CCL Restrictions

Location Restrictions 

Concealed carry is prohibited in certain locations within the District of Columbia, even with a DC concealed carry license. Individuals who possess a DC concealed carry license are not permitted to carry a concealed handgun in the following locations: 

1. In a building or office space occupied by the DC government, its agencies, or instrumentalities (e.g., DC Water, the Public Service Commission, the Washington Convention and Sports Authority, etc.); 
2. In the buildings and grounds (including any adjacent parking lot) of a childcare facility, preschool, public or private elementary or secondary school, or a public or private college or university; 
3. In a hospital or any office where medical or mental health services are the primary services provided; 
4. In a penal institution, secure juvenile residential facility, or halfway house; 
5. In a polling place while voting is occurring; 
6. In a public transportation vehicle, including the WMATA transit system, and WMATA stations; 
7. In a premises, or portion thereof, where alcohol is served, or sold and consumed on the premises; 
8. In a stadium or arena; 
9. At public gatherings or special events open to the public (however, a person will not be criminally liable unless they refuse an officer’s order to leave, or if they are carrying despite posted signage at the event prohibiting carrying); 
10. In any area prohibited under federal law, including the U.S. Capitol buildings/grounds and public memorials on the National Mall and Tidal Basin; 
11. Within the boundaries of the White House Complex and grounds; 
12. Within the boundaries of the U.S. Naval Observatory; 
13. In the designated route or area of protection for a dignitary moving under police escort; and 
14. In the designated route or designated area of a demonstration on public space. 

The following restrictions apply on private property: 

1. DC concealed carry license holders are prohibited from carrying on private residential property unless authorized by the property owner or person in control of the premises. 
2. DC concealed carry license holders are prohibited from carrying in a church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of religious worship unless authorized by the property owner or authorized agent. 
3. DC concealed carry license holders are presumed to be permitted to carry on non-residential private property unless the non-residential private property is posted with conspicuous signage prohibiting the carrying of a concealed handgun or the owner or authorized agent communicates such prohibition personally to the licensee. 

Manner of Carry 

A DC concealed carry licensee shall not carry a handgun openly or otherwise in a manner that is not concealed. Your handgun should be carried in a holster. Off-body carry (i.e., in a purse or satchel) is not permitted. 

Licensees must have their DC concealed carry license and their firearm registration on their person whenever they are carrying concealed. 

If stopped by law enforcement while carrying concealed, licensees must: 

1. Disclose that they are carrying a concealed handgun; 
2. Present their concealed carry license and firearm registration; 
3. Identify the location of their concealed handgun; and 
4. Comply with all lawful orders and directions, including allowing a protective pat-down of their person and permitting the law enforcement officer to take possession of their handgun for so long as necessary for the safety of the officer or the public. 

Penalties

In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates the concealed carry license requirements is subject to revocation of his or her concealed carry license. 

References: D.C. Code § 7-2509.04, D.C. Code § 7-2509.07.