President Trump’s newly formed task force has drastically reduced the time it takes for Washington, D.C. residents to obtain firearm registrations and concealed carry permits, from several months down to just a few days. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce crime and streamline firearm access for law-abiding citizens without changing existing gun laws.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (3-minute read) — In a significant shift for firearm owners in the nation’s capital, President Trump’s “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force” has successfully expedited the process for obtaining firearm registrations and concealed carry permits. What used to take up to four months can now be completed in as little as five days, allowing law-abiding residents to more efficiently exercise their right to self-defense.
This sweeping change didn’t come by altering D.C.’s stringent gun laws. Instead, it focused on cutting through bureaucratic red tape. The Metropolitan Police Department now allows for next-day and walk-in appointments, a drastic change from the previous months-long waiting list. Permit processing for concealed carry licenses, which once took several months, has been slashed to an average of 4.6 days, according to data gathered in May.
Faster Access, Same Strict Rules
While the process is now quicker, D.C.’s strict firearm regulations remain firmly in place. Applicants still need to complete mandatory firearm safety training and meet eligibility criteria, which includes passing a background check and complying with restrictions on certain types of firearms and ammunition.
Residents can now complete both firearm registration and concealed carry permit applications in a single session. The city has also approved additional fingerprinting providers to accommodate the increased demand. Notably, the Metropolitan Police Department outlines specific reasons applications may be denied, such as attempting to register prohibited firearms like short-barreled shotguns or refusing to complete required steps like fingerprinting or paying necessary fees.
The task force is exploring additional reforms, including allowing female permit holders to carry firearms in handbags instead of requiring body holsters, and examining options for concealed carry access on public transportation. There’s also discussion of recognizing concealed carry permits from other states, though any such changes would require approval from the D.C. City Council.
This effort is part of Trump’s broader crime crackdown in the District, which has included deploying National Guard troops and involving federal agencies like the FBI and DHS to combat crime. The President exercised authority under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to temporarily federalize the city’s police force, calling it “Liberation Day in D.C.”
Safety Tip: If you’re applying for a concealed carry permit, make sure to take a certified firearms safety course. Not only is it required in D.C., but it’s important for safe and responsible carry.
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