Is High-Capacity Magazine Legal in Delaware? (2026)
No. In Delaware, high-capacity magazine is prohibited. Delaware prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, and possession of high-capacity magazines (over 17 rounds for handguns, over 10 rounds for rifles/shotguns) under 11 Del. C. § 1469. Exceptions exist for law enforcement and military personnel, making it a criminal offense for most civilians..
Key facts
- Status
- Prohibited
- Permit required
- No
- Jurisdiction
- Delaware
- Last reviewed
- 2026-02-27
High-Capacity Magazine laws in Delaware
Delaware law, specifically 11 Del. C. § 1469, prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, receipt, transfer, or possession of large capacity magazines. A 'large capacity magazine' is defined as any ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than 17 rounds of ammunition for a handgun or more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a rifle or shotgun. This prohibition applies to most civilians. There are limited exceptions for active and retired law enforcement officers, military personnel, and certain licensed manufacturers for official purposes. Individuals who lawfully possessed such magazines prior to the law's effective date (June 30, 2022) were required to permanently alter them to reduce capacity, surrender them, or transfer them out of state. Failure to comply with this law constitutes a criminal offense. The state has taken a firm stance on restricting access to these magazines as part of its broader gun control efforts, aiming to reduce potential harm from mass shootings. This statute significantly impacts firearm owners in Delaware, requiring them to adhere to strict capacity limits for their magazines.
Frequently asked questions
Is high-capacity magazine legal in Delaware for travelers?
For travelers visiting Delaware, high-capacity magazine is currently prohibited. Delaware law, specifically 11 Del. C. § 1469, prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, receipt, transfer, or possession of large capacity magazines. A 'large capacity magazine' is defined as any ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than 17 rounds of ammunition for a handgun or more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a rifle or shotgun. This prohibition applies to most civilians. There are limited exceptions for active and retired law enforcement officers, military personnel, and certain licensed manufacturers for official purposes. Individuals who lawfully possessed such magazines prior to the law's effective date (June 30, 2022) were required to permanently alter them to reduce capacity, surrender them, or transfer them out of state. Failure to comply with this law constitutes a criminal offense. The state has taken a firm stance on restricting access to these magazines as part of its broader gun control efforts, aiming to reduce potential harm from mass shootings. This statute significantly impacts firearm owners in Delaware, requiring them to adhere to strict capacity limits for their magazines.
Do I need a permit for high-capacity magazine in Delaware?
Delaware does not specifically require a permit for high-capacity magazine, though general regulations apply.
Can I transport high-capacity magazine through Delaware?
Transport laws for high-capacity magazine in Delaware depend on the specific item and your route. Since this is prohibited in Delaware, transporting through the state carries legal risk. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for high-capacity magazine violations in Delaware?
Penalties for high-capacity magazine violations in Delaware vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.