How to Get a Gun License in DC

Last Updated: March 19, 2020

District of Columbia does not require licenses or permits for guns, however, it requires all gun owners to file an application for registration of firearms. The process for doing this is similar to applying for a gun license or permit. You will be required to provide personal information to the Metropolitan Police Department in order to qualify for the registration and subsequent use of a firearm. Although you will not be obtaining a gun license, registering your gun in DC requires detailed paperwork that must be submitted to the firearm registration Service (FRS) of The Metropolitan Police Department. Follow these steps to apply for registration.

Steps

1
Obtain the Application for Firearms Registration Certificate (PD-219). You can obtain the application from local firearm dealers or from the Firearms Registration Certificate office.
2
Complete the firearm owner section of the form. Fill out the section of the form stating "Purchaser/Owner's Name," along with your address, driver's license information, date of birth, sex, race, occupation and phone number.

Advertisement
3
Ask a gun merchant to complete the dealer merchant section of the form. If you are purchasing a new gun, have the dealer merchant fill out Section A of the form describing the gun.
4
Sign and date the document. Have the dealer do the same if you are purchasing a new firearm.
5
Bring the completed Application for Firearms Registration Certificate in person to the Firearms Registration Certificate office.
6
Supply the firearm, unloaded, along with your application. If you have not yet purchased a gun, you will not be able to do so until you have filled out the application and received the registration, which you must bring to the dealer.
7
Offer proof of residency in the District of Columbia. Legal documents that show proof of residence can include a driver's license, a deed to your home, a rental agreement, etc.
8
Provide passport photos. Bring 2 passport-sized photos of yourself that have been taken within the last 30 days.
9
Supply proof of proper firearm safety and training, including a signed affidavit from the institution. The training will require that you have passed a 30 minute online course, or hold a license that indicates equivalent training.
10
Take the 20-question exam on DC's firearms laws and regulations. You must answer at least 15 questions correctly. You can take the test 1 additional time if you fail.
11
Supply fingerprints to the Firearms Registration Certificate office. The office will fingerprint you at the time of application.
12
Submit a pre-owned firearm for ballistics testing at the office. The gun will be tested, and the process will take less than 1 hour.
13
Wait for notification from the office that you have been approved for registration. This will take approximately 5 days.

Community Q&A

Question

Are out-of-state license recognized?

Community Answer

In some states yes and in others no. You have to check the law in whatever state you are visiting.
Question

How old do you have to be to obtain a gun license?

Community Answer

18.
Question

Can a foreign diplomat own a gun?

Grahamster

Community Answer

Yes. Foreign diplomats follow the same legal requirements as everyone else when purchasing a gun in America.