The Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) is encouraging any Delaware resident interested in receiving an assault weapon certificate of possession in accordance with the Delaware Firearms Safety Act of 2022 to take action by making an appointment with the State Bureau of Identification.

Over the past three weeks, DSHS provided Delaware residents with opportunities in each county to obtain an assault weapon certificate of possession. To accommodate residents who were unable to participate in these public events, DSHS will issue certificates by appointment through June 30, 2023.

Residents can schedule an appointment by emailing DEFirearmSafetyAct2022@Delaware.gov or by calling (302) 744-2680. Appointments will be held at the DSP State Bureau of Identification at 600 Bay Road, Suite 1B, in Dover. After June 30, 2023, residents who inherit an assault weapon purchased prior to June 30, 2022 can make an appointment to receive a certificate.

The Delaware Lethal Firearms Safety Act of 2022 prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer to sell, transfer, purchase, receipt, possession, or transport of assault weapons in the state, subject to certain exceptions. One exception is for individuals who lawfully possessed or had completed a purchase of the weapon before June 30, 2022.

This process is voluntary. The Certificate of Possession constitutes “conclusive evidence” that a person lawfully possessed or had completed a purchase of an assault weapon before June 30, 2022, and is entitled to possess and transport the weapon on or after that date.

To receive a certificate of possession, residents must present the following documentation:
• A valid Delaware driver’s license, Delaware identification card, or United States passport.
• A dated bill of sale, receipt of purchase, or record of transfer from a licensed firearms dealer for weapons that were purchased that reflect a completed sale or possession prior to June 30, 2022.
• For inherited weapons, a will or other documentation substantiating that the weapon was received through inheritance.
• DSHS will not maintain any record of the issuance of the certificate, as required by the Act.
• Residents must bring the weapons for which the certificate of possession is sought, but all
weapons must be unloaded and left secured in their vehicles. Residents must enter the
building unarmed.

Residents are encouraged to review 83 Del. Laws, c. 328, § 1 for more information on the Act.

On June 30, 2022, Gov. Carney signed into law the Delaware Lethal Firearms Safety Act of 2022 prohibiting the manufacture, sale, offer to sell, transfer, purchase, receipt, possession, or transport of assault weapons in Delaware, subject to certain exceptions.  One such exception to the Act’s ban is for individuals who lawfully possessed, or who had completed a purchase of, the weapon prior to June 30, 2022.

The Act requires that the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (“DSHS”) issue certificates of possession to individuals who meet this exception.

Individuals lawfully possessing an assault weapon pursuant to this exception to the ban are not required to request a certificate of possession, but the Act provides that the certificates of possession constitute “conclusive evidence” that a person lawfully possessed or had completed a purchase of an assault weapon before June 30, 2022, and is entitled to possess and transport the weapon on or after that date.

DSHS will offer certificates of possession to Delaware residents at the locations and on the dates below.

Saturday, May 27, 2023

New Castle County
Delaware State Police – Troop 2
100 Lagrange Avenue, Newark, DE 19702
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday, June 3, 2023

Sussex County
Delaware State Police – Troop 7
19444 Mulberry Knoll Road, Lewes, DE 19958
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Kent County
DSP State Bureau of Identification
600 Bay Road, Suite 1B, Dover, DE, 19901
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

INSTRUCTIONS:

To receive a certificate of possession, residents must present the following documentation:

• A valid Delaware driver’s license, Delaware identification card, or United States passport.
• A dated bill of sale, receipt of purchase, or record of transfer from a licensed firearms dealer for weapons that were purchased that reflect a completed sale or possession prior to June 30, 2022.
• For inherited weapons, a will or other documentation substantiating that the weapon was received through inheritance.
• DSHS will not maintain any record of the issuance of the certificate, as required by the Act.
• Residents must bring the weapons for which the certificate of possession is sought, but all weapons must be unloaded and left secured in their vehicles. Residents must enter the buildings unarmed.

Residents are encouraged to review 83 Del. Laws, c. 328, § 1 for more information the Act. For questions, residents can call (302) 744-2680 or send an email to: DEFirearmSafetyAct2022@delaware.gov