Advisory: Pending Handgun Purchases Not Completed Before Nov. 16 due to NICS delays require a Permit to Purchase
November 21, 2025/
Delaware State Police – through the State Bureau of Identification – advise that handgun transactions not approved and completed before November 16th due to delays in the federally required National Instant Criminal Background Check System, 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