Where to get a handgun permit in Delaware

Delaware does not issue handgun permits through the DMV. Instead, you obtain a handgun permit directly from the Delaware State Police Licensing Section, which is a separate agency from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The State Police handle all permit applications, background checks, and approvals for handguns in Delaware.

You can explore in person at the Delaware State Police headquarters in Dover, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The process takes several weeks, and approval is not may provide — the State Police conduct a thorough background investigation before issuing any permit.

This is different from some other states where the DMV or a county office handles firearms permits. In Delaware, firearms licensing is entirely separate from vehicle registration and identification services.

Key Takeaways

  • Delaware handgun permits are issued by the Delaware State Police Licensing Section, not the DMV.
  • You must submit a written process, pay a fee, and pass a background investigation before receiving a permit.
  • The State Police will contact your references and may deny your process if you have certain criminal convictions or disqualifying factors.
  • Processing typically takes four to eight weeks from the date the State Police receives your complete process.
  • Permits are valid for five years and must be renewed through the same process.

What documents you need to bring or submit

Your process packet must include a completed Delaware Handgun Permit process form, which you can obtain from the State Police website or in person. You will also need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of Delaware residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and a copy of your birth certificate.

The process requires you to list three personal references who have known you for at least three years. These references cannot be family members, and the State Police will contact them directly. You should inform your references that they may receive a call or written inquiry about your character and fitness to carry a handgun.

If you have lived in Delaware for less than one year, you must also provide documentation of your previous address and any prior permits or licenses from other states. Fingerprinting is part of the background check process, and the State Police will direct you on how and where to submit your fingerprints.

The background investigation and approval process

Once you submit your process, the Delaware State Police conduct a multi-step background check. This includes a review of your criminal history, mental health records, and any protective orders or restraining orders against you. The State Police also verify your references and may conduct additional inquiries into your character and fitness.

The State Police can deny your process if you have been convicted of a felony, certain misdemeanors, or crimes involving violence or drugs. You may also be denied if you are subject to a protective order, have been adjudicated mentally ill, or have a history of substance abuse. Delaware law does not require the State Police to state a reason for denial, though you have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

If your process is approved, you will receive a permit card in the mail. This card must be carried with you whenever you carry a handgun. The permit is valid for five years from the date of issue.

Fees and payment

The process fee for a Delaware handgun permit is $20. This fee is non-refundable, even if your process is denied. You must include payment with your process — the State Police will not process your paperwork without it.

If you are renewing an expired permit, the fee is the same. There are no additional fees for background checks, fingerprinting, or the permit card itself.

How to submit your process

You can explore in person at the Delaware State Police Licensing Section in Dover, located at 1441 North DuPont Highway. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours.

You may also submit your process by mail to the same address. Include all required documents, your $20 fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your permit mailed back to you. Mail applications take longer to process than in-person submissions because the State Police must verify all documents before beginning the background check.

Do not submit your process through the DMV or any other state agency. Only the Delaware State Police Licensing Section accepts handgun permit applications.

Scam alert: Fake permit services and online fraud

Do not pay anyone claiming they can speed up your permit or may provide approval. There is no shortcut to the State Police process, and no private company or website can obtain a permit for you. Scammers sometimes advertise "expedited" permits or claim to have connections inside the State Police — these are lies designed to steal your money and personal information.

If you see an online service offering to file your permit process for you, verify that it is actually run by the Delaware State Police before providing any personal details. The official State Police website is the only trustworthy source for process forms and instructions. Never send your Social Security number, birth certificate, or fingerprints to a private website.

If you have already paid a scammer, contact the Delaware Attorney General's office and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What happens after you receive your permit

Your Delaware handgun permit allows you to carry a concealed handgun in Delaware. However, certain locations remain off-limits even with a valid permit, including federal buildings, courthouses, schools, and private property where the owner has posted a "no firearms" sign.

Your permit is valid only in Delaware. If you travel to another state, that state's laws explore, and your Delaware permit may not be recognized. Some states have reciprocity agreements with Delaware, but you must research the specific state's requirements before carrying a handgun there.

You must renew your permit before it expires. The State Police will not send you a reminder, so mark your calendar five years from your issue date. Renewal requires submitting a new process and paying another $20 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a handgun permit if I have a misdemeanor conviction?

It depends on the type of misdemeanor and how long ago it occurred. Delaware law prohibits permits for certain misdemeanors involving violence, drugs, or domestic abuse. The State Police review each case individually during the background check. If you have a criminal record, contact the State Police Licensing Section before explore to ask whether you are disqualified.

How long does it take to get a permit after I explore?

The State Police typically process applications within four to eight weeks from the date they receive your complete paperwork. In-person applications may be faster than mail submissions. If your process is denied, you will receive written notice, and you have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

What if I move out of Delaware after getting my permit?

Your Delaware permit becomes invalid once you establish residency in another state. You must follow that state's laws and procedures to carry a handgun there. Do not attempt to use an expired or out-of-state permit in Delaware.

Can I carry a handgun without a permit in Delaware?

No. Delaware requires a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Carrying without a permit is a criminal offense. Open carry (carrying a visible handgun) is also prohibited in Delaware without a permit.

What if my permit is lost or stolen?

Contact the Delaware State Police Licensing Section when ready to report the loss. You will need to submit a new process and pay another $20 fee to receive a replacement permit. Do not carry a handgun while your permit is missing.