Delaware Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permit Required Castle Doctrine Red Flag Law

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Delaware Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permit Required
Permit Required	Yes - required
Permit Cost	$65
Permit Validity	3 years
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✕ No
Red Flag Law	✕ Yes (ERPO exists)
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in Delaware

Open carry is legal in Delaware for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in Delaware

Concealed carry in Delaware requires a valid permit. Delaware requires a Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CDWL) issued by Superior Court. Must be 18+, complete application, references required, no disqualifying record.

Where You Cannot Carry in Delaware

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Delaware. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Licensed Premises
Recreational Facilities

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Getting a Delaware CCW Permit

Delaware requires a Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CDWL) issued by Superior Court. Must be 18+, complete application, references required, no disqualifying record.

Official Delaware Permit Information

CCW Reciprocity for Delaware

States that honor your Delaware permit (0)

None

Delaware honors permits from (0)

None

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Delaware Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Delaware gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Delaware Gun Laws

Does Delaware have reciprocity with other states?

No. Delaware does not recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits.

Is open carry legal in Delaware?

Yes. Open carry is generally legal in Delaware without a permit for those legally allowed to possess firearms.

Does Delaware have a red flag law?

Yes. Delaware enacted an Extreme Risk Protection Order law in 2018.

Shooting Ranges in Delaware

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Delaware. Filter by type, features, and location.

Find Ranges in Delaware

Neighboring State Gun Laws

Maryland

New Jersey

Pennsylvania