The State That Now Requires a Permission Slip

Published on November 18, 2025
Duration: 9:23

Delaware has enacted a 'permit to purchase' law requiring individuals to obtain a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit before buying a handgun. This involves mandatory firearms training, fingerprinting, and a background check. While exemptions exist for concealed carry permit holders and certain law enforcement/military personnel, the law introduces significant hurdles for ordinary citizens seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Private firearm sales also now require verification of the buyer's permit.

Quick Summary

Delaware has enacted a 'permit to purchase' law, requiring individuals to obtain a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit before buying a handgun. This involves mandatory training, fingerprinting, and background checks. Exemptions exist for concealed carry permit holders and certain law enforcement personnel, but private sales now also require permit verification.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Delaware's New Permit to Purchase Law
  2. 00:46Permit to Purchase: A Form of Civilian Disarmament
  3. 01:16Delaware Joins States with Permit to Purchase Laws
  4. 01:46Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 2 Explained
  5. 02:18Delaware State Police Requirements for Permit
  6. 03:18Exemptions from Permit to Purchase Education
  7. 05:37Curriculum for Required Firearms Training
  8. 06:35Residency Requirements for Permit Applicants
  9. 07:20Permit Validity and Renewal
  10. 07:45Legal Challenges and Injunction Denied
  11. 08:02Impact on Private Firearm Transactions
  12. 08:15Conclusion: Welcome to the Gates of Hell, Delaware

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delaware's new law regarding handgun purchases?

Delaware now requires a 'permit to purchase,' specifically a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit, before any individual can buy a handgun. This law aims to regulate firearm acquisition through mandatory training, fingerprinting, and background checks.

What are the requirements to get a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit in Delaware?

Applicants must complete a certified firearms training course, undergo fingerprinting with Identico, and pass a background check. The permit is valid for two years and requires renewal.

Who is exempt from Delaware's permit to purchase training requirements?

Exemptions include those with a valid Delaware Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon license, qualified law enforcement and retired law enforcement officers, active military personnel, and certain licensed firearm dealers. NRA instructors and those with hunter safety certifications may also be exempt.

Can private firearm sales still occur in Delaware without a permit?

No, Delaware's new law prohibits private firearm sales between residents unless the seller verifies that the buyer possesses a valid permit to purchase. This extends the permit requirement to private transactions.

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