The Delaware State Police, through the State Bureau of Identification (SBI), announces the upcoming launch of the Permit to Purchase Program, which will open for registration in the coming weeks.
Under Delaware law, a handgun qualified purchaser permit will be required to purchase or transfer a handgun in Delaware. Permits will be issued by the State Bureau of Identification within the Delaware State Police.
The Delaware State Police encourages Delaware residents planning to buy a handgun to visit the Permit to Purchase website to learn about the training and documentation requirements associated with the new law. The Permit to Purchase law takes effect on November 16, 2025, and individuals are urged to review the process ahead of that date to ensure they are prepared to meet all necessary criteria.
Although the registration link is temporarily inactive, the webpage offers a complete overview of the program and will be activated once the online application portal is operational.
PERMIT TO PURCHASE PROCESS
To obtain a handgun qualified purchaser permit, applicants must:
- Complete a firearms safety course with an approved instructor.
- Obtain fingerprints and a photograph through an appointment with IdentoGO.
- Pass a background check conducted by SBI.
Applicants must also submit the following documents when filling out the online application:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Military orders (if applicable)
- Firearms Training Course Certificate or proof of exemption
Individuals with a valid Delaware Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon (CCDW) license issued by the Superior Court are not required to apply for a handgun qualified purchaser permit.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
This process applies to anyone who is not an active or retired law enforcement officer or a current CCDW holder. Qualified law enforcement officers, retired officers, military members, and other specific groups may be exempt from the firearms training course requirement. Proof of exemption must be submitted with the application.
Exemptions to the firearms training requirement are specified in Delaware law.
A list of approved firearms instructors is available on the Permit to Purchase website and is updated regularly as new instructors are certified.
Registration and Contact Information
In the coming week, applicants will be able to access and submit their applications through the Permit to Purchase Portal once it becomes available.
All application-related correspondence will be managed through DSP_SBIP2PMail@delaware.gov. Due to the anticipated volume of submissions, SBI staff will not be able to respond to individual questions about the application process. The Permit to Purchase website will be the main source for program updates and detailed information.
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