Of all the great states of the U.S.A, Delaware is one of the more restrictive states when it comes to concealed carry permits. There are quite a few hoops you have to jump through, and the application can take a while to process.
However, just because it’s inconvenient to go through the process of obtaining a concealed carry license as a Delaware resident doesn’t mean it's not worthwhile. In fact, if you live in Delaware and consider yourself a firearms enthusiast and want to retain the ability to legally defend your life, getting a concealed carry license should be at the top of your list.
With Delaware's recent “assault weapons” ban from HB 450, standard capacity magazine ban, people under 21 ban, and others, there’s no telling what else is to come. With a concealed carry permit, you’ll be ahead of the curve and give yourself some extra privileges you wouldn’t otherwise have without a CCW.
Let’s go over why you need to get a Delaware concealed carry license NOW. If you’ve been putting it off for some reason or another, here’s your sign to get the ball rolling and finally start your CCW application.
It Takes a While for CCW Applications to Process
Even after you do all the right steps such as finishing your training course, submitting your references, publishing your intent, and completing the background check, you’ll still have to wait around a while for your application to finish processing.
If you live in New Castle County, your Delaware CCW application will likely be completed in about 6 months. Kent and Sussex counties process their applications quicker than New Castle county, typically around three months. That’s a long time to be waiting around, so there’s no sense in putting it off any longer than you have to.
You will be exempt from Delaware's Standard Capacity Magazine Ban
As we touched on earlier, there were a lot of gun control laws passed at the end of June 2022. One of them was SS1 for SB6, aka the standard capacity magazine ban. All magazines that hold more than 17 rounds are now illegal in the State of Delaware, unless you meet one of the exemptions, such as having your Delaware issued Concealed Carry Permit, or being a current or retired Law Enforcement Officer. Licensed Delaware CCW permit holders will be able to buy own and possess magazines that were banned as a result of SS1 for SB6.
With this very recent update, it gives Delaware residents all the more reason to get a concealed carry license. In fact, the ability to own standard capacity magazines alone is reason enough to pursue a CCW license in 2022 and beyond.
Out of State Reciprocity
Another imperative for having your Delaware concealed carry permit is being able to carry legally in other states. Delaware has reciprocity with more states than they don’t, however, Delaware does not have reciprocity with ANY of its neighboring states, meaning a Delaware issued CCDW does not let you legally carry in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey or New York. You should consider applying for a CCW in other states as a non-resident to give yourself some extra flexibility. Pennsylvania is generally easy to obtain a non-resident CCW, and even states such as New Jersey and Maryland have become more attainable recently thanks to the NYSPA vs Bruen Supreme Court Decision
Unless you’re a hermit, odds are you do some out-of-state travel every now and then. Threats do not only exist in your home state, so you should be able to protect yourself when you leave home too. If you’re traveling to another state, having the peace of mind from carrying concealed is especially welcome when in an unfamiliar location.
The Looming Threat of a Permit to Purchase Firearms in Delaware
The passing of numerous gun control laws has given us a glimpse of the trend Delaware is headed for. Although unsavory to say the least, having a Delaware concealed carry license can better prepare you for what’s to come.
The Delaware legislature is likely going to push for a permit system to purchase a firearm, and this could happen relatively soon. Although it’s uncertain what it will look like and how it will work, having a CCW may help you satisfy most if not all of the requirements.
Due to the background check process and training required with obtaining a Delaware CCW, it’s possible a concealed carry permit will help you bypass some of the requirements that may come about for a purchase permit. This is all speculation, as we can't know for sure what laws will be passed, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared either way.
UPDATE MAY 2024 - Permit To Purchase a Handgun in Delaware law has been passed.
It has an exception for Delaware Concealed Carry Permit holders, so if you have your CCDW permit you don't have to get the Handgun Permit in order to purchase a handgun in the state of Delaware.
The Ability to Better Protect Yourself and Your Family
Perhaps the most obvious and most important reason for getting a concealed carry permit is for what it’s intended for in the first place, that is so you can protect yourself and your family from harm.
It’s no secret that responsible and brave citizens have saved countless lives because of concealed carry. Just look at the brave actions of Elisjsha Dicken, who just this summer stopped a mass shooting in Indiana because he was carrying concealed.
The second amendment gives us the right to keep and bear arms. While certain state governments and municipalities try to restrict this constitutional right, you have the freedom to exercise it nonetheless.
Make Sure to Get Training
While it’s important to practice your right to be armed, it's equally important to also arm yourself with training and knowledge. Whether it's enrolling in some training courses or getting some consistent practice in at the range, it’s your responsibility to hone and maintain your skills so you can do what’s needed when it matters most.
Aside from technical shooting skills, situational awareness and avoidance are equally valuable. If you plan on exercising your right to concealed carry, knowing how to be aware of your surroundings and avoid conflict or danger in the first place will save your life and the lives of your loved ones.
How To Obtain a Delaware Concealed Carry Permit
Now that we’ve explained WHY you need a Delaware concealed carry permit, you’re probably wondering HOW to get one in the first place.
Although the application process takes some time and requires you to go through a few key steps, it's not impossible to do. We have a separate article on how to obtain a concealed carry permit in 6 steps. Our guide will help you through every step of the process so you can know what to do and get your concealed carry license with confidence.
Conclusion
Concealed carry is a crucial part of being prepared to defend yourself while doing so discreetly and legally. There are few methods for self-protection at our disposal as effective as firearms, so being without one can leave you vulnerable to those who don’t care about breaking the law.
Although there are some annoying hoops you’ll have to jump through to obtain your Delaware concealed carry permit, you’ll also have the added benefit of being exempt from the ban on standard capacity magazines and fewer headaches from the possibility of a purchase permit requirement.
We hope this article helps you understand why it’s so important to have the ability to carry concealed and why you can no longer afford to wait. Start the process, get training, and exercise your second amendment rights!