FIREARMS COOPERATIVE
DC Firearms Cooperative’s mission is to provide firearms education, training and promote safe sports related firearm use in the District of Columbia.
“Firearm” means any weapon, regardless of operability, which will, or is designed or redesigned, made or remade, readily converted, restored, or repaired, or is intended to, expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of an explosive.
Source: Code of the District of Columbia § 22–4501. Definitions.
About Us
Welcome to DC Firearms Cooperative, where our mission is at the heart of everything we do. Established with a clear purpose, we are dedicated to fostering a community built on firearms education, comprehensive training, and the promotion of safe and responsible sports-related firearm use within the District of Columbia.
At DC Firearms Cooperative, we believe that education is the cornerstone of safe firearm ownership. Through our comprehensive educational programs, we empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle firearms safely and responsibly. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced enthusiast, our expert instructors are committed to providing top-tier instruction tailored to your needs.
Course Offerings
- Frearms Safety Training.
- Guide to Practical Concealed Carry
- Surviving a Deadly Encounter – Carjacking / Home Invasion
- Handgun Cleaning Course
Future GUN RANGE TRAINING
- MD Handgun Qualification License (HQL) Course
- Introduction to Shotguns
- Private Lessons
- Competitive Shooting
Eligibility to Register a Firearm
All firearms must be registered with the MPD. To obtain a registration certificate, the applicant must be 21 years old (or be over 18 and have a notarized permission and liability statement signed by his parent or guardian), take an online course, and pass a firearm safety test. Be sure you are eligible to register before you purchase. Check your eligibility here
Purchase
A person may buy a firearm only from, or sell only to, a licensed dealer (https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/authorized-dc-ffl-dealers) in the District. Delivery cannot be made until the registration certificate for the firearm is approved by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Ammunition may be bought only for the caliber or gauge of a firearm registered to the buyer. ***Note that it is illegal to possess a magazine that holds more than ten rounds of ammunition in the District of Columbia.
Firearms Eligible for Registration
In general, rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and handguns may be registered in the District of Columbia. Antique firearms, and replicas of antique firearms, are exempt from the registration requirement.
Per D.C. Official Code § 7-2502.02, registration of the following firearms is prohibited:
1. Sawed-off shotguns;
2. Machine guns;
3. Short-barreled rifles;
4. An unsafe handgun prohibited under D.C. Official Code § 7-2505.04;
5. An assault weapon; or
6. A .50 BMG rifle.
How do I get a firearm permit in the District of Columbia?
You must have your firearm delivered to a Federal Firearms License Dealers in the District of Columbia. Once your firearm is delivered to the FFL, you must make an appointment online. You can make an appointment here: https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/mpd-appointment-scheduler. Call the Firearms Registration Branch at 202-727-4275. Firearm Registration forms are available here: https://mpdc.dc.gov/node/1285021 .
- Your registration application ($75) must be delivered by yourself in person with the Metropolitan Police Department.
- . Fingerprinting ($35) is required and can be completed during your appointment.
- You will need 2 documents establishing residence.
- You will need proof of training. There are several businesses in the District that offer Certified DC training. Training will include but not limited to firearm safety and laws, principles of marksmanship, firearm maintenance, loading, unloading, situational awareness, conflict management and use of deadly force. You will also need at least 2 hours of range training. There is nowhere in the District to complete the range training however DC FIREARMS COOPERATIVE has a mission to provide these services for all who seek a permit. Help us out.
The next available appointment likely to be 4 months from now. Also, be sure to keep your appointment. FFLs will have time limits on how long they will store your firearm.Take all your documents to your appointment at the following address:
Firearm Permit Registration
Firearms Registration Branch
441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South
Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: (202) 727-4275
You will be issued an electronic copy of your permit. The electronic copy is valid proof. It is recommended that that you also print it and store copies for easy access. You must notify Metropolitan Police immediately if there are any changes to your name, address or identifying information – especially if your firearm is sold or stolen. This is your responsibility. Firearm Certificate update form can be found here: https://mpdc.dc.gov/node/1522016
Where can I carry my firearm?
Better question, Where CANT I carry my weapon?
If you approach these prohibited locations, you must either leave the area or immediately unload your firearm and secure it in your locked vehicle. The penalty is a fine or imprisonment up to TWICE authorized.
You CAN NOT carry your firearm within 1000 feet of the following places:
1. Any school or college
2. Recreational Center or Pool
3. Public Housing
4. Library
5. Church
6. Polling facility while voting is occurring
7. Correctional Institution
8. Childcare facilities
9. Hospitals
10. Metrorail, Metro Bus, Steetcar or any public transportation
11. Government buildings
12. Public Gatherings or demonstrations.
13. Non-residential property that has signage prohibiting firearms.
These restrictions do not apply to
1. Those who live or work withing 1000 feet of a gun free zone
2. On-duty police officers
3. Members of the military.
Source: Code of the District of Columbia § 22–4502.01 (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4502.01)
Conceled Carry:
You may carry your firearm while in your home, for a lawful recreational purpose, within your business, while it is being transported for a lawful purpose.
1. You must notify a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a firearm immediately on engagement and identify the location of the firearm.
2. You MUST have your license with you at all times.
2. You MUST have the firearm secured in a holster.
3. You must comply with all lawful orders, including pat down and permitting the law enforcement officer to take possession of the firearm as long as necessary for the safety of the officer or public. **Do not give the firearm to the officer. Allow the officer to take the firearm for your safety. Reaching for the firearm could lead to confusion and cause the officer to pull their firearm.
What about driving in the District of Columbia ?
Concealed carry applies to those with a valid permit. Firearm must be in a holster. You must notify the law enforcement officer immediately on engagement.
Those without DC permits are prohibited from carrying any firearms or ammunition in the District. Firearms may be transported through the District in a car or motorcycle as long as the following procedures apply.
1. You MUST have your license with you.
2. Your firearm must be unloaded.
3. Your firearm must be in a case and locked in the trunk. If your firearm does not have a trunk, you must use a lockable container. (NOT a glove compartment or console box). It should not be directly accessible from the passenger compartment.
4. Ammunition should be stored separately from the firearm.
5. If you are pulled over, you must notify the officer immediately that there is firearm in your vehicle and notify the officer where it is located.
6. The traveler may not stop anywhere in the District. Source: Code of the District of Columbia § 22–4502.01 (https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4502.01)
Can I carry when I am riding a bicycle or scooter?
Yes, concealed carry rules apply to those with a valid permit.
1. You MUST have your license with you.
2. You MUST have the firearm secured in a holster.
3. You must notify a law enforcement officer immediately on engagement.
donations needed
DC has no shooting range to practice use of your firearm. We aim to offer shooting services in the district.
Know More
Complete Firearms Registration Procedures
Learn More About Firearms Registration procedures
District of Columbia Online Firearms Registration Course and FAQs
Learn About FAQ and Course
District of Columbia laws
Current District of Columbia laws related to firearms in their entirety, please visit