Delaware Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Delaware. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Delaware for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes since the enactment of 11 Del.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Delaware has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Delaware Title 11 § 1449 provides that wearing body armor during the commission of a felony is an aggravating factor that can enhance sentencing.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALDelaware Code Title 11, § 1442 prohibits possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles. They are considered deadly weapons and illegal for civilians.
Possession
Illegal to possess.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or transfer.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor; up to 1 year imprisonment and/or fine.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is illegal).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Delaware with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. Automatic knives were recently legalized, but this change did not affect the status of butterfly knives.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Delaware requires a permit to carry a concealed handgun under Delaware Code Title 11, § 1441. Permitless concealed carry is not permitted.
Permitless Carry Rules
Concealed carry without a permit is illegal; permit required.
Permit Availability
Firearm sales regulated with background checks and waiting periods.
Penalties
Illegal concealed carry can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Minimum Age
21 years or older for permit
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Delaware with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Delaware with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Delaware without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. There have been no major recent changes to Delaware's open carry laws, but the state has enacted other gun control measures in recent years.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDPepper Spray Restrictions are legal with restrictions in Delaware. There are no state restrictions on container size or concentration. Persons under 18 may not purchase pepper spray.
Carrying
Legal without permit.
Purchase
Sale restricted to persons 18 and older.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Delaware. Delaware does not have any state laws banning or restricting suppressors beyond federal requirements.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Allowed with federal compliance; no state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A if federal laws are followed.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
ILLEGALDelaware prohibits switchblades under 11 Del. C. § 1448. Possession, sale, and manufacture are illegal except for law enforcement and military.
Possession
Illegal for civilians; allowed for law enforcement and military.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor; fines and/or imprisonment up to one year.
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers and stun guns are legal in Delaware with restrictions such as permits, background checks, or age requirements. Recent legislative proposals have aimed to increase restrictions, including raising the age of possession to 21 and prohibiting possession by those who cannot legally own a firearm.
Ownership
Legal with permit or restrictions
Purchase
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Violations may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18-21 depending on jurisdiction