DOVER, Del., Oct. 17, 2025 — The Delaware State Police have announced the upcoming launch of the Permit to Purchase Program, which will require handgun purchasers to obtain a qualified purchaser permit beginning November 16, 2025. The permits will be issued by the State Bureau of Identification within the Delaware State Police.
Delaware residents planning to buy a handgun are encouraged to review the training and documentation requirements in advance on the Permit to Purchase website. While the registration link is not yet active, the website provides a full overview of the program and will open for applications once the portal is operational. To obtain a handgun qualified purchaser permit, applicants must complete a firearms safety course with an approved instructor, obtain fingerprints and a photograph through IdentoGO, and pass a background check conducted by the SBI. Required documents include a government-issued photo ID, military orders if applicable, and a firearms training course certificate or proof of exemption.
Individuals holding a valid Delaware Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon license issued by the Superior Court are not required to apply. Active or retired law enforcement officers, military members, and other specific groups may also be exempt from the firearms training course requirement, but proof of exemption must be submitted with the application.
A regularly updated list of approved firearms instructors is available on the Permit to Purchase website. Applicants will be able to submit their applications through the Permit to Purchase Portal once it becomes active. Correspondence related to applications will be managed via DSP_SBIP2PMail@delaware.gov, though the State Bureau of Identification cautioned that individual inquiries may not be answered due to anticipated application volume.
More information is available at dsp.delaware.gov
Photo: dsp.delaware.gov