Weapons in CMVs - Delaware

In Delaware, concealed carry of a firearm is legal for residents aged 18 and older who are allowed by state and federal law to possess a firearm and who have a Concealed Deadly Weapon Permit (CDWP).

Handguns may be carried in private vehicles with a valid permit either from Delaware or from a reciprocal state. Without a permit, a firearm must be transported in plain sight.

Permits

Permits are issued via the Delaware Superior Court following review from the state attorney general’s office. Applicants must:

• Undergo a background check;
• Have fingerprints taken;
• Obtain five references from residents of their counties;
• Complete a firearms training course that includes live-fire exercises;
• Publish their application in a local newspaper in advance of applying for a permit.

At this time (2025), Delaware residents must also have a state-issued handgun qualified purchaser permit in order to purchase a handgun.

Delaware offers moderate reciprocity, recognizing approximately 30 states’ concealed carry permits.

Magazine capacity limits

Delaware law limits magazine capacity to no more than 17 rounds. (There are some exceptions for military and law enforcement.)

Other weapons

Weapons other than handguns that may be concealed carried include folding knives with blades of three inches or less.

Permitted non-lethal weapons include:

• Stun guns/tasers
• Pepper spray
• Bear spray (legal for use against wildlife)
• Less-lethal launchers

Duty to inform

State law does not require drivers to notify police of the presence of a concealed weapon during traffic stops or at weigh stations.

Employee parking lots

The issue of concealed weapons in a privately-owned vehicle in an employer parking lot is not addressed in Delaware state law.