Concealed Carry in Delaware

Home Concealed Carry in Delaware (DE) – Overview

Concealed Carry in Delaware (DE) – Overview

Summary

Permit required: Yes, for concealed carry of a handgun; Delaware issues a Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL).
Minimum age: Generally 18+ to apply for a CDWL; open carry is typically legal at 18+ if you can lawfully possess a firearm.
Duty to inform: No general legal duty to proactively inform law enforcement you’re carrying.
Where you can’t carry: Allowed in many public places with a permit, but prohibited in schools, courthouses, police stations/detention facilities, federal buildings, and some secured government areas; private property owners may restrict via policy/signage.
Reciprocity: Delaware recognizes some out-of-state permits (reciprocity is selective and can change, always verify before travel).

Delaware uses a statewide licensing system for concealed carry. Applications are filed through your county Prothonotary and ultimately approved by the Delaware Superior Court after investigation and recommendation from the Attorney General/State Police.

Legally, Delaware is a “may-issue” state in statute, meaning authorities retain discretion, but in practice permits are often issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements (good moral character, training, background check, etc.).

For visitors, Delaware honors a limited set of other states’ permits, typically those that honor Delaware and meet Delaware’s standard of protection; reciprocity lists can shift, so check the current official list before carrying. Non-resident licenses may be available only under narrower/temporary criteria compared with resident CDWLs.

When traveling by car or staying in shared spaces (hotels, rentals), consider secure, locked storage when the firearm is unattended. A Faraday-protected SLNT bag can be a practical add-on for privacy and to help keep valuables protected while transporting or storing gear.