Delaware Handgun Permit to Purchase
A practical guide to Delaware’s Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit:
who needs one, who is exempt, required training, fingerprinting,
the application process, permit duration and official resources.
The permit requirement applies to qualifying Delaware residents purchasing or receiving a handgun.
A valid Delaware CCDW holder does not need a separate Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit.
The permit is part of the purchase process; other applicable state and federal transfer requirements still apply.
Who needs a permit?
CCDW exemption
Application process
Training requirements
Training exemptions
Documents to submit
Permit validity
Denials and appeals
Frequently asked questions
Official sources
Who needs a Delaware Permit to Purchase?
Delaware law generally requires a person purchasing or receiving a
handgun to have a valid Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit
issued by the State Bureau of Identification when the permit requirement
applies to the transaction.
Delaware defines a handgun for this section as a pistol, revolver or
other firearm designed to be readily capable of being fired when held
in one hand.
The Permit to Purchase requirement is a handgun purchase/transfer requirement.
It is not a general license simply to own every firearm in Delaware.
Delaware State Police currently describes the applicant population as
Delaware residents wishing to purchase a handgun who do not possess a
valid Delaware CCDW license.
Do Delaware CCDW holders need a Permit to Purchase?
A valid Delaware CCDW is a permit exemption.
A person who holds a valid Delaware license to carry a concealed
deadly weapon issued by the Superior Court under 11 Del. C. § 1441
is not required to apply for a separate Handgun Qualified Purchaser
Permit before purchasing a handgun.
This is different from being merely exempt from the training course.
Several categories of people can skip the training requirement but must
still obtain the purchaser permit. A valid Delaware CCDW holder, by contrast,
is exempt from obtaining the purchaser permit itself.
How to obtain the permit
Complete qualifying firearm training
Unless you qualify for a training exemption, complete a qualifying
firearms training course within the 5 years before applying.
Schedule fingerprinting and photo identification
Delaware State Police directs applicants to use IdentoGO.
The current Permit to Purchase service code is
27S8N2.
for this application and may require fingerprinting again.
Complete the DSP application
Apply through the Delaware State Police Permit to Purchase Applicant
Portal and upload the required documentation.
Paper applications are also available at DSP Troop locations and
may be submitted to the SBI Permit to Purchase office.
SBI conducts the background investigation
SBI reviews state and federal records and conducts the investigation
required by § 1448D. Fingerprints are also submitted for the
applicable federal background search.
Receive a decision
Delaware law requires SBI, absent grounds for denial, to grant the
permit within 30 days after receipt of the application. DSP explains
that incomplete applications will not be processed until missing
requirements are supplied.
Use the official Delaware State Police application portal.
What must the firearms training include?
Unless an exemption applies, the qualifying course must generally have
been completed within the 5 years before the application.
DSP’s course guidelines and § 1448D require instruction covering the
following subjects.
The statutory training curriculum includes live-fire shooting exercises
conducted on a range with the expenditure of a minimum of
100 rounds of ammunition.
DSP maintains a list of pre-approved firearms instructors. DSP also states
that pre-approval is not mandatory: a course offered by an instructor not
on that list may still qualify if it satisfies the statutory requirements.
Who is exempt from the training course?
Section 1448D lists the following categories as exempt from the
firearms-training requirement. Except where another permit exemption
applies—most notably a valid Delaware CCDW—being training-exempt does
not necessarily mean the person is exempt from applying for the purchaser permit.
DSP instructs applicants claiming a training exemption to submit proof
of that exemption with the application.
What documents should you have ready?
Requirements can differ based on the applicant’s status. Follow the
current DSP application instructions when submitting your application.
How long is the permit valid?
Years valid
Days for statutory permit decision
Years training look-back
A Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit is valid for
2 years from the date of issuance. A permit holder may
purchase handguns using the permit while it remains valid, subject to
other applicable state and federal laws.
A permit may become void or be revoked if the holder becomes disqualified
under the statute.
Denials, revocations and hearings
If the Director determines that an applicant does not qualify, the statute
requires written notice stating the specific reasons for the denial.
A person aggrieved by a denial or revocation may request a hearing in the
Justice of the Peace Court for the county in which the person resides.
Under § 1448D, the written hearing request must generally be made within
30 days of the denial or revocation.
A denial, revocation or question about firearm eligibility can involve
facts unique to the individual. This website provides general information,
not legal advice. Consider consulting a Delaware attorney when your legal
rights or eligibility are at issue.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Delaware CCDW holder need a Permit to Purchase?
No. A person holding a valid Delaware CCDW issued by the Superior Court
under § 1441 is not required to obtain the separate purchaser permit.
Does the permit replace the firearm background check?
No. The permit requirement operates alongside other applicable Delaware
and federal firearm-transfer requirements.
Does the training have to be completed recently?
Unless exempt, § 1448D generally requires qualifying training within
the 5 years before the application.
How many rounds must be fired during training?
The required curriculum includes live-fire exercises conducted on a
firearms range with a minimum expenditure of 100 rounds.
Does my instructor have to appear on DSP’s pre-approved list?
Not necessarily. DSP states that courses satisfying the statutory
requirements may qualify even when the instructor is not on the
pre-approved list. DSP recommends contacting the Permit to Purchase
office if there is uncertainty.
Can I submit a paper application?
Yes. DSP states that paper applications are available at DSP Troop
locations and may also be submitted to the SBI Permit to Purchase office
with the required documents.
How long does the permit last?
The statute provides that a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit is valid
for 2 years from the date it is issued.
Official Delaware resources
11 Del. C. § 1448D
Delaware Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit statute
Official Law →
Delaware State Police — Permit to Purchase
Current applicant instructions, exemptions and contact information
DSP →
Permit to Purchase Applicant Portal
Official online application
Apply →
DSP Firearms Training Course Guidelines
Official curriculum requirements
PDF →
Delaware State Police Permit to Purchase
600 S. Bay Road, Suite 1
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 741-2800
Email:
DSP_SBIP2PMail@delaware.gov
Coastal Firearms
For general information about lawful firearm purchases, transfers and Delaware compliance resources, visit Coastal Firearms.
DelawareGunLaws.com is an independent educational resource and is not
affiliated with the State of Delaware or any government agency.
Firearm laws, regulations, court decisions and agency procedures can
change. Verify current primary sources before relying on this information.
Last legal review: August 7, 2026