Summary 

• Permit required: Yes.  Washington, D.C. requires a D.C.-issued concealed carry license to carry concealed.

• Minimum age: 21 to register a handgun or obtain a concealed carry license.

• Duty to inform: Yes,  if stopped/detained while carrying, licensees must disclose they’re carrying and present required documents.

• Where carry is restricted: Even with a DC license, carry is banned on WMATA/Metrorail & stations, where alcohol is served for on-premises consumption, many government/school/medical locations, and many federal/sensitive areas (e.g., National Mall memorial areas, White House complex).

Washington, D.C. issues concealed carry licenses through the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Firearms Registration Branch, and the rules apply district-wide (there aren’t separate county systems). DC is generally treated as shall-issue in practice, and MPD’s FAQ notes applicants do not need to provide a “good reason” for a license (per federal court decisions).

A key DC-specific requirement: to get and use a DC concealed carry license, you typically must also be able to lawfully register the handgun in DC, and licensees must keep their DC concealed carry license and firearm registration with them while carrying.

For visitors, DC is not a “reciprocity-friendly” jurisdiction; do not assume another state’s permit is valid in DC. Practically, DC’s long list of restricted locations (including transit and alcohol-serving premises) can make lawful carry difficult for tourists. When transporting or storing a firearm in vehicles, hotels, or other shared spaces, prioritize secure storage (locked case/safe) and consider keeping sensitive items and electronics private/isolated during transit using Faraday-protected SLNT bags, especially when moving between your car and a room or storing gear in shared environments.

Useful Links

• DC Council Law Library — DC Code § 7–2506.01 (Ammunition possession limits)

• National Park Service — Firearms in National Parks

Official Links

• MPD Legal Firearms Hub

• MPD Concealed Carry License Restrictions (locations + duty on stop)

• MPD Firearms Registration & CCL FAQ (age, travel-through guidance, mag limit)