Firearm Registration in the District of Columbia

Firearm Registration in the District of Columbia

On July 14, 2008, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, joined by members of the Council of the District of Columbia, Acting Attorney General Peter J. Nickles and Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, unveiled legislation and regulations on the registration and storage of handguns for self-defense in the home. The bill and rulemaking are necessary because of the United States Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller, which invalidated the District’s 32-year ban on handgun ownership.

Separately, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) issued emergency rulemaking on firearms registration and the licensing of firearms dealers, to bring the District into compliance with the Heller ruling.

* Notice of Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking (Firearms Regulations)**
* Firearms Control Emergency Amendment Act*


Amnesty
Residents registering firearms during this 180-day period are granted amnesty from any gun possession charges that might apply. Amnesty for un-registered firearms begins on July 17, 2008 and will last 180 days. Residents will ONLY be permitted to transport the firearm from one’s residence to MPD Headquarters and back home again during the Firearms Registration Unit’s hours of operation.

Firearms Registration Unit Hours

* July 17-18, 2008
7 am – 3 pm
* Starting July 21, 2008
Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm

Location
Registration will take place at MPD Headquarters only. You may not register a firearm at any other MPD facility.

Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters (Main Entrance)
300 Indiana Avenue, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20001
Nearest Metro Stop: Judiciary Square (4th Street Exit)

What Should You Bring?

* Your UNLOADED firearm (do not bring any ammunition)
* Payment for registration and ballistics testing

Cost
The cost to register any firearm is $13 per weapon. Fingerprint processing and ballistics testing — also required — cost $35 and $12 respectively. The registration process may take up to 14 days.

Who May Register a Firearm?
Only District of Columbia residents with proof of residency may register an approved firearm with the MPD.

Ballistics Testing
A ballistics test will be conducted on every firearm registered in the District of Columbia. Owners should bring their firearms, but NO AMMNUITION. Ammunition for ballistics testing will be provided by the MPD.

Frequently Asked Questions about Registering a Firearm


1. What types of firearms can I register
2. What types of things would cause me to be disqualified from being able to register a firearm?
3. What are the costs and how long does it take to apply to register a firearm?
4. Do I have to be fingerprinted?
5. What caliber weapon can I register?
6. Can I carry my firearm outside my home?

What types of firearms can I register?
Shotguns, rifles, and revolvers. However, a shotgun barrel cannot be less than 20 inches in length, and a rifle barrel cannot be less than 16 inches in length and must have a total overall length of 26 inches or more. No weapon can shoot more than one shot by a single function of the trigger, or semi-automatically shoot more than 12 shots without manual reloading or be readily converted or restored to do so.

What types of things would cause me to be disqualified from being able to register a firearm?
To qualify for registration of a firearm in the District of Columbia, you must meet all of the following criteria. You:

1. Must not stand convicted of a crime of violence, or have any prior weapons offenses.
2. Must not be under indictment for a crime of violence or weapons offense.
3. Must not stand convicted within the past five years for a narcotics or dangerous drug offense, threats to do bodily harm or for assault.
4. Must not have been acquitted of any criminal charge by reason of insanity or adjudicated as a chronic alcoholic by any court within the past five years.
5. Must not have been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to any mental hospital or institution within the past five years.
6. Must not suffer from a physical defect which would make it unsafe for you to possess and use a firearm safely and responsibly.
7. Must not be found negligent in any firearm mishap causing death or injury to another human being.
8. Must not be convicted of any felony, or prostitution-related offense

What are the costs and how long does it take to apply to register a firearm?
The cost to register any firearm is $13 per weapon. Fingerprint processing and ballistics testing — also required — cost $35 and $12 respectively. The registration process may take up to 14 days.

Do I have to be fingerprinted?

Yes.

What caliber weapon can I register?

Any caliber of weapon may be registered.

Can I carry my firearm outside my home?
No.