Delaware Gun Laws
2026 Compliance Guide
Delaware enacted an assault weapons ban in 2022 (House Bill 450); magazines are limited to 17 rounds; suppressors and short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilians; and as of 2024 a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit is required for handgun purchases.
📅 Last updatedDelaware Firearm Laws at a Glance
The table below summarizes Delaware's key firearm regulations for 2026. Each item links to the relevant statute in the section below.
| Assault Weapons Ban | YES — restricted |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | 17 rounds |
| Suppressors (NFA) | Prohibited for civilians |
| Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR) | Prohibited for civilians |
| Permit Required to Purchase | Yes |
| Background Check on Private Sales | Required |
| Ghost Guns / Unserialized | Prohibited |
Verify a specific firearm in Delaware
Run a free compliance check on any firearm. Type the model, scan a barcode, or upload a photo — get the compliance verdict, required modifications, and statute citations in seconds.
Run a Free DE Compliance Check →Assault Weapons Ban in Delaware
Delaware's Lethal Firearms Safety Act of 2022 (HB 450, codified at 11 Del. C. §§ 1462–1466) prohibits the sale, transfer, manufacture, and new possession of firearms classified as 'assault weapons.' The definition (11 Del. C. § 1465) covers semi-auto rifles, pistols, and shotguns by both named-model list (AR-15, AK-47 variants, and named rifles/pistols) and a one-feature test. Lawfully possessed firearms before June 30, 2022 are grandfathered. The compliance checker applies the full statutory feature test for your specific firearm.
Practical impact: Standard AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles sold in most states are typically prohibited in Delaware. Compliant configurations exist (featureless builds, fixed-magazine variants) but selection is limited. If you are buying a semi-automatic centerfire rifle, run it through the compliance checker before purchase.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Delaware
Delaware prohibits magazines holding more than 17 rounds (11 Del. C. § 1468). Possession is prohibited; sale and transfer are prohibited.
NFA Items: Suppressors, SBRs, and Machine Guns
Suppressors
Suppressors (silencers) are prohibited for civilian ownership in this state regardless of federal NFA approval. A federal tax stamp does not authorize possession in states where the item is prohibited by state law.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilian ownership in this state regardless of federal NFA approval.
Machine Guns and Other NFA Items
Pre-1986 transferable machine guns are restricted under the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act and require ATF Form 4 approval. Delaware separately prohibits civilian machine gun ownership.
Permits and Licensing Requirements
As of 2024, Delaware requires a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit for all handgun purchases. The permit requires fingerprinting, a background check, and completion of an approved firearms training course.
Carry Laws
May-issue concealed carry permit. Open carry is generally permitted without a license.
Private Sales and Background Checks
Delaware requires all firearm transfers — including private — to be processed through a licensed FFL with a background check.
Ghost Guns and Unserialized Firearms
Delaware prohibits the manufacture, sale, or possession of unfinished firearm frames or receivers and untraceable firearms (11 Del. C. § 1459A).
Federally, ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F (effective August 24, 2022) reclassified most unfinished receiver kits as firearms requiring serialization and FFL transfer. State law in Delaware adds additional requirements on top of the federal rule.
Key Delaware Firearm Statutes
The following statutes form the legal basis for Delaware's firearm regulations. Citations are kept current with the official state code.
- 11 Del. C. § 1466 — Assault weapons prohibition
- 11 Del. C. § 1468 — Large-capacity magazine prohibition
- 11 Del. C. § 1459A — Untraceable firearm / ghost gun prohibition
- 11 Del. C. § 1448B — Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit requirement
Frequently Asked Questions: Delaware Gun Laws
When did Delaware's assault weapons ban take effect?
Delaware's assault weapons ban (HB 450) was signed into law on June 30, 2022 and took effect immediately. Pre-existing assault weapons owned before that date may be possessed but cannot be sold or transferred within the state.
What is the magazine limit in Delaware?
Delaware limits magazines to 17 rounds. This is one of the most permissive limits among states with capacity restrictions.
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Delaware?
Yes, for handguns. As of 2024, a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit is required for any handgun purchase. Long gun purchases do not currently require a state permit but still require a NICS background check through an FFL.
Check any firearm against Delaware law in seconds
Stop guessing whether your purchase is legal. Gun Compliance Check covers all 50 states + DC with statute citations and required modifications. Three free checks per day, no credit card required.
Run a Free Compliance Check →Compare Delaware to Other States
Delaware's firearm laws differ significantly from neighboring states. View laws for any U.S. state below.