← District of Columbia firearms laws›Duty to Inform Police

District of Columbia Duty to Inform Police Laws (2026)

Conditional: The District of Columbia has a proactive duty to inform: if an officer initiates an investigative stop, a concealed-pistol licensee must disclose that they are carrying, present the license and registration certificate, identify where the pistol is, and comply with orders — including the officer taking possession of it (D.C. Code § 7-2509.04(d)).

ConditionalVerified Jul 18, 2026

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The District of Columbia has a proactive duty to inform: if an officer initiates an investigative stop, a concealed-pistol licensee must disclose that they are carrying, present the license and registration certificate, identify where the pistol is, and comply with orders — including the officer taking possession of it (D.C. Code § 7-2509.04(d)). The duty extends to other licensees present who are carrying.

Official source: code.dccouncil.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Duty to Inform Police in states bordering District of Columbia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

MarylandInfo
Maryland has no statutory duty to inform: its wear-and-carry statute (Pub. Safety § 5-308) only requires the permit holder to carry the permit whenever carrying, and the current text has no volunteer duty and no display-on-demand clause. A permit is still required to carry a handgun at all.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
VirginiaConditional
You do not have to tell an officer you are armed or have a permit. If you carry concealed on a permit, you must have it on you and show it, with a government photo ID, when an officer demands it. Out-of-state permit holders must likewise carry photo ID and show both on demand. Failing to show a Virginia permit is a $25 civil penalty, which a court may waive if you later show a valid permit.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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