A person is eligible for a concealed carry license if the person is at least 21 years old, meets the legal requirements for firearm registration, possesses a DC-registered handgun, and satisfies the suitability standards under 24 DC Mun. Regs. § 2335.1, including the following:
- Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance, unless the habitual use of a controlled dangerous substance is under licensed medical direction;
- Has not engaged in conduct, including threats, that demonstrates that the person’s carrying of a firearm poses a credible threat of danger to the person or others. For purposes of this paragraph, the Chief of Police may consider any relevant evidence, including, but not limited to, information contained in law enforcement records or other governmental records, or from non-governmental sources; and
- Does not currently suffer nor has suffered in the previous five (5) years from any mental disorder, illness, or condition that creates a substantial risk that the person is a danger to the person or others, or if the Chief of Police has determined that the person is suitable based upon documentation provided by the person pursuant to § 2337.3.
Applicants for a concealed carry license must also complete the required training, including range training, with an MPD-certified concealed carry training instructor.
Concealed carry licenses are valid for two years. To ensure there is no interruption in the validity of a license, it is recommended that renewals be submitted 45 days prior to the expiration date.
References: DC Code § 7-2509.02, DC Code § 22-4506, 24 DC Mun. Regs. § 2332.1, 24 DC Mun. Regs. § 2335.1.