DC · checked October 18, 2026

Shotgun laws in District of Columbia

What District of Columbia adds on top of federal law: short-barreled shotguns, 14-inch "firearms," feature rules, magazine limits, permits and waiting periods.

Decorative editorial illustration for the state shotgun law referenceVerify the current state and federal rules with official sources
Federal update — Oct 9, 2026

ATF says it is no longer enforcing federal NFA approval or registration for short-barreled shotguns. That does not change state law: where a state only allows SBSs that are registered under the NFA, you still need that registration to be legal under state law. What changed.

Short-barreled shotgunsProhibited

DC will not issue a registration certificate for a sawed-off shotgun (barrel under 18 inches), so residents cannot legally own one.[1]

D.C. Code §§ 7-2502.02(a)(1), 7-2501.01(15)
14" 'firearms' (Shockwave / TAC-14)Unclear — see notes

DC defines 'shotgun' as shoulder-fired, so a 14-inch 'firearm' doesn't clearly fit the sawed-off shotgun definition, but no source confirms MPD will register one.[2]

Semi-auto / feature rulesFeature rules apply

Semi-auto shotguns with a folding/telescoping stock, protruding pistol grip, thumbhole stock or vertical grip, or that accept a detachable magazine, are assault weapons; so are revolving-cylinder shotguns and named models.[2]

D.C. Code § 7-2501.01(3A)
Magazine limitsLimit: 10 rounds

Feeding devices holding more than 10 rounds are banned; the only exclusion is for .22 rimfire tube magazines.[3]

Permit to buyPermit / ID required

Every firearm, including shotguns, must have a DC registration certificate to be possessed.[4]

Waiting period10-day wait

A 10-day waiting period applies to all firearms.[5]

Where a state has no official guidance on a point, the summary says what the statute text appears to say, and marks it unclear when it can't be read either way.

Not legal advice

This is a plain-English summary. Cities and counties can add rules, and laws change. Confirm with District of Columbia's official sources or a licensed attorney before you buy, build or travel.

Federal rules that apply everywhere

  • Under the National Firearms Act, a 'shotgun' is a weapon designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder that uses a fixed shotgun shell to fire shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore with each pull of the trigger. source
  • The Gun Control Act uses nearly the same definition: a shotgun is designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder and fires shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore for each pull of the trigger. source
  • Federal law defines a short-barreled shotgun as a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches, or any weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches. source
  • The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the law that cut the NFA tax, is Public Law 119-21 and was approved on July 4, 2025. source

Shotguns to consider

Use the 3-step quiz — it flags District of Columbia's rules on your matches — or compare every model.

Sources

  1. District of Columbia — Short-barreled shotguns
  2. District of Columbia — 14" 'firearms' (Shockwave / TAC-14)
  3. District of Columbia — Magazine limits
  4. District of Columbia — Permit to buy
  5. District of Columbia — Waiting period

Last checked October 18, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Send a correction.

Other states