The Concealed Pistol Licensing Review Board (“Board” or “CPLRB”) reviews appeals of denials of an application or renewal application for a concealed pistol license (“CPL”) issued by the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (“Chief”). The CPLRB also reviews appeals of CPL revocations and suspensions. D.C. Code § 7-2509.01 et seq.; 1 DCMR Chapter 12.

If you are an APPLICANT appealing a DENIAL of an application for a concealed pistol license (CPL), or a current license HOLDER appealing any other ADVERSE ACTION related to a CPL, issued by the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (“Chief”), please submit the following four documents via email to [email protected]: 

1. A copy of the firearms registration certificate or approved Form PD219 Application for the pistol you seek to carry concealed. 
   • If you do not have a valid and current registration, or your registration was denied or revoked, you are not eligible to obtain a CPL. 
   • The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate adverse registration actions.
   • To appeal an adverse registration action, the Chief advises that you must appeal that action to Firearms Registration Branch.
   • See below or reach out to the Firearms Registration Branch to resolve questions regarding your registration eligibility.   
2. A copy of the Chief’s final CPL action being appealed, for example, the Notice of CPL Denial or Notice of CPL Revocation.
3. A description of reasons why you believe the Chief’s final CPL action may be in error and the relief sought from the Board.
4. Proper authorization for representation, as applicable.

Appeals must be filed within fifteen (15) days after the date on which the Chief served the notice of the final action from which the appeal is being requested. You are REQUIRED to submit EMAIL appeals during public and health emergencies and are strongly encouraged to submit email appeals at ALL TIMES.  You are also encouraged to email these documents in one PDF to expedite the processing of your appeal. 1 DCMR Chapter 1202.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I want to carry a concealed handgun in the District of Columbia what should I do?

In order to carry a concealed pistol in the District of Columbia, you first must obtain from the Chief a valid registration certificate for the pistol you wish to carry concealed via an application for a firearms registration certificate (“PD 219”). Reach out to the Firearms Registration Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department for any questions about registration. Get more information on registration.

2. How do I obtain a registration certificate?

The Metropolitan Police Department is the agency responsible for registering firearms in the District of Columbia. Reach out to the Firearms Registration Branch to obtain a registration certificate. See the link above.

3. My PD 219 registration application was denied, or my registration certificate was revoked. What do I do now?

Follow the instructions on the Chief’s adverse registration action if you choose to appeal that action, or reach out to the Firearms Registration Branch for additional information. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the Chief’s adverse registration actions.

If you choose to concurrently appeal a contemporaneous CPL adverse action, note that the Board typically will dismiss such appeal until you have obtained the required registration certificate.

4. I have applied for my registration, now what?

You now may apply to the Chief for a concealed pistol license or CPL. Get instructions on applying for a concealed carry license.

5. My CPL application has been denied, or my CPL revoked. What should I do?

• If you have received a Firearms Registration Disapproval Notice, your PD 219 application has been denied, or your registration certificate has been revoked, follow the instructions on that notice, denial, or revocation to appeal the adverse registration action. Again, unless you possess a current and valid registration certificate, your appeal of a CPL adverse action typically will be dismissed.
• If the Chief has not approved or denied your registration application within 60 days of the date of your submission (or 90 days if the Chief has extended that deadline), the law considers your PD 219 application constructively denied and the Chief advises that you may file an appeal of that denial with the Firearms Registration Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department.
• If you possess a valid and current registration certificate, but your CPL application was denied, or your existing CPL was revoked, you may appeal the CPL denial or revocation to the Board by emailing to [email protected] the four (4) documents indicated above in one PDF. For instructions on CPL appeals of suspensions, please refer to the Notice of Suspension you were issued.

Laws and Regulations^[PDF]

DC Code § 22-4506    Issue of a license to carry a pistol
DC Code § 7-2509      License to Carry a Pistol
1 DCMR Chapter 12

See Also:
Board Final Rule Amending Sections 1200- 1203, 1205, 1208-1212, 1214, 1221-1224, 1226, and 1299 of Chapter 12 and TOC; adding a new section 1227 - 69 DC Reg. 23 (June 10, 2022)
Board Final Rule Amending Sections 1210, 1218 - 68 DC Reg. 42 (October 15, 2021)
Board Final Rule Amending Sections 1202, 1205, 1226  - 68 DC Reg. 21 (May 21, 2021)
Title 24 DC Municipal Regulations Chapter 23