District of Columbia has significant carry restrictions, and the legal landscape has shifted substantially since the 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. New legislation, court rulings, and injunctions continue to affect what is currently enforceable. This page provides a general overview only — verify the current status of any specific provision with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) or a licensed District of Columbia attorney before relying on it.
District of Columbia carry status overview
District of Columbia requires a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to carry a concealed handgun, issued by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The District of Columbia is not a state and has no reciprocity benefit for non-residents — its CPL is not transferable to or from other jurisdictions in the way state permits are. DC's process is administered by MPD and carries very limited locations where carry is practically available.
| Concealed carry | Concealed Pistol License (CPL) required |
| Governing law | D.C. Code § 22-4504.01 |
| Issuing authority | Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) |
| Open carry | Generally prohibited |
| Vehicle carry | Strict requirements — verify current rules |
| Post-Bruen changes | Yes — significant sensitive-location and process changes since 2022 |
Applying for a permit
Apply through Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Be prepared for a more involved process than in most other states — additional documentation, longer processing times, and in some cases an in-person interview may be required. Training requirements are typically more extensive than in shall-issue states.
Application info: https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/concealed-pistol-licensing ↗
Sensitive locations (post-Bruen)
Following the 2022 Bruen decision, District of Columbia enacted expanded "sensitive location" restrictions that prohibit carry — even with a valid permit — in a substantially wider range of places than before. Categories commonly include:
- Government buildings and courts
- Schools and educational institutions (K–12 and higher ed)
- Healthcare facilities
- Public transit
- Places of worship (unless authorized)
- Bars and establishments serving alcohol
- Public parks and gathering places (varies)
- Polling places
- Private property, unless affirmatively authorized by the owner (varies by state)
These categories are illustrative — the specific list and ongoing litigation status varies. Verify the current, enforceable list directly with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) before carrying anywhere in District of Columbia.
Frequently asked questions — District of Columbia
Is it difficult to get a carry permit in District of Columbia?
The process in District of Columbia is generally more involved than in shall-issue states — expect more documentation, training requirements, and processing time. Apply through Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for the current specific requirements.
Has District of Columbia's carry law changed recently?
Yes, likely. Following the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision, many restrictive states including District of Columbia enacted new legislation addressing "sensitive locations" and permit processes. This area of law is actively litigated and continues to change. Always verify the current status before relying on any specific provision described here.
Does District of Columbia honor permits from other states?
Generally, District of Columbia does not broadly recognize out-of-state carry permits the way many other states do. Verify the specific current reciprocity status — if any — with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) or the state attorney general's office before assuming your out-of-state permit is valid here.