| Subject/Law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes | Notes |
|---|
| Permit required to purchase? | Yes | Yes | | The firearm registration process also serves as a permitting process. |
| Owner license required? | Yes | Yes | | The firearm registration process also serves as a licensing process. |
| Firearm registration? | Yes | Yes | | All firearms except certain black powder firearms, must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. A background check and online training are required. |
| License required for concealed carry? | N/A | Yes | | The Metropolitan Police Department shall issue a License to Carry a Handgun to a qualified applicant. |
| Open carry allowed? | No | No | | Open carry is prohibited. |
| Assault weapon law? | Yes | Yes | | Assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles prohibited. |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | Yes | Yes | | Illegal to possess magazines of more than 10 round capacity. |
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | Yes | | Automatic firearms, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, and silencers prohibited. |
| Peaceable journey laws? | No | No | | Federal law (FOPA) applies. |
| Background checks required for private sales? | Yes | Yes | DC Code §7–2505.02 | Private party firearm transfers must be conducted through a licensed dealer, who is required by federal law to conduct a background check and keep a record of the sale. This only applies to sales made within the District of Columbia. Sales made by DC firearms owners outside of the District of Columbia must only conform to that state’s transfer laws. |
| Waiting period? | Yes | Yes | | After purchasing a firearm, the buyer must wait ten days before taking possession of the gun. |
