Can You Own a Gun in DC?

Can you own a gun in DC? Yes, you can own a gun in Washington, DC, in 2025, but ownership requires registering the firearm with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and meeting strict eligibility criteria under D.C. Official Code. DC’s gun laws balance Second Amendment rights with public safety, prohibiting certain firearms and imposing responsibilities on owners. This guide provides a clear, up-to-date overview of who can own a gun, what firearms are allowed, how to register, and key regulations, ensuring you stay compliant in the District.

Who Can Own a Gun in DC?

To own a gun in DC, you must be eligible to register a firearm with the MPD’s Firearms Registration Branch (FRB). As of 2025, eligibility requirements include:

• Age: At least 21 years old. Those aged 18–20 may register a long gun (rifle or shotgun) with a notarized statement from a parent/guardian accepting civil liability, but this registration expires at age 21.
• Criminal History:
  • No felony convictions in any jurisdiction (crimes punishable by >1 year imprisonment).
  • No convictions for certain weapons offenses or crimes of violence.
  • Not under indictment for a crime of violence or weapons offense.
• Recent History (Past 5 Years):
  • No convictions for narcotics, dangerous drug offenses, assaults, threats, stalking, or multiple DUIs.
  • No misdemeanor convictions for certain firearms violations or intrafamily offenses.
  • No violation of an Extreme Risk Protection Order.
  • No acquittal by reason of insanity or adjudication as a chronic alcoholic.
  • No voluntary or involuntary mental health hospitalizations.
  • No history of violent behavior or negligence in a firearm mishap causing injury/death.
• Physical Capability: No physical defects that would make firearm use unsafe.
• Compliance: Not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm under D.C. Official Code § 22-4503.

Note: Non-residents can apply for registration if they meet these criteria and intend to keep the firearm at a DC place of business or for lawful purposes (e.g., recreational shooting).

What Firearms Can You Own in DC?

Only certain firearms can be registered in DC. Eligible firearms include:

• Rifles and Shotguns: Most standard rifles and shotguns, excluding short-barreled rifles or sawed-off shotguns.
• Handguns and Revolvers: Must meet safety standards under D.C. Official Code § 7-2505.04.

Prohibited Firearms:

• Sawed-off shotguns
• Machine guns (including non prohibited firearms that are transformed into machine guns by way of “Giggle Switch”
• Short-barreled rifles
• Assault weapons
• .50 BMG rifles
• Unsafe handguns (per safety regulations)
• Home made firearms or composite firearms with no serial number known as “Ghost Guns”.

Magazine Restrictions: Magazines holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition are illegal in DC. Anyone found in possession of such will be charged with possession of a “Large Capacity Feeding Device.”

For detailed definitions, see the MPD’s “Firearms Eligible for Registration” guide at mpdc.dc.gov/firearms.

How to Register a Gun in DC

To own a gun legally in DC, you must register it with the MPD’s Firearms Registration Branch (FRB) at 300 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. Here’s the process:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria above.
2. Complete Firearms Training: Take a DC-approved firearms safety and training course (offered by certified instructors; check mpdc.dc.gov for providers).
3. Submit Application:
   • Visit the FRB in-person or online via the MPD portal.
   • Provide identification, proof of DC residency (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill), and training certification.
   • Submit fingerprints and undergo a background check via the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
   • Pay the registration fee (approximately $13–$48, depending on the firearm type; confirm with FRB).
4. Await Approval: Processing typically takes 10–30 days. You’ll receive a registration certificate if approved.
5. Renew Registration: Certificates expire every 3 years; renew with the FRB, including a new background check.

Denial/Revocation: If denied or revoked (e.g., due to false information or ineligibility), you’ll be notified by mail and have 15 days to appeal with additional evidence. If unsuccessful, you must surrender the firearm, remove it from DC, or dispose of it lawfully.

