Legal Concealed Carry for Military Members in the State of Delaware

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike Kohne
  • 436th Security Forces Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Those who are licensed to carry a concealed firearm should be familiar with the applicable laws. If you are found to be carrying or using your weapon (concealing, transporting or storing) unlawfully; this could result in criminal charges filed against you. Unfortunately, you cannot assume a law from your home state applies throughout the country. The question of reciprocity was asked of the State of Delaware's Attorney General's office by the Dover AFB Legal Office to educate you, the military member, on your options to legally arm and defend yourself and your loved ones while residing in Delaware.

The first question you need to ask yourself is; do you have a concealed carry deadly weapon (CCDW) permit from a state other than Delaware? Delaware has reciprocity agreements with 17 other states; however, just because Delaware recognizes another state's CCDW does not mean you are automatically entitled to legally carry your concealed firearm in Delaware. It is extremely important to ensure that you are legally covered when carrying a concealed deadly weapon. If not, and you are found carrying a concealed deadly weapon, you can be charged and convicted of a felony, charges that will follow you for the rest of your life.

In order for Delaware to determine if your state's reciprocity agreement applies, you must not have any official ties or connections to Delaware, with the exception of being stationed here as a military member. What exactly does that mean? See the questions below. If you answer one of the first three questions with "NO," or any of the remaining questions with a "YES," then your out-of-state CCDW does NOT allow you to legally carry a concealed deadly weapon in the state of Delaware. You must apply for a Delaware CCDW permit. Regardless, if your state has reciprocity, and your license is valid, you still must follow Delaware state laws regarding, concealed carry restrictions and use of deadly force.

(Must answer "YES" to all three questions)

1. Do you have a valid driver's license from the state of your home of record?
2. Is your CCDW issued from the same state as your driver's license? 
3. Is your CCDW issued from a state that has a reciprocity agreement with Delaware? (see below for the current states that Delaware has reciprocity with.)
(Must answer "NO" to the remaining five question)
4. Are you a resident of Delaware?
5. Do you have any vehicles registered in the state of Delaware?
6. Are you registered to vote in Delaware?
7. Do you own any property in Delaware?
8. Do you pay state taxes to Delaware?

Delaware currently has reciprocity agreements with the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. The most updated list can be found at http://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/criminal/concealedweapons.shtml and should be checked frequently. States can be added or removed from this list, and it is updated every January.

In contrast you must also comply with federal laws. If you possess a CCDW permit, there are currently no provisions to carry a concealed weapon on a military installation. However, firearms may be brought onto the Installation to attend an authorized sporting event (i.e. skeet shoot, open range day at CATM, etc.). The weapon must be secured and unloaded in the rear most compartment of the vehicle. If you are stopped for a Random Antiterrorism Measure or vehicle inspection, you must declare the weapon to the Security Forces member stopping you. Failure to adhere to the installation's policy may result in disciplinary or administrative actions. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Attorney General's office, the Base Legal Office or Security Forces.