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.
Before you enroll: this course is one part of the requirement
Delaware requires an in-person live-fire qualification in addition to the classroom instruction. This online course covers the classroom portion only — it does not satisfy the live-fire requirement. That has to be completed separately, in person, with an instructor qualified to conduct it under that state's rules.
Specific to Delaware: 11 Del. C. § 1448D(f)(4)f requires live-fire shooting exercises on a range with at least 100 rounds of ammunition. The online course covers the classroom subjects; the range session is scheduled separately after completion.
Depending on where you are and which program you're pursuing, we may be able to provide that in-person training or help you find an instructor who can. Ask us before or after you enroll — we'd rather sort it out early.
We can't guarantee instructor availability in every area, or that a particular instructor will be accepted by your issuing authority. Confirm both before you book.
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
- Required
- Course price
- $49.99
- Provider
- U.S. LawShield
Last reviewed October 2026. Verify current requirements with the issuing authority before applying.
Live fire is required — budget for a range session
This is a purchase permit, not a carry license
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 and long. 11 Del. C. § 1448D(f)(4) lists eleven required elements — from safe handling and storage through use-of-force law, conflict avoidance and suicide prevention — and one of them is a live-fire session on a range of at least 100 rounds. The online course covers the classroom subjects; the range session is a separate, in-person step. 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.
Complete the live-fire range session
Delaware requires live-fire shooting exercises on a range with at least 100 rounds of ammunition. After the online course you receive instructions for scheduling this separately.
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.
- 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
- Federal and Delaware law on purchasing, owning, transporting and possessing firearms
- Delaware law on the use of deadly force, and avoiding and managing a violent confrontation
- Shooting fundamentals and preparation for the required live-fire session
Residency
Resident vs. nonresident.
Delaware residents
EligibleDelaware 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 availableThe 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 classroom 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 satisfy the live-fire requirement — the 100-round range session is separate and in person
- 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
About the live-fire requirement
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?
Yes. Delaware requires an in-person range qualification in addition to the classroom instruction.
Can I complete Delaware training online?
The classroom portion, yes. Delaware still requires you to complete the range component in person.
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?
11 Del. C. § 1448D(f)(4) requires a course covering: knowledge and safe handling of firearms; safe storage of firearms and child safety; knowledge and safe handling of ammunition; safe storage of ammunition and child safety; shooting fundamentals; live-fire exercises on a range with at least 100 rounds; ways to develop and maintain shooting skills; federal and state law on purchase, ownership, transportation, use and possession; Delaware law on deadly force; avoiding a criminal attack and managing a violent confrontation, including conflict resolution; and suicide prevention. The course must have been completed within the 5 years before you apply.
Does the Delaware HQPP require live fire?
Yes. Delaware law requires live-fire shooting exercises on a range with a minimum of 100 rounds. The online course covers the classroom subjects; the range session is completed separately, in person.
How long is a Delaware HQPP valid, and who can get one?
An HQPP is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. Applicants must be at least 21 and not prohibited from possessing firearms. The State Bureau of Identification grants or denies a complete application within 30 days.
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.
Best value: 12 courses, one price
The Delaware course covers HQPP training. Who covers everything else?
Traffic stops, prohibited places, transport, storage, holsters and range skills all matter once you carry. This bundle is the refresher for all of it.
$49.99 for all 12, about $4.17 a course
Save at least $59.90 over buying them one at a time at $9.99 each, and Loading & Unloading Handguns is only available here. All 12 are online, 3 to 4 hours in total, on any device, and your progress is saved.
Educational courses from U.S. LawShield. They don't replace your state's licensing requirements.
After the decision
Owning a handgun raises a question no purchase course answers.
The HQPP course covers safe handling, storage and Delaware law. What it can't cover is the process that follows a defensive incident: investigation, charging decisions, and the civil claim that can arrive much later.
Some students look into a legal-defense membership at this point. It's worth understanding before you decide either way.
U.S. LawShield is an independent company. We're one of their instructor partners and may be compensated for referrals.
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.
Before you enroll: this course is one part of the requirement
Delaware requires an in-person live-fire qualification in addition to the classroom instruction. This online course covers the classroom portion only — it does not satisfy the live-fire requirement. That has to be completed separately, in person, with an instructor qualified to conduct it under that state's rules.
Specific to Delaware: 11 Del. C. § 1448D(f)(4)f requires live-fire shooting exercises on a range with at least 100 rounds of ammunition. The online course covers the classroom subjects; the range session is scheduled separately after completion.
Depending on where you are and which program you're pursuing, we may be able to provide that in-person training or help you find an instructor who can. Ask us before or after you enroll — we'd rather sort it out early.
We can't guarantee instructor availability in every area, or that a particular instructor will be accepted by your issuing authority. Confirm both before you book.
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: October 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.
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