← District of Columbia firearms laws›Transporting Firearms
District of Columbia Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Restricted: Without a DC license, you may transport a firearm in DC only for a lawful purpose, from a place where you may lawfully possess and carry it to another such place.
Without a DC license, you may transport a firearm in DC only for a lawful purpose, from a place where you may lawfully possess and carry it to another such place. In a vehicle it must be unloaded, and neither it nor any ammunition may be readily or directly accessible from the passenger area. If the vehicle has no compartment separate from the driver's, use a locked container that is not the glove box or console. MPD says visitors with an unregistered firearm should travel through DC without stopping or deviating. Otherwise a firearm must be registered in DC.
Official source: mpdc.dc.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering District of Columbia
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- MarylandRestricted
Without a Maryland permit, a handgun may be transported only to or from a legal purchase, sale or repair shop; between your homes, or home and a business you substantially own and operate; and to, from or during target shooting, hunting, trapping and other listed activities. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mdsp.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- VirginiaConditional
Without a permit, you may carry a handgun in a private vehicle if it is secured in a container or compartment; it does not have to be locked. A permit is needed to carry it concealed on your person. Since July 1, 2026, knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle on a public highway, other public property or a commercial or retail parking area is a Class 4 misdemeanor unless it is out of plain view in a locked hard-sided container. A locked glove compartment or console counts.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
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