The Delaware State Police, through the State Bureau of Identification (SBI), advises that handgun transactions not approved and completed before November 16, 2025, due to delays in the federally required National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), must now be completed with a permit to purchase, unless exempt under Delaware law.

Why this is happening

NICS is administered by the FBI under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(t)). NICS determinations and timing are made by the FBI. If a NICS result did not return a ‘Proceed’ and the transfer was not completed before November 16, Delaware law now requires a permit to complete the transfer, unless the transferee has a valid CCDW issued by the Superior Court of Delaware under 11 Del. C. §1441.

Next steps for affected purchasers

• Apply at the Permit to Purchase Portal. Step-by-step instructions are available on the Permit to Purchase website; paper applications are also available at all DSP troops.

For more information

• Visit the Permit to Purchase website
• Call the helpline: (302) 741-2800 (Mon – Sat 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Sun 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

• Email: dsp_sbip2pmail@delaware.gov

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