Delaware Concealed Carry Reciprocity: States That Honor It

Reciprocity

Delaware is not a constitutional/permitless carry state. A valid concealed carry permit is required to carry a concealed deadly weapon, whether you are a Delaware resident or a visitor from another state.

How Delaware Reciprocity Works

Under 11 Del. C. § 1441(j), Delaware is required to give "full faith and credit" to concealed carry licenses/permits issued by other states, provided three conditions are met:

1. Mutual recognition — The issuing state must also honor Delaware concealed carry licenses.
2. Reasonably similar protection — The other state's licensing system must afford a "reasonably similar degree of protection as is provided by licensure in Delaware." The statute clarifies that "reasonably similar" does not preclude alternative or differing provisions, nor a different source and process by which eligibility is determined.
3. No pattern of issuing to felons — If there is evidence of a pattern of issuing licenses/permits to convicted felons in another state, the Attorney General must exclude that state from reciprocity, even if its law is otherwise "reasonably similar."

The Delaware Attorney General is responsible for evaluating other states' licensing systems and publishing an updated reciprocity list on January 15 of each year. The list is valid for one year. Any state cannot be removed from the list without 1 year's notice of impending removal, per § 1441(j).

States Recognized by Delaware (January 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026)

For the period January 15, 2025 through January 15, 2026, Delaware recognizes concealed deadly weapon licenses or permits from the following 21 states:

Important: Some states issue multiple tiers of permits. Delaware only recognizes the specific permit levels listed above. If you hold a standard (non-enhanced) Idaho permit, a North Dakota Class 2 permit, or a standard (non-enhanced) South Dakota permit, your permit is not recognized in Delaware.

Resident and Non-Resident Permits

For states on the recognized list, Delaware recognizes both resident and non-resident licenses issued by those states.

No Pending Removals

As of the current list period, there are no notices of pending removal that would take effect January 15, 2026.

Where Delaware Permit Holders Can Carry

Delaware CCDW (Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons) permit holders may be able to carry concealed in the states listed above that recognize Delaware permits, plus the following additional states that honor Delaware permits:

• Idaho
• Indiana
• Vermont

Delaware permit holders traveling to other states are responsible for knowing and obeying all laws of the state they are visiting. Most states require the permit holder to have the physical permit in their possession while carrying.

Persons Prohibited from Carrying in Delaware — Even with a Valid Out-of-State Permit

Even if you hold a valid, recognized out-of-state permit, you are prohibited from possessing deadly weapons or ammunition in Delaware if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Any person previously convicted of any felony
• Any person previously convicted of any misdemeanor involving physical injury to another or domestic violence, unless more than 5 years has elapsed from the date of conviction
• Any person previously convicted of any crime involving the unlawful use, possession, or sale of any illegal drug
• Any person under age 25 who was previously convicted as a juvenile of a crime that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult
• Any person subject to a Protection From Abuse Order issued by a competent court
• Any person previously committed to a hospital or mental institution for treatment of a mental disorder

These prohibitions apply regardless of whether the person's home state would allow them to carry.

Temporary Non-Resident Licenses

Under 11 Del. C. § 1441(k), the Attorney General has discretion to issue a temporary concealed carry license to non-residents on a limited basis. Key details:

• Available to individuals who are not Delaware residents and who have a short-term, employment-related need to carry a concealed deadly weapon in Delaware for the protection of person or property
• The temporary license automatically expires 30 days from the date of issuance
• The temporary license is not subject to renewal, but a second or subsequent temporary license may be issued
• No individual may be issued more than 3 temporary licenses
• The license must be carried at all times while in Delaware
• Applications must be in writing and include a notice that false statements are punishable by law, per § 1441(l)

Automatic Voiding of Licenses

Per 11 Del. C. § 1441(m), any license issued under § 1441 — including recognized out-of-state permits for purposes of Delaware carry — is automatically void by operation of law if the licensee becomes a person prohibited from possessing deadly weapons under § 1448 of Title 11.

Delaware's Definition of "Deadly Weapon"

Delaware's concealed carry laws apply to "deadly weapons," not just firearms. Under 11 Del. C. § 222(6), "deadly weapon" includes firearms, bombs, knives (other than an ordinary pocketknife with a blade of 3.75 inches or less carried in a closed position), switchblade knives, billies, blackjacks, bludgeons, metal knuckles, slingshots, razors, bicycle chains, ice picks, dangerous instruments used to cause death or serious physical injury, and projectile weapons.

Assault Weapons Restriction

Under 11 Del. C. § 1466, Delaware prohibits the transport, manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, receipt, or possession of assault weapons (as defined in § 1465). This ban took effect June 30, 2022. Visitors carrying under a recognized out-of-state permit must ensure their firearm does not fall within Delaware's assault weapon definition, which includes certain semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns with specified features. Grandfathering provisions exist only for persons who lawfully possessed such weapons prior to June 30, 2022.

Law Enforcement Verification

Law enforcement officials from other jurisdictions may verify Delaware CCDW permits by contacting the Delaware State Police Headquarters via NLET.AM directed to DEDSP0000 or by calling 302-659-2341.

Federal Protections

Federal law provides additional protections that apply regardless of state reciprocity:

• Firearm Owners' Protection Act (FOPA), 18 U.S.C. § 926A — Provides safe passage for persons transporting firearms through states (including Delaware) where they may not have a recognized permit, provided the firearm is unloaded and not readily accessible, and the person is traveling between locations where possession is lawful. This is a federal protection, not a Delaware state law provision.
• Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), 18 U.S.C. §§ 926B–926C — Allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms nationwide, subject to certain conditions.

Note: Specific details on FOPA and LEOSA are governed by federal statute and are not addressed in the Delaware sources provided.

Key Statutes