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Delaware prohibits the sale or transfer of a handgun or rifle to someone under the age of 21 unless the purchaser is exempt from the law, stated below, prohibiting certain categories of people from purchasing handguns and rifles.1 It is also unlawful for a parent to permit their child under 18 years of age to have possession of a firearm unless under the direct supervision of a person 21-years-of-age or older.2

In 2022, Delaware enacted a law prohibiting people under 21 from purchasing handguns or rifles.3 Beginning in 2025,4 Delaware will also prohibit 18-21-year-olds from possessing handguns or rifles except for hunting and recreation under certain circumstances, and if they are law enforcement, military, or have a concealed carry permit.5

Delaware law prohibits the sale of a handgun or other deadly weapon “made especially for the defense of one’s person” to a person under age 21.6 Delaware also prohibits online marketing or advertising of firearms to children.7

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  1. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1445(A)(4).[]
  2. Id. at (A)(6).[]
  3. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1448(a)(5).[]
  4. 2022 HB 451, Section 3.[]
  5. Id. at (a)(5)(a).[]
  6. Del. Code Ann. tit. 24, §§ 901, 903.[]
  7. Del. Code Ann. tit. 6, §§ 1204C(e), (f)(4).[]