Taser and Stun Gun Laws in District of Columbia

The rules on tasers and stun guns in District of Columbia: who may own and carry them, where they are banned, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: Stun guns are legal to own in D.C. for people 18 and older; people under 18 may not possess one, except briefly for self-defense against an immediate threat of harm. D.C. Code § 7-2502.15

Tasers and stun guns	Stun guns are legal to own in D.C. for people 18 and older; people under 18 may not possess one, except briefly for self-defense against an immediate threat of harm. A stun gun may be used only as reasonable force to defend yourself, another person or property. Except for law enforcement officers or with specific permission, stun guns are banned in D.C. government buildings and offices, jails, secure juvenile facilities and halfway houses, buildings used by child-care facilities, preschools and elementary or secondary schools, and any building or grounds the owner has clearly posted as banning them. the penalty is not stated in this section. Source: D.C. Code § 7-2502.15

Tasers and stun guns

Stun guns are legal to own in D.C. for people 18 and older; people under 18 may not possess one, except briefly for self-defense against an immediate threat of harm. A stun gun may be used only as reasonable force to defend yourself, another person or property. Except for law enforcement officers or with specific permission, stun guns are banned in D.C. government buildings and offices, jails, secure juvenile facilities and halfway houses, buildings used by child-care facilities, preschools and elementary or secondary schools, and any building or grounds the owner has clearly posted as banning them.

the penalty is not stated in this section.

Source: D.C. Code § 7-2502.15

More District of Columbia criminal law

FAQ

Are Tasers and stun guns legal in District of Columbia?

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

How we source this page: each state-specific rule links to the statute, court rule or official government page it comes from. A rule taken from a public copy of a state code (used only where the official code is not freely readable online) is marked as a secondary source. Spot an error? Use the contact page to report it. About our sources

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.