Are Bump Stocks Legal in District of Columbia?

BANNED: Bump stocks are banned in District of Columbia.

If you live in District of Columbia or you’re traveling through, this is the page to read before a bump stock crosses the state line. Here’s exactly what District of Columbia law says, when it took effect, and what’s at stake.

What the law says

District of Columbia’s ban is codified at D.C. Code § 22-4514 (bump stock expressly enumerated; definition at § 22-4501).

  • Controlling law: D.C. Code § 22-4514 (bump stock expressly enumerated; definition at § 22-4501)
  • Enacted: 2018
  • Penalty: Criminal possession offense under the dangerous-weapons law

The D.C. Code names bump stocks by name among prohibited dangerous weapons: any device that uses recoil energy to generate a reciprocating action facilitating repeated trigger activation.

The federal picture

In Garland v. Cargill (decided June 2024), the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the ATF rule that had reclassified bump stocks as machine guns. Since that ruling, bump stocks are legal under federal law. That does not help you in District of Columbia: the state’s own ban operates independently of federal law and remains fully enforceable.

Frequently asked questions

Can I own a bump stock in District of Columbia?

No. District of Columbia law prohibits possession of bump-fire stocks, and violations can be charged as: criminal possession offense under the dangerous-weapons law. The federal ruling in Garland v. Cargill does not override state law.

Does the 2024 Supreme Court ruling make bump stocks legal in District of Columbia?

No. Garland v. Cargill (June 2024) removed the federal machine-gun classification, but states are free to enact their own bans — and District of Columbia has one. State law controls here.

Can I travel through District of Columbia with a bump stock in my vehicle?

Possession within the state generally triggers the ban, including in transit. If your route crosses District of Columbia, the safe move is to leave the device at home. Consult an attorney for your specific situation.

Nearby states

Where that leaves you

Because of the state ban described above, bump-fire stocks cannot be sold or shipped to District of Columbia, and this page exists for information only.

State device laws have shifted repeatedly since 2017, in both directions. If the law in District of Columbia changes, our newsletter subscribers are the first to hear about it — the signup form is available on our main site.

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Informational only, not legal advice. Laws change — verify current federal, state, and local law before purchasing. Last reviewed July 2026.