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District of Columbia Statewide Rule

District of Columbia Fireworks: Sparklers and Novelties Only

Significant RestrictionsApplies statewide across District of Columbia (2026)

Key Facts

Legal fireworks
Sparklers under 20 inches, fountains, novelties
Banned fireworks
Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, shells
Illegal-use penalty
Fines from $2,000, possible arrest
Seller permit
$300 Fire Marshal permit plus DLCP license
Enforcer
DC Fire & EMS Fire Marshal
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Washington DC bans every exploding and aerial firework. Only ground-based novelties, sparklers under 20 inches, fountains, cones, torches, and paper caps, are legal, and selling them requires a permit. The DC Fire and EMS Office of the Fire Marshal enforces the rules.

Permitted fireworks: "Sparklers less than 20 inches, torches, box fire, fountains, cones, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelty items, colored lights, and paper caps." Prohibited fireworks: "Firecrackers or fireworks that explode, such as cherry bombs, bottle rockets, salutes, Roman candles, floral shells, and artillery shells."

View official code

Full Breakdown

The District permits only non-exploding, non-aerial fireworks: sparklers less than 20 inches, torches, box fire, fountains, cones, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelty items, colored lights, and paper caps. Firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, salutes, Roman candles, floral shells, and artillery shells are illegal. The DC Fire and EMS Office of the Fire Marshal enforces; retailers need both a Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection retail license and a $300 fireworks permit issued after a site inspection. Possessing or using illegal fireworks brings fines starting at $2,000 and possible arrest.

Violations & Penalties

Using or possessing illegal fireworks brings fines starting at $2,000 plus possible arrest for further prosecution. Selling fireworks without an Office of the Fire Marshal permit is separately unlawful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sparklers legal in Washington DC?
Yes. Sparklers less than 20 inches are permitted, along with fountains, cones, torches, non-poisonous snakes, and paper caps. Aerial and exploding fireworks like bottle rockets and Roman candles stay illegal.
What happens if I set off illegal fireworks in DC?
Fines start at $2,000, and you can be arrested for further prosecution. The Office of the Fire Marshal and Metropolitan Police enforce the ban on exploding and aerial fireworks.
Can I sell fireworks in DC?
Only with two permits: a retail license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection and a $300 fireworks permit from the Office of the Fire Marshal, issued after a site inspection.

Sources

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