Applying for a Concealed Carry License in the District of Columbia

Any person who wishes to legally carry a handgun in the District of Columbia must possess and carry a valid concealed carry license (“CCL”) issued by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Coming Soon!
MPD will soon be deploying an online portal that will allow online processing for gun registration, concealed carry licenses, and concealed carry license renewals. This will make the process easier to navigate from anywhere. This portal is expected to launch in mid-2025. Please check back periodically for the launch date!

An applicant for a CCL does not need to live in DC. However, the gun that will be on the license must be legally registered in DC. If your gun is not yet registered, please complete the registration process.

Instructions and the forms for the CCL process are available at the links below. Please note:

• The fingerprinting for an initial CCL application must be submitted in person at MPD headquarters (441 4th Street, NW, Fifth Floor South; located at the Judiciary Square Metro Station).
• Please schedule an appointment by visiting our online  Firearms Registration and Record Division appointment system 
• Please DO NOT bring your gun with you.
• Please DO bring the following:
  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of residency
  • CCL Application
  • Completed PD-219 per firearm
  • Completed Addendum per firearm (if out-of-state resident)
  • DC Training Certification
    • Training is required for approval of a CCL. The applicant must have a certificate of completion from an instructor or instructors certified by MPD that includes at least:
      • 16 hours on topics such as firearms safety and care, marksmanship, and all applicable District and federal firearms laws, including District law on self-defense.
      • 2 hours of qualified range training
    • You may be eligible for an exemption for most of the training if you can submit evidence that you have successfully completed training that, as determined by MPD, is equal to or greater than that required by DC law. For example, this may include retired law enforcement credentials, DD Form 214 if it shows special training for marksmanship, a license for an armed special (private) police officer, or armed training provided by the National Rifle Association.
    • There is no exemption for the training on the DC law on firearms and self-defense.
    • The applicant may also ask to receive a preliminary approval so that they can complete the training after they know they will be approved. The applicant will have 45 days to complete the training before being granted a CCL.

PLEASE NOTE: 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. 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.