Delaware Permit to Purchase Training
Firearms training for Delaware residents who need to complete the training component of the state’s handgun qualified purchaser permit process.
Training Is One Part of the Process
- Complete qualifying firearms training
- Complete required fingerprinting
- Submit the DSP application
- Undergo the required background investigation
- Receive the permit before a covered handgun purchase or transfer
What Is Delaware’s Handgun Permit to Purchase?
Delaware’s handgun qualified purchaser permit is a state-issued permit used by covered Delaware residents before purchasing or receiving a handgun. The Delaware State Police State Bureau of Identification administers the permit program.
Delaware Residents
The handgun qualified purchaser permit process is directed at qualifying Delaware residents purchasing or receiving handguns in Delaware.
State-Issued Permit
Coastal Training Group provides qualifying training. The handgun purchaser permit itself is issued by the Delaware State Police State Bureau of Identification.
Two-Year Permit
Once issued, a Delaware handgun qualified purchaser permit is generally valid for two years, subject to Delaware law and continued eligibility.
What Does Permit-to-Purchase Training Cover?
Delaware law establishes specific subject areas for qualifying firearms training. The course is designed around those required areas while also helping new firearm owners develop a stronger foundation in safe and responsible ownership.
- Knowledge and safe handling of firearms
- Safe firearm storage and child-safety considerations
- Knowledge and safe handling of ammunition
- Safe ammunition storage
- Safe firearm shooting fundamentals
- Live-fire range exercises
- Ways to develop and maintain shooting skills
- Federal and Delaware firearm-law awareness
- Delaware law relating to the use of deadly force
- Conflict avoidance and management of violent confrontations
- Responsible firearm ownership and decision-making
- Suicide-prevention instruction required for qualifying training
Classroom Instruction + Live Fire
Qualifying Permit-to-Purchase training includes both educational instruction and live-fire exercises. Delaware’s published training requirements include the expenditure of at least 100 rounds of ammunition.
Firearm Handling
Students learn and reinforce safe firearm handling, operation, loading, unloading, and range procedures.
Shooting Fundamentals
Live-fire instruction reinforces safe shooting fundamentals and responsible firearm operation.
Continued Development
Students are introduced to ways to continue practicing and maintaining firearm skills after completing the class.
How the Permit-to-Purchase Process Works
Successfully completing training does not itself issue a handgun qualified purchaser permit. Applicants must complete the remaining Delaware State Police requirements.
Complete Qualifying Training
Successfully complete an eligible firearms training course and obtain the appropriate training documentation.
Complete Fingerprinting
Permit applicants complete the fingerprinting requirement using the process specified by Delaware State Police.
Submit Your Application
Submit the required application and supporting documentation through the Delaware State Police Permit-to-Purchase process.
Background Investigation
The State Bureau of Identification conducts the background investigation required under Delaware law.
Permit Decision
The State Bureau of Identification reviews the completed application and determines whether the applicant qualifies for issuance.
Purchase During Validity
An eligible permit holder may use the permit for covered handgun purchases while the permit remains valid.
Already have a valid Delaware CCDW? A person who holds a valid Delaware Concealed Deadly Weapon license issued by the Delaware Superior Court is not required to apply for a handgun qualified purchaser permit before a covered handgun purchase. Other statutory exemptions may also apply. Verify your status with Delaware State Police if you are uncertain.
Who Should Consider Permit-to-Purchase Training?
This Course May Be Appropriate If…
- You are a Delaware resident
- You plan to purchase or receive a handgun
- You do not currently hold a valid Delaware CCDW
- You need qualifying firearm training for your application
- You want a beginner-friendly introduction to safe firearm ownership
Check Before Registering If…
- You already hold a valid Delaware CCDW
- You may qualify for another statutory exemption
- You already completed qualifying training within the permitted timeframe
- You also intend to apply for a Delaware CCDW
Consider the Combined Delaware Course
If you are completing Permit-to-Purchase training and also plan to pursue an initial Delaware CCDW license, the combined course may be the better option.
It combines overlapping training into one streamlined program and provides two separate certificates upon successful completion.
- Permit-to-Purchase training
- Delaware CCDW training
- One streamlined program
- Two separate certificates
- Designed for students pursuing both paths
Delaware Permit-to-Purchase FAQ
Does taking this class give me my permit?
No. Coastal Training Group provides the qualifying firearms training. The handgun qualified purchaser permit is issued by the Delaware State Police State Bureau of Identification after completion and review of the state’s application process.
Do I need a Permit to Purchase if I already have a Delaware CCDW?
A person holding a valid Delaware CCDW license issued by the Superior Court is exempt from the handgun qualified purchaser permit requirement under the current program.
Is live-fire training required?
Yes. Delaware’s qualifying firearms-training requirements include live-fire range exercises and the expenditure of at least 100 rounds of ammunition.
How long is the permit valid?
Under current Delaware law, a handgun qualified purchaser permit is valid for two years from its date of issuance, provided the permit remains valid and the holder remains eligible.
Is training the only requirement?
No. Covered applicants must also complete the fingerprinting, application, and background-investigation requirements established by Delaware State Police.
What if I also want a Delaware concealed carry license?
Consider the Delaware Permit to Purchase + CCDW combined course. It is designed for students who intend to complete both training paths and provides separate training documentation upon successful completion.
Verify Current Delaware Requirements
Permit procedures can change. For application forms, fingerprinting instructions, exemptions, and current state requirements, use Delaware State Police as the authoritative administrative source.
DSP Permit to Purchase
Official Delaware State Police information about the handgun qualified purchaser permit program.
Visit Delaware State Police →Applicant Portal
Access the Delaware State Police Permit-to-Purchase applicant portal.
Open Applicant Portal →Delaware Firearm Training
Explore additional firearm, concealed carry, and skill development programs through Coastal Training Group.
Explore Firearms Training →Register for Delaware Permit-to-Purchase Training
Current class dates, availability, pricing, and registration are handled through Coastal Firearms.
