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How to Register a Gun
In Delaware, gun registration is not considered a compulsory requisite. No licensing is necessary unless an individual would like the right to carry a concealed handgun, in which case, they would have to comply with the demands put forth by the state. An additional advantage in acquiring a concealed carry permit is that multiple states share a reciprocity policy, allowing permittees to carry in the states involved in the agreement. (Note that purchasers must be no less than 18 years of age to buy long guns and 21 to buy a handgun. Private sales must be facilitated through a licensed dealer with access to a criminal background check system.)
How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit
Delaware is regarded as a “May Issue” state, meaning that the local authorities have the final say on whether or not you are fit to hold a permit. To apply for a CCDW (Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons) permit, interested parties must carry out the formalities listed below (before applying, make sure you are not conflicting with any of the conditions stated in § 1441):
- A completed Application for a License to Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon that has been signed in the presence of a notary public for certification (this can be accomplished at a Prothonotary’s Office free of charge).
- A Concealed Deadly Weapon Reference Questionnaire filled out and signed by 5 different individuals who inhabit the county in which you reside (individuals must be U.S. citizens that are non-family members and do not live in the same household as the applicant, must know the applicant for a minimum of 1 year).
- Certification that the individual applying for the license has completed a gun training/safety course deemed acceptable by the state. (Original copy must be notarized. If the person applies before passing a gun course and is approved, they will have a 90-day period to accomplish this requirement to receive the license. Otherwise, the state will presume that the individual no longer wants to procure a gun permit, and their application will be discarded.)
- Contact a local newspaper to publish a circulation notifying the public of your request. (This must be achieved at least 10 days prior to your application. The publication should provide you with an affidavit verifying that you met all the requirements. Once received, physically attach the document to your application form.)
- Fingerprinting must be performed as part of a background check within 45 days of applying. This is handled by the State Bureau of Identification, who can be contacted by telephone at 1-302-739-2528. (At the time of filing, be prepared to furnish evidence that the fingerprint process was paid for, e.g., receipt.)
- Two passport-style photographs of the applicant. (Visit a reputable company that offers this service. Photos that do not meet the standards required will be dismissed. This needs to be executed within six months of submitting your application.)
- Be ready to pay any necessary fees along with the application process. Such fees may include:
- Statutory Filing Fee – $65 (Acceptable forms of payment include cash, personal check, or money order, made out to the “Prothonotary”.)
- Background Check & Fingerprint Fees:
- State Fee – $52
- State and Federal – $65
- Photograph Fees (prices vary)
- Newspaper Circulation Fee (prices vary)
- Gun Course (prices vary)
Once you have attained all the above requirements, make copies of all the documentation. You will need to provide duplicates along with the originals at the time of filing. You may physically bring your application packet in person to your local Prothonotary’s Office or send the documents via mail.
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