If I live in the District of Columbia, how do I purchase a firearm?
A: You must purchase a firearm through a federal firearms licensee (FFL). You should contact one for further information.
Q: If I am just traveling through the District of Columbia, and do not live in DC, what should I do with my firearm?
A: Non-residents traveling with a firearm that is not registered in the District should travel through the District without stopping or deviating from their destination. Your firearm must also be lawfully transported [link to Transporting Firearms] in accordance with D.C. Code § 22-4502.02.
Q: Are there exceptions to the requirement that firearms be registered with MPD?
A: Yes, government-issued service weapons do not need to be registered. The inventory of a licensed federal firearms dealer operating in the District does not need to be registered with MPD.
Q: Do I need to explain why I am applying for a concealed carry license?
A: No. Pursuant to decisions of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Wrenn v. District of Columbia and Grace v. District of Columbia, applicants do not need to provide a “good reason” to obtain a concealed carry license.
Q: Does the Firearms Registration Branch accept walk-ins?
A: The Firearms Registration Branch accepts walk-ins so you do not need to schedule an appointment in advance. However, walk-ins may need to wait until individuals with appointments are served.
Q: Is there an age requirement to have a gun in the District of Columbia?
A: A person must be 21 years old to register a handgun or obtain a concealed carry license. A long gun may be registered to someone 18 to 21 years old with notarized authorization from a parent or guardian.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of bullets that can be carried in a magazine?
A: Yes, District of Columbia law prohibits possessing, selling, or transferring any “large capacity ammunition feeding device” (a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device with a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition).
Q: What training is required for firearm registration?
A: Applicants must watch MPD’s online training video before submitting the application. If you are applying for a firearm registration and a concealed carry license at the same time, you do not have to watch the video. These topics will be addressed in the training required for the CCL.
Q: What training is required for a concealed carry license (CCL)?
A: Applicants must complete a 16-hour firearms training course and 2 hours of range training with an MPD-certified instructor. The training must cover firearm safety, marksmanship, and District and federal firearms laws, including self-defense law. While some prior experience or training, such as in the military or law enforcement, may exempt the applicant for some training, there is no exemption from the training on DC law. You may submit an CCL application before taking the training. If you are notified that your application has been preliminarily approved, you will have 45 days to complete the training with an MPD-certified CCL training instructor.