Independent Delaware Firearm Law Information
Last legal review: August 9, 2026

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DelawareGunLaws.com

Understand Delaware Firearm Law.

Clear, practical information about buying, owning, carrying, transporting and transferring firearms in Delaware — backed by statutes and official government sources.

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Facts. Sources. Plain English.

Understand what the law says — and go directly to the underlying source.

Current Law
Delaware firearm-law information reviewed through August 9, 2026.
Start Here

What do you need to know?

Delaware firearm laws can differ depending on the firearm, transaction, location and person involved. Start with the subject that applies to you.

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Buying a Firearm

Handguns, rifles, shotguns, background checks, identification and dealer transfers.

Buying Guide →

Permit to Purchase

Delaware’s Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit, training, fingerprinting and exemptions.

Permit Guide →

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Carrying a Firearm

Concealed carry, open carry, vehicles, restricted locations and reciprocity.

Carry Laws →

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What’s Legal?

Firearms, magazines, NFA items, restricted configurations and other regulated items.

Check Legality →

Complete Site Directory

Looking for a specific Delaware firearm-law topic?

Browse the complete DelawareGunLaws.com directory, organized by buying, transfers, carry, restricted firearms, ownership, protective orders, travel, hunting and more.

Important Delaware Requirement

Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit

A Delaware resident purchasing a handgun generally must have a valid Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit unless an exemption applies.

A person with a valid Delaware Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon license issued under 11 Del. C. § 1441 is not required to obtain a separate purchaser permit.

Complete Permit Guide →

How the process works

Delaware Permit to Purchase

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Complete qualifying trainingApplicants generally must complete firearms training satisfying 11 Del. C. § 1448D unless exempt.
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Complete fingerprintingDelaware State Police directs applicants to complete the required fingerprint and photo-ID process through IdentoGO.
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Submit your applicationThe application can be completed through the Delaware State Police Permit to Purchase portal.
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Background investigationThe State Bureau of Identification conducts the applicable background investigation.
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Permit decisionDSP states that SBI issues or denies a permit within 30 days of receiving a fully complete application.

View official Delaware State Police requirements →

Quick Answers

Common Delaware gun-law questions

Do I need a permit to buy a handgun?

Delaware residents generally need a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit unless a statutory exemption applies.

Learn more →

Does my Delaware CCDW count?

A valid Delaware CCDW is an exemption from the separate handgun purchaser permit requirement.

CCDW Guide →

What is Delaware’s magazine limit?

Delaware generally defines a large-capacity magazine as an ammunition-feeding device capable of accepting, or readily convertible to accept, more than 17 rounds.

Magazine Law →

Can I buy a firearm online?

Online firearm purchases are lawful when applicable federal and state transfer requirements are followed; interstate transfers commonly involve an FFL.

Online Purchase Guide →

Can I carry concealed?

Delaware issues licenses to carry concealed deadly weapons under 11 Del. C. § 1441.

Concealed Carry →

I’m moving to Delaware. What can I bring?

Review Delaware restrictions before bringing firearms, magazines or regulated firearm components into the state.

Moving Guide →

Delaware Law Library

Find the law that applies to you

Practical guides organized by transaction, firearm, location and circumstance.

Law Changes

Current law vs. pending legislation

A proposed bill is not automatically current law. We identify the status before explaining what it does.

Signed — Future Requirement

HB 141 — Firearm Responsibilities Notice

Signed July 23, 2026. The legislation requires a Firearm Responsibilities Notice in covered firearm transactions and is effective 180 days after enactment.

Official Bill →

Pending

SS 1 for SB 300 — Firearm Dealer Licensing

Passed the General Assembly on June 30, 2026. As of August 7, 2026, the General Assembly lists the measure as ready for Governor action; it should not yet be treated as enacted current law.

Track Bill →

Our Approach

Facts. Sources. Plain English.

Firearm laws are complicated enough without confusing political rhetoric with legal requirements. DelawareGunLaws.com is designed to help readers understand the rule, locate the underlying authority and determine where additional research may be necessary.

What the law saysStatutes and enacted legal requirements.
What agencies sayOfficial procedures and government guidance.
What it meansPractical plain-English explanations.

Site Support

Supported by Coastal Firearms

DelawareGunLaws.com is supported by Coastal Firearms, a Delaware firearms business focused on lawful transfers, responsible ownership, education and compliance.

Visit coastal-firearms.store →

Important: DelawareGunLaws.com is an independent educational resource.

DelawareGunLaws.com is not a State of Delaware website and is not affiliated with any government agency. Information on this site is provided for general educational and informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Firearm laws can change through legislation, regulations, court decisions and agency interpretation. Individual circumstances can materially affect how a law applies. Review current primary sources and consult a qualified attorney when a legal determination is important to you.

Delaware firearm law without the noise.

Follow meaningful changes to Delaware firearm laws, court decisions and regulatory requirements.