Firearm law reference
Delaware firearm laws
A plain-English overview of the firearm rules most relevant to buying and selling in Delaware — private-sale background checks, permits to purchase, restricted-firearm and magazine rules, handgun roster, waiting periods and ammunition. Federal law applies everywhere on top of these state rules.
At a glance
Reviewed 2026-06-26
What to watch for
- Important: Delaware requires private firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer (background check).
- Important: Delaware: A permit to purchase is required to buy a handgun.
- Caution: Interstate transfers must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL) in the buyer's state for the background check; a private buyer can't take a handgun across state lines.
- Caution: Delaware restricts large-capacity magazines. Magazines over 17 rounds are restricted.
- Important: Delaware restricts "assault weapons" — certain semi-automatic firearms and features may be prohibited.
- Note: Never transfer to a prohibited person or complete a straw purchase (buying for someone else) — both are federal crimes.
General information, not legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and city or county ordinances may add requirements this summary doesn't capture. Verify the current law with the Delaware Attorney General or state police and consult a licensed attorney before any transfer. Last reviewed 2026-06-26.
Frequently asked
Does Delaware require a background check for private firearm sales?
Yes. Delaware requires private firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer (FFL), who runs the background check.
Do you need a permit or license to buy a firearm in Delaware?
Yes. A permit to purchase is required to buy a handgun.
Does Delaware restrict "assault weapons"?
Yes. Delaware restricts certain semi-automatic firearms and features classified as "assault weapons." Confirm a specific model and configuration is permitted before buying or selling.
Are magazine-capacity limits in effect in Delaware?
Yes. Magazines over 17 rounds are restricted.
Is there a waiting period to receive a firearm in Delaware?
Delaware does not impose a state waiting period, though the federal background check must still clear before transfer.
Are there rules for buying ammunition in Delaware?
This summary doesn't list state ammunition-purchase rules for Delaware. Federal law still bars prohibited persons from possessing ammunition, and dealers can't sell handgun ammunition to anyone under 21 or other ammunition to anyone under 18.
Buying or selling in Delaware?
Rangium shows these state-specific notes right on every listing, and Vanta can answer compliance questions against your own inventory. Rangium is a neutral listings venue — it never processes payment or ships firearms.