CCW age in Delaware?

[spazzymcgee]

I've been trying to find out for a while. I've gotten different answers from different sources, and no answer from the DE law website. Handgunlaw.us says 18, but lots of other places say 21. The Delcode just says that you need to be "Of full age and moral character", and the application just asks for your age. My understanding is that you can own a handgun at 18, if it's a gift from a parent. I have a few handguns that would fit that description. I'll be turning 18 in May, and would love to start carrying. Is there something I'm missing? Any help that can be given would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

 

[Midwest]

I guess now it is just a matter of finding out who your FIVE “respectable citizens of the county" are going to be........


http://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-laws/delaware.aspx


"Application for a license to carry must be filed with the Prothonotary of the Superior Court in the county of residence at least 15 days before the then next term of court. The initial license is valid for 3 years.

The applicant must supply a certificate signed by five “respectable” citizens of the county in which the applicant resides, clearly stating that the applicant is a person of “full age (18), sobriety and good moral character, that he bears a good reputation for peace and good order in the community in which he resides, and that the carrying of a concealed deadly weapon by the applicant is necessary for the protection of the applicant or his property or both.” The certificate must be signed with the proper signatures and in the proper handwriting of each respectable citizen. The applicant must also file a notarized certificate to certify that the applicant has completed an approved firearms training course.

The Prothonotary of the county in which any applicant for a license files the same shall cause notice of every application to be published once, at least 10 days before the next term of the Superior Court. The Court may or may not, in its discretion, approve any application.

The applicant must pay a $65.00 application fee plus all taxes for the license as well as the cost of advertising the notice. Renewals are $65.00

A current holder of a license to carry, may, on or before the expiration date, without further application or additional requirements, renew license for a further period of 5 years by paying to the Prothonotary the license tax and fee, and upon filing with the Prothonotary an affidavit setting forth that the carrying of a concealed deadly weapon is necessary for the protection of himself or his property, or both, and that he possesses all the requirements for the issuance of a license. A person may make license renewals every 5 years thereafter, however, the Superior Court upon good cause presented to it may deny it for good cause shown."


From the Nraila - Permission to reproduce....

This may be reproduced. It may not be reproduced for commercial purposes.

 

[spazzymcgee]

Thanks. All signs seem to point to 18, I just wanted as much confirmation as possible, before I spend all the money to do this.

 

[F-111 John]

Since Delaware is a may issue state, what are the odds that they will approve an 18 year old without a demonstrated "need" for a CCW? Your five "respectable citizens" have to attest under oath that a CCW "is necessary for the protection of the applicant or his property or both."

I only say this because New York City has a procedure to apply for a CCW, but in practice they don't issue them.

 

[spazzymcgee]

Since Delaware is a may issue state, what are the odds that they will approve an 18 year old without a demonstrated "need" for a CCW? Your five "respectable citizens" have to attest under oath that a CCW "is necessary for the protection of the applicant or his property or both."

I only say this because New York City has a procedure to apply for a CCW, but in practice they don't issue them.

That's a good point. The only need that I can think of is my wanting to demonstrate my right to carry, and general protection. I'd really like to know the odds of my approval, given I can come up with a better reason.

 

[spazzymcgee]

Update

Just an update, to all those that need to know, and those that will have this question in the future. I called the Delaware Prothonotary, and was directed to the gentleman that actually approves the CCW permits for Delaware, Tony Davalos. He confirmed that the age to obtain a permit, as well as own a handgun in Delaware, is 18. He also informed me that lawmakers are working to make it 21, as they see it as a loophole. Also, Mr. Davalos told me that the only reason needed for anyone to obtain a permit is that they wish to "Protect themselves, their property, and their family." I hope this helps someone. Good luck to anyone in the same situation as I am, and thank you guys for the help.

