Washington D.C.
Secure Storage Laws in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. has many strong gun laws in place, including a child access prevention law, which took effect in D.C. in 2009.
State Requirements
Secure Storage in Washington D.C.
Under Washington D.C. code, gun owners are required to securely store their firearms if they know or reasonably should know that a minor under the age of 18 is likely to gain access to it. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met.
The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.
Requirements for guns in homes in Washington D.C.
Gun owners in D.C. are required to securely store their firearm(s) in their homes, and any other premises under their control, if they know or should reasonably know that a minor under the age of 18 is likely to gain access to it. Secure storage means that a gun owner, when not carrying a firearm on their person, :keeps any firearm(s) in a securely locked box, secured container, or secure location. The District of Columbia encourages, but does not require, gun owners to keep any firearm unloaded and either disassembled or secured by a trigger lock, gun safe, locked box, or other secure device.
Consequences for Washington D.C. gun owners who fail to meet the above requirements for storing their gun(s)
Gun owners in D.C. who fail to follow the above requirements may be subject to criminal penalties. More serious penalties may result if a child under age 18 gains access to the firearm and causes injury or death.
By the Numbers
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More than 1,300 children and teens (0–19) die by gun suicide each year — 4 children and teens each day.Everytown Research analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death (accessed August 10, 2026). Average: 2021–2025. Ages: 0–19.
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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year; a significant portion of those are stolen from cars.
Best Practices
Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles
Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.
There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.
Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.
Remember
Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely
Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.
Locked Up
With keys or codes kept private
Unloaded
Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun
Separate from ammunition
Store ammunition in a different place from guns
Download
Washington D.C. Secure Gun Storage Sheet
Download information about secure gun storage in Washington D.C. in English or Spanish.