Firearm Transfers in Delaware
A central guide to dealer transfers, private sales, family gifts, interstate transfers, inherited firearms and moving firearms you already own.
What kind of transfer is this?
Buying from an FFL
Dealer transfer, background check, identification and handgun Permit-to-Purchase requirements.
Transfer between two unlicensed people
Delaware generally requires an FFL-facilitated background check unless a statutory exception applies.
Gift or transfer to a family member
Delaware has a relationship-specific family exception, but federal interstate law still applies.
Buyer and seller live in different states
Federal law generally requires the firearm to pass through an FFL in the appropriate state before delivery to the recipient.
Delaware generally requires an FFL-facilitated background check
Under §1448B, an unlicensed person generally may not sell or transfer a firearm to another unlicensed person without a background check conducted through a licensed firearms dealer and a “proceed” response from the State Bureau of Identification, or the passage of the statutory waiting period without a denial.
Title 24 §904A allows a dealer facilitating a transfer under §1448B to charge a reasonable fee not exceeding $30 per background check.
There are statutory exceptions, so the exact relationship and circumstances matter.
Handgun transfers generally add the Permit-to-Purchase requirement
Section 1448B separately provides that an unlicensed person generally may not transfer a handgun to another unlicensed person unless the recipient has a valid Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit. DSP likewise states that Delaware residents planning to purchase or transfer a handgun generally must first obtain the permit.
A person holding a valid Delaware CCDW issued by Superior Court under §1441 is exempt from obtaining the separate Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit.
For training, fingerprints, application and exemptions:
The Delaware family exception is relationship-specific
Section 1448B contains an exception for specified immediate and extended family relationships. It is not a blanket exception for every person someone considers family.
If the family members are residents of different states, federal law still controls the interstate transfer. A Delaware family relationship does not eliminate the federal FFL requirement merely because the parties are related.
For the exact relationships, handgun issues and inheritance distinction:
Federal law controls transfers between residents of different states
ATF states that an FFL may sell a firearm to a person who does not reside in the dealer’s state by shipping the firearm to a licensee in the buyer’s state of residence. The receiving licensee completes the Form 4473 and required background check before delivery.
For ordinary private transactions, use an FFL and confirm the transfer path before money or possession changes hands.
Inheritance is different from a lifetime gift
Federal and Delaware law contain separate treatment for firearms transferred by bequest, intestate succession or other operation of law. That is legally different from a living person deciding to give a firearm to a relative.
A gift during the owner’s lifetime uses the gift/transfer rules. An estate or bequest follows the inheritance rules applicable to that situation.
Moving your own firearm is not the same as transferring it to someone else
ATF states that a person who lawfully possesses a firearm may transport or ship that firearm interstate when changing state residence. Because ownership is not being transferred to another person, this is generally not an FFL transfer merely because the person moved across a state line.
The firearm must still be lawful to possess in Delaware once the move is complete.
Coastal Firearms
Coastal Firearms provides Delaware FFL transfer services and can assist with the transfer process, required identification, handgun Permit-to-Purchase questions and coordination with out-of-state FFLs.
Official sources
11 Del. C. §1448B — Private transfers, handgun purchaser permit and exceptions
24 Del. C. §904A — Dealer-facilitated private transfers and fee cap
Delaware State Police — Handgun Permit to Purchase
ATF — Interstate FFL transfer guidance
ATF Firearms Q&A — Moving personally owned firearms when changing residence
Transfer requirements can depend on residency, firearm type, relationship, age, legal eligibility, handgun purchaser-permit status and whether the transaction is a sale, gift, inheritance or movement of property already owned. Verify the exact current rule before transferring possession or ownership.
Last legal review: August 8, 2026
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