District of Columbia

Applies for pass-through only. Do not stop.

Banned.

Permitted at DCA/IAD (IAD is in VA, DCA is in VA but serves DC). Note: Bringing a gun into DC to fly out requires DC registration or strict FOPA compliance.

Shall Issue.

Shall-issue (post-Wrenn). Requires 16 hours training + 2 hours range.

Prohibited.

Enhanced penalties for possession near schools. DC CCW exempts from federal GFSZA but DC law prohibits carry on school grounds.

Prohibited without a DC Carry License.

While federal law allows park carry, DC law prohibits carry in 'public memorials' and sensitive places which cover most National Park land in DC (Mall, Monuments).

Extensive list including all gov buildings, public transit (Metro), schools, stadiums, and within 1000ft of dignitaries.

Must be unloaded, separated from ammo, and not readily accessible (trunk).

Banned. 'Sawed-off shotgun' definition includes SBRs and SBSs.

Ghost guns are unregisterable and therefore illegal. You cannot build a gun without it being serialized and registered.

Banned.

All firearms must have a unique serial number to be registered.

Statute exists, but compliance is achieved via the Roster system (CA/MD/MA rosters).

Flash suppressors are 'assault weapon' features on semi-auto rifles. Sound suppressors (silencers) are totally banned.

Banned. Definition in § 7-2501.01(3A) includes specific models and feature-based tests (single feature test).

Strict 10-round limit for all firearms.

Fixed magazine (non-detachable) or featureless (no pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding stock, flash suppressor, etc.).

Mandatory for all firearms.

Must be unloaded and locked unless being carried or used for immediate self-defense.

Yes, Extreme Risk Protection Orders exist.

Must register immediately. There is no grace period in the statute for possession without a certificate, though MPD advises immediate application.

Must report immediately.

Must go through FFL/MPD.

Generally prohibited. The registration is specific to the person.

Not currently mandated for ownership, though often proposed.

Yes, criminally negligent storage if a minor gains access.

Federal law prohibits possession. While DC has legalized possession, MPD enforces federal standards for firearm registration eligibility.

Illegal aliens are prohibited. Legal permanent residents may register if they meet other criteria.

Private sales are effectively banned; transfers must go through a licensed dealer and MPD registration.

Illegal under both federal and DC law.

Yes, conviction of an 'intrafamily offense' punishable as a misdemeanor within the last 5 years prohibits registration.

All transfers go through MPD. The Chief of Police conducts the investigation, including NICS and fingerprinting.

DC prohibits ownership for specific misdemeanors (weapons offenses, intrafamily offenses) within 5 years, those who are blind, and those who fail to complete mandatory training.

Felons, fugitives, unlawful users of controlled substances, those adjudicated as mental defectives, illegal aliens, dishonorable discharges, and those subject to certain restraining orders.

21 for all firearms.

10 days for pistols; practically, the registration process for any gun takes significantly longer.

Yes, DC utilizes the California, Maryland, and Massachusetts rosters.

Yes, a registration certificate is required to take possession.

Legal, but must ship to the sole DC FFL (or MPD if applicable) for processing and registration.

Yes, limited to registering one pistol per 30 days.

Possession of ANY ammunition requires a valid firearm registration certificate. Certain types (AP, .50 BMG) are banned.

Handguns must be transferred to a DC FFL. Long guns can be bought in person out of state but MUST be registered in DC immediately upon arrival.

Sellers must verify the purchaser's registration certificate.

While District of Columbia does not have a statutory castle doctrine, case law establishes that there is no duty to retreat when attacked within one's own home.

District of Columbia imposes a duty to retreat before using deadly force, established by case law, which applies everywhere except within one's own home.

District of Columbia does not have a stand your ground law; case law establishes a duty to retreat when safely possible outside of one's home.