Delaware has stronger gun safety laws than many other states, but is still missing key policies that can further protect its residents.
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 2023, Delaware had the twelfth lowest gun death rate among the states. In an average year, 127 people die from gun violence in the state. That means someone dies from gun violence every three days. Fifty-two percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 46% are gun homicides. In Delaware, the rate of gun deaths increased 8% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 33% increase nationwide.
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 LAW SCORECARD
The data is clear: States with stronger gun laws have less gun violence. See how your state compares in our annual ranking.
Read MoreEXPLORE DELAWARE’S GUN LAWS
WHO CAN HAVE A GUN
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
CHILD & CONSUMER SAFETY
GUNS IN PUBLIC
HARDWARE & AMMUNITION
OTHER LAWS & POLICIES
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We’re in this together. To build a safer America—one where children and parents in every neighborhood can learn, play, work, and worship without fear of gun violence—we need you standing beside us in this fight.
