Open Carry in District of Columbia

No. The license requirement covers carrying a pistol 'either openly or concealed,' and District licenses are concealed carry licenses only. Rifles and shotguns may not be carried unless otherwise permitted by law.

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.

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.