← District of Columbia knife laws›Concealed Knife Carry

District of Columbia Concealed Knife Carry (2026)

Conditional: No general concealed-knife ban; DC bars possessing a knife with a blade over 3 inches only with intent to use it unlawfully (22-4514(b)); switchblades are banned outright.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: code.dccouncil.gov →

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

Concealed Knife Carry in states bordering District of Columbia

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

MarylandConditional
An adult may carry a common penknife concealed, but Md. Crim. Law 4-101 bars carrying any concealed 'dangerous weapon' (dirk, bowie, switchblade, star knife); a non-switchblade penknife is excepted.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
VirginiaConditional
An adult may carry a common folding pocketknife concealed, but concealing a dirk, bowie, stiletto, ballistic knife, machete or like weapon is a Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code 18.2-308).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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