Storage Requirements

• Recommendation: Keep firearms unloaded and secured with a trigger lock, gun safe, or locked box.
• Legal Requirement: Firearms must be stored securely to prevent access by minors under 18 unless carried on your person or in close proximity. At a place of business, firearms must be in a gun safe or locked device affixed to the property.
• Penalties for Negligent Storage:
  • Violation: Up to $1,000 fine and/or 180 days in jail.
  • If a minor accesses the firearm and causes injury/death: Up to $5,000 fine and/or 5 years in prison.
  • Exempt if the minor accesses the firearm via unlawful entry/burglary.

Responsibilities of Gun Owners

• Carry Registration Certificate: Must be in your possession when carrying the firearm and shown to law enforcement upon request.

In order to carry a firearm anywhere outside of the owner’s home or place or business the firearm owner MUST ALSO POSSESS the additional District of Columbia Conceal Carry License.

• Report Changes: Notify the FRB of:
  • Loss, theft, or destruction of a firearm or certificate (file a police report immediately).
  • Changes in name or address.
  • Sale, transfer, or disposal of the firearm (return certificate to MPD).
• Prohibited Actions:
  • No lending, borrowing, giving, or renting firearms/ammunition.
  • No pawning firearms/ammunition in DC.
• Penalties for Violations:
  • First violation: $100 fine.
  • Second violation: $500 fine, registration revocation, 5-year registration ban.
  • Third violation: $1,000 fine, registration revocation, permanent registration ban.

Ammunition Regulations

• Possession: Allowed only if you:
  • Hold a valid firearm registration certificate.
  • Are a licensed dealer, certified firearms instructor, or government employee on duty.
  • Have an ammunition collector’s certificate (pre-1976).
• Prohibited Ammunition:
  • Magazines/devices holding >10 rounds.
  • Restricted pistol bullets (e.g., tungsten/steel cores, full-jacketed >.22 caliber with jacket >25% of projectile weight, .50 BMG).
• Penalties: Possessing restricted pistol bullets carries a mandatory minimum of 1 year in prison (up to 10 years) and fines up to $25,000.

Penalties for Violations

• • Unregistered Firearm:
    • First offense: Up to $1,000 fine and/or 1 year in jail.
    • Second offense: Up to $12,500 fine and/or 5 years in prison (or $2,500/1 year if in your home/business).
  • Unregistered Ammunition:
    • First offense: Up to $1,000 fine and/or 1 year in jail.
    • Second offense: Up to $12,500 fine and/or 5 years in prison (or $2,500/1 year if in your home/business).
  • Selling to Minors: Up to $25,000 fine and/or 10 years in prison.
  • Discharging Without Permit: Criminal offense; requires a special permit from the Chief of Police.

• Carrying a Pistol without a License: Up to 5 years in prison and/or $12,500 fine. Enhanced punishments exist for machine guns and “Ghost Guns”.

• Prior Felon in Possession of Firearm (FIP)/Unlawful Possession of a Firearm: Mandatory minimum of 1 year prison, up to 10 years maximum in prison and or up to a maximum $25,000 fine. Enhancements apply for machine guns and “Ghost Guns.”

DC Gun Ownership Rules (2025)

Aspect	Details
Eligible Firearms	Rifles, shotguns, handguns, revolvers (no assault weapons, .50 BMG, etc.)
Age Requirement	21+ (18–20 for long guns with parental consent, expires at 21)
Registration	Required via FRB; includes training, background check, fees ($13–$48)
Concealed Carry	Requires CCPL; open carry prohibited
Storage	Unloaded, secured (trigger lock/safe); minors must not access
Transport	Unloaded, in locked container, separate from ammunition
Magazine Limit	Max 10 rounds; higher capacity illegal
Penalties	Fines ($100–$25,000), jail (180 days–10 years), registration revocation

Contact Ervin Kibria Law for Expert Legal Support

If you have questions about gun ownership in DC or face charges related to firearms violations, Ervin Kibria Law, led by DC’s foremost leading expert firearm attorney Nabeel Kibria, is here to fight for you. Our experienced team provides tailored advice and aggressive defense. Call (202) 689-4439 or fill out our contact form for a confidential consultation today.