Delaware‘s new Handgun Permit Law is Now in Effect

DELAWARE — It’s now required for Delaware residents to get a permit before buying a handgun. The law went into effect Sunday, November 16th.

Under the Permit to Purchase law, anyone wanting to buy a handgun in Delaware must first apply for a handgun qualified purchaser permit.It’s not a simple process. Applicants need to complete an 8-hour firearms training course, fire 100 rounds, get fingerprinted, and pass a thorough background check, officials say.

You don’t need a new permit if you already have a Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon (CCDW) license issued by the Delaware Superior Court. These license holders can continue to buy handguns without extra steps.

If you’re a Delaware resident and want to purchase a handgun,but don’t have a valid CCDW license,you must apply for this new permit first. It’s the law now.

CCDW license holders aren’t the only ones exempt. Non-Delaware residents don’t need the permit either. Federal law requires handgun transfers to happen within a person’s state of residence. So, nonresidents must buy through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in their home state.

Most applicants must take a firearms safety course, but some are exempt. Thay’ll need to provide proof of their exemption with their application. Here’s who doesn’t need the training:

• Qualified law enforcement officers

• Qualified retired law enforcement officers

• Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs

• CCDW license holders

• Federal firearms licensees and Delaware dealers