Your Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry License
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What does the class include?
All of our Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry License classes are designed to help students understand the laws, safety standards, and responsibilities involved in carrying a concealed pistol in the District. During your class, the following will be covered:
- Washington, D.C. Code § 7-2509.02 compliant concealed carry training
- In-depth discussion of District and federal firearms laws
- Detailed review of Washington, D.C. self-defense and use-of-force law
- Proper handgun and ammunition selection for defensive purposes
- Proper handgun selection for beginners and advanced shooters
- Guidance on handgun registration and the MPD application process
- 16 hours of required classroom firearms instruction
- 2 hours of required live-fire range training
- Class costs only **Washington_DC_CCW_Class_Fee**
Washington, D.C. law generally prohibits carrying a pistol openly or concealed without a license issued under District law. To receive a Concealed Carry License, an applicant must be at least 21 years old, meet D.C. firearm-registration requirements, possess a D.C.-registered handgun, complete the required training, and satisfy the Metropolitan Police Department’s eligibility and suitability standards.
Applicants must complete at least 16 hours of firearms instruction and 2 hours of range training with an instructor certified by the Metropolitan Police Department. The classroom portion covers firearm safety, pistol nomenclature, marksmanship, firearm maintenance and storage, situational awareness, conflict management, use of deadly force, handgun and ammunition selection, and applicable District and federal firearms laws. The range portion includes a 50-round qualification course fired from distances of no more than 15 yards.
Our goal is not simply to help students complete a licensing requirement. We want every participant to leave with a practical understanding of Washington, D.C. law and the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to carry a concealed pistol safely and responsibly. Students will leave the course prepared to provide their training certification and continue the application process through the Metropolitan Police Department.
What should you expect?
Practical Training
Knowledgeable Instructors
Everyday Safety
Why Get a Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry License?
Washington, D.C. does not recognize a permit from another jurisdiction as authorization to carry a concealed pistol in the District. A person who wants to carry in Washington, D.C. must obtain a license issued under District law and ensure the pistol being carried is properly registered with MPD.
A D.C. Concealed Carry License allows a qualified licensee to carry a registered pistol concealed in locations where carrying is legally permitted. Because Washington, D.C. includes a significant number of federal properties, government buildings, public memorials, schools, transit facilities, and other restricted areas, state-specific training is especially important.
Licensees must understand that a D.C. license does not allow carrying everywhere. District law restricts concealed pistols in many locations, including certain government buildings, schools and colleges, hospitals, correctional facilities, polling places during voting, Metrorail vehicles and stations, stadiums, arenas, certain public events, National Mall memorials, the U.S. Capitol grounds, and the White House Complex. Additional restrictions apply to private residences, places of worship, posted property, and areas restricted under federal law.
Why Train with ASDI?
With ASDI, we make getting your Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry License training simple, straightforward, and affordable. Our Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry class costs just **Washington_DC_CCW_Class_Fee**. When you take our class, you only need to show up, and we'll walk you through the required classroom instruction, live-fire qualification, and the next steps in the Metropolitan Police Department's licensing process.
We won't just give you your training certificate and send you on your way. We'll make sure you understand what comes next, including how to complete your application, what documentation you'll need, and how to make the licensing process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Common Questions
Can non-D.C. residents apply?
Washington, D.C. provides a licensing process for qualifying nonresidents, but nonresident applicants must meet MPD’s current application, eligibility, firearm-registration, and training requirements.
Because the nonresident process may depend on the applicant’s residence, business connection, existing licenses, and firearm-registration status, applicants should review the current MPD instructions before applying.
Does prior military, law-enforcement, or firearms training exempt me from the class?
MPD may grant credit for some prior military, law-enforcement, or equivalent firearms training. However, MPD states that there is no exemption from the portion covering Washington, D.C. firearm and self-defense law.
Any exemption or training credit is determined by MPD, not automatically by the instructor.
https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/frequently-asked-questions-firearms-registration-and-ccl
What may disqualify someone from receiving a license?
An applicant must meet D.C. firearm-registration requirements and MPD suitability standards. Potential disqualifying issues may include:
- Being under 21
- Being legally prohibited from registering or possessing a firearm
- Not possessing a D.C.-registered handgun
- Alcohol or controlled-substance disqualification
- Conduct or threats indicating a credible danger to the applicant or others
- Certain current or recent mental-health conditions creating a substantial risk of danger
- False information or statements made during the application process
- Failure to complete the required training, interview, fingerprinting, or other MPD procedures
Final eligibility decisions are made by the Metropolitan Police Department.