Delaware 80 Percent Lower Laws

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here. 

What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires some machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the most recent proposed rule 2021R-05 80% lowers are completely legal, not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required. To explore the 80 percent lower receivers we have to offer, check out our multiple collections.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Delaware?

As of this guide’s initial publish date, 80% lower receivers and frames are not considered as firearms by the ATF and are legal to ship directly to buyers residing in the state of Delaware.

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Delaware?

If you build out your own firearms starting with 80 lowers in Delaware you do not need to serialize the lower receiver or frame as there are currently no laws requiring citizens to do so. Should you wish to serialize your lower receiver you certainly can if necessary through our 80 lower engraving services.

Key Gun Laws in Delaware

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Delaware.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

In the state of Delaware, anyone the age of 18 years or older is eligible to purchase a long gun and anyone the age of 21 years or older can purchase a handgun. There are no extra permits or state licensing requirements to purchase firearms in Delaware. All firearm purchases and private party transfers require a background check (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”).

While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database. Delaware is not a point of contact for the NICS but does have laws requiring firearms dealers to initiate the background check prior to transferring a firearm.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Delaware allows licensed open carry and issues concealed carry weapon permits in the form of “CDWL,” or a Concealed Deadly Weapon License. Conceal carriers must be at least 21 years of age and pass a state-approved firearms training course that includes live-fire exercises. Applicants are required to obtain five references from residents of their county and their application has to be published in a local newspaper 10 days before filing it with the state.

CDWL’s are processed and reviewed by the state attorney general’s office and a court. Delaware is a “may issue” state. Be aware of the limits of open and conceal carrying by checking the state restrictions. To see which states’ concealed carry permits it honors check this reciprocity map here.

NFA Restrictions

NFA items are completely banned for civilian ownership and are only exempt for “research purposes.” While Delaware currently does not have an assault weapon ban (“AWB”) in place, a new bill to do so has been recently introduced.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Currently, there are no magazine capacity restrictions in Delaware, though that could soon change as there is currently a Senate Bill being pushed to ban “high capacity mags.” Enjoy those drums and belt-fed box magazines while you can! We carry plenty of standard capacity magazines like the Lancer Advanced Warfighter L5 mag which is a 30 rounder too. Our favorite color is the translucent smoke one.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

Residents should also be aware of “safe storage” laws and mandatory firearm storage requirements as it is a crime to intentionally or recklessly store or leave a loaded firearm within “easy access” of a child or a person. If you need some good ideas or best practices for storing your guns and gear here are five home firearm storage options.

Self-Defense

Delaware does not have a stand your ground law in place but the state does have a Castle Doctrine law in place.

Ammunition Purchase

Purchasing ammunition in Delaware is very strict. In order to buy ammo in Delaware, a CTPP, gun sales permit, or long gun/handgun eligibility certificate is required. There isn’t a background check but buyers must be at least 21 years of age and provide proof of valid ID. The same goes for all online purchase ammo shipped to Delaware.

Start Your Next 80 Lower Build with 80% Arms!

Delaware residents are completely free to build their own firearms from 80 lowers and frames without any required serialization or FFL transactions. It's the perfect state to take advantage of your constitutional Second Amendment right and freedom to keep and bear arms. That includes 80% Arms! Grab an 80 lower jig and some buddies to enjoy that freedom together and let us know if you need any advice with your build at any point in the process. Friends, live free.