Delaware prohibits the sale or transfer of a handgun or rifle to someone under the age of 21 unless the purchaser is exempt from the law, stated below, prohibiting certain categories of people from purchasing handguns and rifles.¹ It is also unlawful for a parent to permit their child under 18 years of age to have possession of a firearm unless under the direct supervision of a person 21-years-of-age or older.²

In 2022, Delaware enacted a law prohibiting people under 21 from purchasing handguns or rifles.³ Beginning in 2025,⁴ Delaware will also prohibit 18-21-year-olds from possessing handguns or rifles except for hunting and recreation under certain circumstances, and if they are law enforcement, military, or have a concealed carry permit.⁵

Delaware law prohibits the sale of a handgun or other deadly weapon “made especially for the defense of one’s person” to a person under age 21.⁶ Delaware also prohibits online marketing or advertising of firearms to children.⁷

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1. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1445(A)(4).[↩]
2. Id. at (A)(6).[↩]
3. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1448(a)(5).[↩]
4. 2022 HB 451, Section 3.[↩]
5. Id. at (a)(5)(a).[↩]
6. Del. Code Ann. tit. 24, §§ 901, 903.[↩]
7. Del. Code Ann. tit. 6, §§ 1204C(e), (f)(4).[↩]