Concealed Carry in District of Columbia

No. No person may carry a pistol in the District, openly or concealed, without a license issued under District law. Carrying outside one's home, business or land is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine (up to 10 years for a repeat offense after a prior District or felony conviction). Rifles and shotguns may not be carried unless otherwise permitted by law.

Concealed Carry Pistol License, issued by the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The statute says the Chief 'may' issue a license to a 'suitable person'; MPD states that, after the Wrenn and Grace court decisions, applicants do not need to show a 'good reason.' Applicant must be at least 21, hold a District-registered handgun, and complete a 16-hour firearms training course plus 2 hours of range training with an MPD-certified instructor, covering safety, marksmanship and District and federal firearms law. A license may be issued for not more than 2 years. Nonresidents may apply.

None. The District has no law that honors other states' carry permits; a pistol may be carried only with a license issued under District law. A nonresident who holds a concealed carry license from any state (or who lives in a state that does not require one) may apply for a District license.

Licensees may not carry in District government buildings; schools, child care facilities, preschools, colleges and universities (including adjacent parking lots); hospitals and medical or mental health offices; prisons, juvenile facilities and halfway houses; polling places while voting is underway; public transportation including Metrorail and stations; premises licensed to serve alcohol for on-site consumption (with some exceptions); stadiums and arenas; posted public gatherings or special events; National Mall memorials, the Tidal Basin and federal-ban areas including the U.S. Capitol grounds; the White House area and Naval Observatory area; areas near dignitaries or demonstrations designated by police; and places set by rule. Private residences are presumed off-limits unless the owner allows it; other private property is off-limits if posted or the owner says so; places of worship are presumed off-limits unless posted or allowed.

Without a carry license, a person not prohibited from having the firearm may transport it only for a lawful purpose between places where they may lawfully possess and carry it; the firearm must be unloaded and neither it nor the ammunition may be readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment (or, if there is no separate compartment, in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console). Licensees carrying concealed on their person are exempt from these rules. MPD advises nonresidents with unregistered firearms to travel through the District without stopping.