Delaware has stronger gun safety laws than many other states, but is still missing key policies that can further protect its residents.
In 2021, Delaware took critical action to address the proliferation of unregulated ghost guns and to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence. In 2020, Delaware had the 25th-highest gun death rate among the states and supplied crime guns to other states at the 20th-highest rate. To further strengthen its gun laws, Delaware could require a license to purchase a firearm, strengthen investments in community violence intervention programs, and strengthen its firearm relinquishment laws.
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
- Victims’ Access to Justice law
What Delaware is Missing
- Gun owner licensing
- Most domestic violence gun laws
- Waiting periods
- Open carry regulations
- Community violence intervention funding
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
SUPPORT GUN SAFETY
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.
