Buying a Handgun

• The applicant must have completed a firearms training course in the 5 years before applying, from a law enforcement agency, a college, or a recognized training organization or school.
• The Bureau takes the applicant's fingerprints and searches state records and the federal background check system.
• Unless grounds for denial exist, the Bureau grants the permit within 30 days of receiving the application.
• The permit is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued.

• 11 Del. C. § 1448DStatuteHandgun qualified purchaser permit required to purchase handgunsOpens delcode.delaware.gov ↗

A holder of a valid license to carry concealed deadly weapons from the Superior Court does not need a permit before buying a handgun.

• 11 Del. C. § 1448DStatuteHandgun qualified purchaser permit required to purchase handgunsOpens delcode.delaware.gov ↗

A denial or revocation can be taken to a Justice of the Peace by a written request within 30 days. No filing fee is required, and the hearing is held within 21 days of the request. The decision may be appealed to the Superior Court within 15 days.

• 11 Del. C. § 1448DStatuteHandgun qualified purchaser permit required to purchase handgunsOpens delcode.delaware.gov ↗

Every firearm sale from a dealer's inventory also goes through a state background check, and the dealer may not complete it until told to proceed or until 25 days have passed from the request without a denial.

• 11 Del. C. § 1448AStatuteBackground checks and handgun qualified purchaser permit required for sales of firearmsOpens delcode.delaware.gov ↗

Once a permit issues or a denial is final, the Bureau keeps only the applicant's name, date of birth, the dates, and the training date. A particular purchase is a question for a licensed Delaware attorney.

• 11 Del. C. § 1448DStatuteHandgun qualified purchaser permit required to purchase handgunsOpens delcode.delaware.gov ↗