District of Columbia fireworks lawsFireworks Permit Rules

District of Columbia Fireworks Permit Rules (2026)

Conditional: No personal-use permit is needed for the narrow legal list (sparklers under 20 inches, fountains, cones, torches, novelties), but most consumer fireworks are prohibited.

ConditionalVerified Jun 7, 2026

No personal-use permit is needed for the narrow legal list (sparklers under 20 inches, fountains, cones, torches, novelties), but most consumer fireworks are prohibited. Retailers need a business license plus a Fire Marshal permit. Fines for illegal fireworks start around $2,000.

Official source: fems.dc.gov

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

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