Who Cannot Carry
11 Del. C. § 1448 — a felony, a domestic violence conviction, a protection from abuse order, or an age under 21
- A person convicted of a felony, or of a crime of violence involving physical injury to another person.
- A person convicted of the unlawful use, possession or sale of a narcotic drug or controlled substance.
- A person adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile for conduct that would be a felony for an adult, until reaching the age of 25.
- A person who knows of being subject to a Family Court protection from abuse order, for as long as the order is in effect, or to a qualifying protection order from another state.
- A person convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
- A felony defendant who becomes a fugitive by failing to appear in court after proper notice.
- A person under the age of 21, with the exceptions below.
None of them may purchase, own, possess or control a deadly weapon or ammunition for a firearm within the State. Possession by a person prohibited is a class F felony, and a class D felony in most cases where it is a firearm or ammunition.
Under 21. The age bar does not reach a shotgun or muzzle loading rifle. It does not reach a person 18 years of age or older who is in the Armed Forces or the National Guard, or who holds a concealed carry license. It does not reach lawful hunting, instruction or sport under the direct supervision of a person 21 years of age or older, or force that is justified in self defense.
Federal law has prohibitions of its own that apply alongside these. A particular record is a question for a licensed Delaware attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- 11 Del. C. § 1448 — Possession and purchase of deadly weapons by persons prohibited; penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Delaware attorney.