Posted: 8/22/2025 3:48:55 PM EDT
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Most stuff posted here is 10 years old, so I'm gonna ask anyway. My daughter moved to DC proper this year. She actually lived a few blocks from Reagan National and the Pentagon, now she lives in DC proper, just blocks from the capitol and her office. She essentially works for a lobby group, meets congressmen on a regular basis as part of her job, but day to day, has a private office off government property. She has a pistol we bought her for high school graduation (we live in a free state and that's where her gun is right now) but reading through the laws myself, without her going ahead and getting a full permit and going through all the crap to bring even a tiny pocket pistol into DC, it's not worth it. I'm assuming it's about the same if she wanted to purchase something like a Ruger 10/22 or a 410 shotgun? What about knives? She was eating at a restaurant with her coworkers and her boss had a loose thread on his shirt. She pulled out her pocket knife and let him cut it off. Not sure if she has the 2.5" gerber or the 3 civivi. Her coworkers were cool, but shocked she had even a tiny knife. She has big knives, but they are with us in the free state. Her coworkers have already schooled her on having a go bag. She called me last weekend basically telling me she feels DC is a powder keg, ready to light off and she had concerns. I had to have the discussion, if something happens, you either bug in or bug out of your apartment. If you're at work, either stay at the office or catch a ride with a coworker to the suburbs. If a nuke hits, well... we will remember you fondly. If you survive, get your backpack and start walking, try to avoid the fallout. I'm not sure she appreciates all my advice. I actually met Emily Miller years ago at a book signing, but I have no current reference. What's the current stance on owning any type of anything? |
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They have dramatically sped up the application and review process for firearms registration and CCPL, so she should give it a shot. That said, you need a firearm first, since you can only carry what you have registered with the city and you get one "free" registration when you apply for a CCPL. You can register as many as you want later on, where "want" is a stretch, but it's required for any firearm you have in the city. I live in VA, but have two pistols registered with the city. It's a necessary evil to carry there. Auto knives are not legal and knives over 3" can be an issue, since they are only legal if carried for "lawful purposes." Use or brandish one in self defense and that's likely an add-on charge for you to defend against. I'd recommend sticking with folding pocket knives 3" or less. You're not getting through a metal detector and into a Federal building as a guest with one, but staff and other badged personnel at many agencies can have one. A couple recent related events are interesting: DC prosecutors instructed not to seek felony charges for carrying rifles, shotguns Federal Agents and MPD Confiscate Firearm from a D.C. Resident During Traffic Stop, Despite Valid Gun License That second one really emphasizes the need to inform an officer if you are carrying as soon as you are stopped, to satisfy DC's duty to inform policy. And an interesting article about the Federal "takeover" and the associated impact on gun rights, in which @Miami_JBT is quoted: Gun-Rights Groups Chafe at DC Takeover Tactics, Gun Arrests |
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My expired ccw renewal took 3 days for approval. You can also just walk in and apply for a ccw now instead of making an appointment 3-4 months out and then waiting the full 90 statutory days for approval. Pistols need to be on the CA, MD or MA roster. 10 round mags only. No threaded barrels on pistols. If her pistol is eligible to register, she can just bring it in and tell MPD she's going to register it (within 48 hours) no need to go through FFL. (MPD are actually ignoring the law on this part and a lawyer friend is going to school them on it.) For ccw, you can get exempt from most/all training if current/prior military. If not probably need to take a DC class which is 2 days and range qualification. You can find DC/MD courses for $3-500 - you might as well add in MD. DC/MD will give you reciprocity with VA. Happy to answer any other questions you might have. |
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Originally Posted By scuba_steve: They have dramatically sped up the application and review process for firearms registration and CCPL, so she should give it a shot. That said, you need a firearm first, since you can only carry what you have registered with the city and you get one "free" registration when you apply for a CCPL. You can register as many as you want later on, where "want" is a stretch, but it's required for any firearm you have in the city. I live in VA, but have two pistols registered with the city. It's a necessary evil to carry there. Auto knives are not legal and knives over 3" can be an issue, since they are only legal if carried for "lawful purposes." Use or brandish one in self defense and that's likely an add-on charge for you to defend against. I'd recommend sticking with folding pocket knives 3" or less. You're not getting through a metal detector and into a Federal building as a guest with one, but staff and other badged personnel at many agencies can have one. A couple recent related events are interesting: DC prosecutors instructed not to seek felony charges for carrying rifles, shotguns Federal Agents and MPD Confiscate Firearm from a D.C. Resident During Traffic Stop, Despite Valid Gun License That second one really emphasizes the need to inform an officer if you are carrying as soon as you are stopped, to satisfy DC's duty to inform policy. And an interesting article about the Federal "takeover" and the associated impact on gun rights, in which @Miami_JBT is quoted: Gun-Rights Groups Chafe at DC Takeover Tactics, Gun Arrests Federal surge in DC seizes 111 guns, stirs debate on long-term impact. Federal agencies have seized 111 illegal guns in DC, sparking debate over crime reduction strategies. WUSA9 News Washington DC  |
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Thank you. Yes, she just has an LCP. Looks like it's on the Massachusetts list. Nothing crazy, though I'm sure a ban state would call it an arsenal if she had more than two boxes of ammo for it. Even if she doesn't carry it, I'd feel better if she had it in her apartment. |
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Originally Posted By Cooper1: Please don't forget a "proper holster." They're arresting people for improper carry. Good advice. George Lyon, one of the litigators behind the Heller Decision, really stressed that point in a class I took with him. His interpretation of the law is that your DC concealed carry permit only allows you to carry your DC-registered handgun on body in a holster. Not in a fanny pack or a purse. Not in a holster in a fanny pack or a purse. And not in a backpack or sitting in your vehicle's center console. When I dropped off my application, the person who reviewed it made a point of telling me that's what was expected in the block on the form that asked how I plan to store it. I had written something like "in accordance with local laws, but she had me cross that out and write "in an approved holster on my person." I know some folks believe if you're wearing a fanny pack and the pistol is in a holster in it, that satisfies the requirement, but I asked George about that specifically and he said it does not. And this is a guy who routinely talks with the DC chief of police and DC prosecutors, so I'm taking his word for it. |
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Thank you. They'll specify it for you. I believe a solid belt loop (Not clips) and a thumb break. I was surprised they were locking up as many as they were. My understanding was that they would secure the gun at their station and then you could come pick it up with your holster. No issues. |
| I'm bumping this thread in case this info is helpful: I just got approved for my D.C. carry permit and handgun registration less than 48 hours after submitting my application for both. The online portal is surprisingly easy to use, although you currently have to answer some of the same questions repeatedly. I had to show up in person for fingerprinting and a photograph. I'm actually kind of shocked at how painless this process was after taking the admittedly expensive class. I did a combined D.C. / MD training class with George Lyon and Mark Briley Jr. - both highly recommended. |