STATE
DELAWARE GUN LAWS
Delaware has stronger gun safety laws than many other states, but is still missing key policies that can further protect its residents.
Scorecard Grade
In 2024, Delaware took critical action to strengthen gun safety by enacting a handgun permit to purchase law. This new law builds off the progress Delaware made in 2021 to address the proliferation of unregulated ghost guns and to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence. In 2024, Delaware had the 14th lowest gun death rate among the states. In an average year, 133 people die from gun violence in the state. That means someone dies from gun violence every three days. Fifty-three percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 45% are gun homicides. In Delaware, the rate of gun deaths decreased 3% from 2015 to 2024, while the gun death rate rose 15% nationwide over this same time period.
EXPLORE DELAWARE’S GUN LAWS
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
CHILD & CONSUMER SAFETY
OTHER LAWS & POLICIES
What Delaware Does Well
- Universal background checks
- Extreme risk protection orders
- Strong concealed carry law
- Certain child access prevention laws
- Lost & stolen firearm reporting
- Extended background check period
- Gun dealer regulation
- Bump stock ban
- Assault weapon restrictions
- Large capacity magazine ban
- Minimum age laws
- Gun industry accountability law
- Handgun purchase permit
What Delaware Is Missing
- Community violence intervention funding
- Most domestic violence gun laws
- Waiting periods
- Open carry regulations
- Relinquishment procedures
SPOTLIGHT
GUN VIOLENCE STATISTICS
Explore facts, figures, and original analysis compiled by our experts. To end our gun violence crisis, we need to better understand where, how, and why violence occurs.
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JOIN THE FIGHT
Nearly 47,000 Americans lose their lives to gun violence every year. In communities, courts, and ballot boxes nationwide, GIFFORDS fights to save lives from gun violence. Will you join us?