This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.
District of ColumbiaConcealed Carry Permit & Reciprocity
The District of Columbia is a may-issue-in-practice jurisdiction. Since the 2017 Wrenn decision it issues a Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCL) through the Metropolitan Police Department on an objective basis, but the requirements are demanding: the applicant must be at least 21, own a pistol registered in the District, complete 16 hours of training plus a live-fire range qualification with an MPD-certified instructor (a non-resident may satisfy some training with an out-of-state course), be fingerprinted, and pay a $75 fee; the license is valid for two years. Carry is concealed only — open carry is prohibited. The District is not a permitless-carry jurisdiction, and it recognizes no out-of-state concealed carry licenses. D.C. is a duty-to-inform jurisdiction: a licensee stopped while carrying must disclose the concealed pistol, present the license and registration, and identify the pistol's location. The District has an extensive list of prohibited places, including areas around federal facilities and the transit system.
District of Columbia District of Columbia Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCL)
- Issuing authority
- Metropolitan Police Department
- Carry regime
- may issue in practice
- Minimum age
- 21
- Fee
- $75
- Training
- Required (16 hrs)
- Validity
- 2 years
Carry practicalities
Permitless carry
Not allowed
The District of Columbia is NOT a permitless-carry jurisdiction. A Concealed Carry Pistol License (and a registered pistol) is required to carry a concealed pistol; carrying without a license is a crime (D.C. Code §22-4504). There is no constitutional/permitless carry in the District.
official source · verified 2026-07-10
Open carry
Prohibited
Open carry is prohibited in the District of Columbia. A person licensed to carry may carry only a concealed pistol; carrying a pistol openly is not permitted (D.C. Code §22-4504.02).
official source · verified 2026-07-10
Duty to inform
Required
The District of Columbia IS a duty-to-inform jurisdiction. A licensee who is stopped by a law enforcement officer while carrying a concealed pistol must disclose that they are carrying, present the concealed carry license and the pistol's registration certificate, identify the location of the pistol, and comply with the officer's lawful directions (D.C. Code §7-2509.04). This is an affirmative, proactive duty.
official source · verified 2026-07-10
Off-limits locations
- within 1,000 feet of a person under official protection when notified by police
- schools, colleges, universities, and their grounds
- government buildings, the U.S. Capitol grounds, and federal facilities
- public transportation vehicles and the Metro transit system
- hospitals, and establishments serving alcohol for on-premises consumption
- stadiums, arenas, and public gatherings/events and demonstrations
- the secured (past-screening) areas of airports
- private residences and businesses unless the owner posts or gives express permission
- places where carrying a firearm is prohibited by federal law
Curated key categories, not exhaustive. The District's prohibited places are enumerated in D.C. Code §7-2509.07, and include a default no-carry rule for private property absent the owner's posted permission. Federal restrictions apply broadly across the District.
official source · verified 2026-07-10
District of Columbia reciprocity summary
District of Columbia honors 0 states' permits · honored by 26 states
Where a District of Columbia permit is honored →Whose permits District of Columbia honors →
Last verified 2026-07-10 against Metropolitan Police Department — Concealed Carry License.
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District of Columbia FAQ
- Does District of Columbia have constitutional carry?
- No. District of Columbia is may-issue in practice — a District of Columbia Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCL) is required, and issuance involves discretion, delays, or added requirements beyond the base statutory criteria.
- How much does a District of Columbia CCL cost?
- The CCL application fee in District of Columbia is $75. $75 for the Concealed Carry Pistol License, plus firearm-registration, fingerprint, and training costs.
- Does District of Columbia honor out-of-state concealed-carry permits?
- District of Columbia does not currently honor any other state's concealed-carry permit — a District of Columbia CCL (or permitless carry, if eligible) is required to carry in District of Columbia.
- Where is a District of Columbia CCL honored?
- A District of Columbia CCL is honored by 26 other states. See the full outbound reciprocity list for exactly which states and any resident-only or class restrictions.
- How long is a District of Columbia CCL valid?
- A District of Columbia CCL is valid for 2 years before renewal is required.