Is Ammunition Legal in District of Columbia? (2026)
It depends. In District of Columbia, ammunition is restricted. D.C. Code §7-2506.01(a) restricts ammunition possession to five stated categories, with specific limits on the registration-certificate category.. A permit or license is required.
Key facts
- Status
- Restricted
- Permit required
- Yes
- Jurisdiction
- District of Columbia
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-09
Ammunition laws in District of Columbia
D.C. Code §7-2506.01(a) prohibits ammunition possession in the District unless a stated category applies: a dealer licensed under subchapter IV; a District or United States officer, agent or employee on duty and within the scope of duties; a holder of a valid firearm registration certificate under subchapter II; a holder of an ammunition collector's certificate on September 24, 1976; or temporary possession while participating in a firearms training and safety class conducted by a firearms instructor. The registration-certificate category expressly does not permit possession of one or more restricted pistol bullets. These conditions do not mean all residents may possess ammunition or that any class attendee has unrestricted possession outside the class. The historical collector category is date-specific. Subsections (b) and (c) separately address large-capacity ammunition feeding devices; a firearm registration certificate does not remove those stated device restrictions. This explanation is limited to the cited District possession categories and device provision. It does not certify an individual's eligibility, classify particular restricted bullets, establish all purchase/sale/transport or federal rules, or verify retained legal-status/permit fields.
Frequently asked questions
Is ammunition legal in District of Columbia for travelers?
For travelers visiting District of Columbia, ammunition is currently restricted. D.C. Code §7-2506.01(a) prohibits ammunition possession in the District unless a stated category applies: a dealer licensed under subchapter IV; a District or United States officer, agent or employee on duty and within the scope of duties; a holder of a valid firearm registration certificate under subchapter II; a holder of an ammunition collector's certificate on September 24, 1976; or temporary possession while participating in a firearms training and safety class conducted by a firearms instructor. The registration-certificate category expressly does not permit possession of one or more restricted pistol bullets. These conditions do not mean all residents may possess ammunition or that any class attendee has unrestricted possession outside the class. The historical collector category is date-specific. Subsections (b) and (c) separately address large-capacity ammunition feeding devices; a firearm registration certificate does not remove those stated device restrictions. This explanation is limited to the cited District possession categories and device provision. It does not certify an individual's eligibility, classify particular restricted bullets, establish all purchase/sale/transport or federal rules, or verify retained legal-status/permit fields.
Do I need a permit for ammunition in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires a permit or license for ammunition. Contact the relevant state agency for application details.
Can I transport ammunition through District of Columbia?
Transport laws for ammunition in District of Columbia depend on the specific item and your route. Generally, transport is allowed if you comply with state regulations. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for ammunition violations in District of Columbia?
Penalties for ammunition violations in District of Columbia vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.