A wooden bench on a Delaware beachfront boardwalk

Delaware Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit

Delaware Handgun Purchase Permit Training — Start Online

This is a purchase permit, not a carry license. Delaware requires a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit to buy a handgun, and the permit requires a firearms training course.

Purchase permit — not a carry licenseNo live fire requiredOnline training available$49.99

Start Delaware HQPP Training — $49.99 See how it works

At a glance

Credential: Delaware Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit
Issued by: State Bureau of Identification, Delaware State Police
Residents: Eligible
Nonresidents: Not eligible
Online training: Available
Live fire: Not required
Course price: $49.99
Provider: U.S. LawShield

Last reviewed August 2026. Verify current requirements with the issuing authority before applying.

This is a purchase permit, not a carry license

The Delaware Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit allows you to purchase or take transfer of a handgun in Delaware. It is not a concealed carry license. Delaware's concealed carry deadly weapon license is a separate credential issued through the Superior Court.

Why consider a Delaware purchase permit

What this permit is actually for.

Delaware is the outlier on this site, and the distinction matters: the Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit is about buying a handgun, not carrying one. Delaware's concealed carry license is an entirely separate credential issued through the Superior Court.

Under Delaware's permit-to-purchase framework, a person generally needs an HQPP before they can purchase or take transfer of a handgun in the state. Getting one requires completing a firearms training course with a certified instructor, fingerprinting through IdentoGO, and a background check by the State Bureau of Identification.

The training requirement is specific: instruction covering knowledge and safe handling of firearms, safe storage and child safety, and knowledge, safe handling and storage of ammunition. This course is built for that requirement — it is not a carry course and does not pretend to be.

How it works

The Delaware process, in order.

Steps marked “handled elsewhere” are run by the government or a third party — not by us. Knowing which is which is most of what prevents wasted money.

Confirm you need the permitHandled elsewhere
Delaware exempts certain individuals, including holders of a valid Delaware concealed carry license and certain law enforcement categories. Check whether an exemption applies to you first.
Complete the firearms training course
The U.S. LawShield Delaware HQPP Course covers the statutory training subjects — safe handling, safe storage, child safety and ammunition.
Get fingerprinted and photographedHandled elsewhere
Schedule an appointment through IdentoGO as directed by the State Bureau of Identification.
Submit your application to SBIHandled elsewhere
Apply through the Delaware State Police portal with your training certificate, photo ID and supporting documents. SBI issues a decision within 30 days of a complete application.

What you'll learn

Inside the coursework.

U.S. LawShield Delaware HQPP Course — delivered online by U.S. LawShield.

Start Delaware HQPP Training

Knowledge and safe handling of firearms
Safe storage of firearms and child safety considerations
Knowledge and safe handling of ammunition
Safe storage of ammunition and child safety
Fundamentals every new handgun owner should have before a first purchase
Where the Delaware purchase permit fits relative to other Delaware credentials

Residency

Resident vs. nonresident.

Delaware residents

Eligible

Delaware residents purchasing a handgun in Delaware generally need an HQPP unless an exemption applies. This course covers the training requirement.

Everyone else

Limited or not available

The HQPP governs handgun purchases in Delaware. If you are looking for concealed carry training, this is not that course — see our carry-license states instead.

Looking for a permit you can get without living in the state? See which states issue to nonresidents.

Read this before you buy

What this course does — and does not do.

Every state page on this site carries this section. If a training company won't tell you where its product stops, that is the information you needed.

What this course does

Covers the firearms training subjects Delaware specifies for the purchase permit
Produces the training certificate submitted with your HQPP application
Can be completed online on your own schedule
Costs $49.99 — the lowest-priced state course we offer

What it does not do

Is not a concealed carry course and does not lead to a Delaware carry license
Does not issue the permit — the State Bureau of Identification does
Does not include fingerprinting, the photo appointment or state fees
Does not exempt you from the background check or waiting period

Quick answers

Delaware, in plain terms.

Can a nonresident get a Delaware HQPP?

No. Delaware issues this credential to residents.

Does Delaware require live fire?

No. The training requirement can be satisfied through approved online coursework with no range qualification.

Can I complete Delaware training online?

Yes. The full training requirement can be completed online.

Who issues the Delaware HQPP?

State Bureau of Identification, Delaware State Police.

FAQ

Delaware questions, answered.

What is the Delaware HQPP?

The Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit is a Delaware permit required to purchase or take transfer of a handgun in the state. It requires a firearms training course with a certified instructor, fingerprinting and a background check through the State Bureau of Identification.

Is the Delaware HQPP a concealed carry permit?

No. The HQPP is a purchase permit. Delaware's concealed carry deadly weapon license is a separate credential issued through the Superior Court, with its own requirements.

What does the Delaware training course have to cover?

Delaware law specifies instruction in knowledge and safe handling of firearms, safe storage of firearms and child safety, knowledge and safe handling of ammunition, and safe storage of ammunition and child safety.

Who is exempt from the Delaware purchase permit?

Delaware exempts several categories, including holders of a valid Delaware concealed carry deadly weapon license and certain law enforcement and licensed-dealer categories. Confirm your status with the Delaware State Police before assuming an exemption applies.

How much does the Delaware HQPP course cost?

The U.S. LawShield Delaware HQPP course is $49.99. Fingerprinting and state permit fees are separate.

Official U.S. LawShield Delaware Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit Training course artwork

Start your training

Begin the Delaware HQPP course.

U.S. LawShield Delaware HQPP Course · $49.99 · Delivered by U.S. LawShield. You complete it on your own schedule.

Start Delaware HQPP Training — $49.99 Ask a question first

Purchases are completed on the U.S. LawShield site. The Ammo Academy earns a commission on courses bought through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Sources & official resources

Last reviewed: August 2026

Delaware State Police — Permit to Purchase
Issuing authority; application process, training and exemptions
11 Del. C. § 1448D
Statutory training subjects for the handgun qualified purchaser permit

Program details for the U.S. LawShield Delaware HQPP Course were provided by U.S. LawShield Instructor Relations. Statutory and procedural details are sourced to the issuing authority above.

Educational information only. Not legal advice. Firearm laws change, and requirements vary by state, county and issuing authority. Verify current requirements with the issuing authority before you apply.

Holding more than one license? Read how multi-state permit strategy actually works.