 

[Midwest]

Just an update, to all those that need to know, and those that will have this question in the future. I called the Delaware Prothonotary, and was directed to the gentleman that actually approves the CCW permits for Delaware, Tony Davalos. He confirmed that the age to obtain a permit, as well as own a handgun in Delaware, is 18. He also informed me that lawmakers are working to make it 21, as they see it as a loophole. Also, Mr. Davalos told me that the only reason needed for anyone to obtain a permit is that they wish to "Protect themselves, their property, and their family." I hope this helps someone. Good luck to anyone in the same situation as I am, and thank you guys for the help.

Keep us posted through the process if you want. We don't hear much about Delaware, but it would be interesting to hear how long the process actually takes from application to the issue of the permit...

And for those that maybe wondering about the word "Prothonotary". It is an old English word dating back to 1447 according to wiki. It basically means "principal clerk of a court".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prothonotary

"The term being formerly more commonly used in the United States, today only the courts of Pennsylvania and Delaware term their chief clerks "prothonotaries." "

.

 

[DeadMoneyDrew]

Since Delaware is a may issue state, what are the odds that they will approve an 18 year old without a demonstrated "need" for a CCW? Your five "respectable citizens" have to attest under oath that a CCW "is necessary for the protection of the applicant or his property or both."

I only say this because New York City has a procedure to apply for a CCW, but in practice they don't issue them.

From what I understand this state is in practice a shall issue state. I don't have my permit but I've met quite a few people who do. All of them say that the process is pretty mundane (if not a bit drawn out at 5-6 months) and that anyone who is a citizen in good standing should expect to get approved.

 

[stevek]

Just a word of caution…if turned down for ANY reason, any future CCW applications would ask about this.

 

[Delawarean]

Just a word of caution…if turned down for ANY reason, any future CCW applications would ask about this.

CCW denial goes on the record? I had never heard of that.

I have lived in Delaware my entire life, but I am planning on moving to PA in the near future. Denial going on the record is another reason (along with the convoluted 6 month application) for me not to apply for my ccw here... I am afraid DE wouldn't grant me one because I got a ticket for illegal target practice on state land when I was 18.

 

[NavyLCDR]

CCW denial goes on the record? I had never heard of that.

I have lived in Delaware my entire life, but I am planning on moving to PA in the near future. Denial going on the record is another reason (along with the convoluted 6 month application) for me not to apply for my ccw here... I am afraid DE wouldn't grant me one because I got a ticket for illegal target practice on state land when I was 18.

If this is the true PA application for a LTCF, there is no mention of a previous permit being denied or revoked:

http://www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/3880

Different states have different requirements, so I don't see how being denied a permit in one state for a reason that is not prohibiting in the current state could be reason for denial of the current permit being applied for.

The closest question on the Washington application is:
http://co.pacific.wa.us/sheriff/forms/cpl_application.pdf

8. Is your concealed pistol license, if any, in a revoked status?

Again, an entirely different question than "Have you ever been denied a concealed pistol license, in this or in any other state?"

 

[spazzymcgee]

Update

I took my CCW class, I'm gathering references, and everything is going well so far. I can't send in my paperwork until my birthday on May 14. I hope to report back to everyone when I have my permit in hand.

 

[F-111 John]

Best of luck!

 

[Delawarean]

I'm in Dover. Pm me if you need an extra reference.

 

[spazzymcgee]

Thanks, Delawarean. That's really nice of you. I'll let you know if I'm a reference short.

 

[spazzymcgee]

Success!

Alright, everybody. I sent in my paperwork a while back, and I got my permit in almost exactly one month after that. I am 18 years old. This is confirmation for all persons under 21, but over 18, with a desire to obtain a CCW permit in Delaware. The entire process was smooth, relatively simple, and had no hangups. If anyone has any questions about the permit process, feel free to message me. I hope that this helps someone.

 

[Sam1911]

Fantastic! And thanks for the update! Be safe out there.

 

[Midwest]

Alright, everybody. I sent in my paperwork a while back, and I got my permit in almost exactly one month after that.

Congratulations! And thanks for the update.
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