Delaware Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam 2026 - Free Firearms Safety Questions and Study Guide

To purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer in Delaware, both a background check and proof of age are required. This ensures that the buyer is legally permitted to own a firearm, taking into account age restrictions set forth by law. Typically, federal law mandates that a person must be at least 18 years old to purchase a rifle or shotgun and 21 years old for a handgun. The background check, which is conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), serves to verify that the purchaser does not have any disqualifying factors, such as felony convictions, mental health issues, or restraining orders.

While proof of age and a background check are necessary components of the purchasing process, relying solely on either one would not fulfill the legal requirements. Therefore, a comprehensive verification process is essential to ensure responsible firearm sales and ownership compliance with state and federal laws.