State by State Gun Laws
**COMPREHENSIVE STATE GUN LAW OVERVIEW**
**IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:** Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with local authorities and legal counsel. This information is for general guidance only.
**LICENSING REQUIREMENTS BY STATE:**
**Constitutional Carry States (No Permit Required):**
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming
**Shall-Issue States (Permit Required, Must Issue if Qualified):**
Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
**May-Issue States (Permit Required, Discretionary):**
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island
**No-Issue/Extremely Restrictive:**
District of Columbia (very limited issuance)
**KEY FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS:**
**Age Restrictions:**
- 18+ for long guns (rifles/shotguns)
- 21+ for handguns
- Private sales may vary by state
**Prohibited Persons (Cannot Own Firearms):**
- Convicted felons
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Mental health adjudications
- Illegal drug users
- Non-resident aliens (with exceptions)
- Dishonorably discharged military
**Background Check Requirements:**
- All dealer sales require NICS check
- Private sales vary by state
- Gun shows follow same rules as dealers
**NOTABLE STATE-SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS:**
**California:**
- 10-day waiting period
- Assault weapons ban
- 10-round magazine limit
- Handgun roster restrictions
- Safe storage requirements
**New York:**
- SAFE Act restrictions
- 7-round magazine limit (can load 10)
- Assault weapons registration
- Pistol permit required
**Illinois:**
- FOID card required
- 72-hour waiting period handguns
- 24-hour waiting period long guns
- Chicago has additional restrictions
**New Jersey:**
- Firearms purchaser ID required
- Permit to purchase handguns
- Assault firearms ban
- 10-round magazine limit
**Massachusetts:**
- FID/LTC required
- Assault weapons ban
- 10-round magazine limit
- Safe storage laws
**RECIPROCITY NOTES:**
- Concealed carry permits have varying reciprocity
- Check each state's recognition agreements
- Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act applies
- National parks follow state laws
**SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS:**
- Some states restrict direct shipments
- FFL transfers required in most states
- High-capacity magazines banned in some states
- Assault weapons definitions vary
**COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITY:**
- Buyer responsible for knowing local laws
- We cannot ship items illegal in destination state
- Consult local attorneys for legal questions
- Laws change - verify current requirements
**Resources for Current Laws:**
- State attorney general websites
- Local law enforcement
- NRA-ILA state law pages
- Gun rights organization websites
**Need Help?** Call 502-272-4859 for assistance with state-specific shipping questions. We cannot provide legal advice but can help with shipping compliance.
**IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:** Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with local authorities and legal counsel. This information is for general guidance only.
**LICENSING REQUIREMENTS BY STATE:**
**Constitutional Carry States (No Permit Required):**
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming
**Shall-Issue States (Permit Required, Must Issue if Qualified):**
Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
**May-Issue States (Permit Required, Discretionary):**
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island
**No-Issue/Extremely Restrictive:**
District of Columbia (very limited issuance)
**KEY FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS:**
**Age Restrictions:**
- 18+ for long guns (rifles/shotguns)
- 21+ for handguns
- Private sales may vary by state
**Prohibited Persons (Cannot Own Firearms):**
- Convicted felons
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Mental health adjudications
- Illegal drug users
- Non-resident aliens (with exceptions)
- Dishonorably discharged military
**Background Check Requirements:**
- All dealer sales require NICS check
- Private sales vary by state
- Gun shows follow same rules as dealers
**NOTABLE STATE-SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS:**
**California:**
- 10-day waiting period
- Assault weapons ban
- 10-round magazine limit
- Handgun roster restrictions
- Safe storage requirements
**New York:**
- SAFE Act restrictions
- 7-round magazine limit (can load 10)
- Assault weapons registration
- Pistol permit required
**Illinois:**
- FOID card required
- 72-hour waiting period handguns
- 24-hour waiting period long guns
- Chicago has additional restrictions
**New Jersey:**
- Firearms purchaser ID required
- Permit to purchase handguns
- Assault firearms ban
- 10-round magazine limit
**Massachusetts:**
- FID/LTC required
- Assault weapons ban
- 10-round magazine limit
- Safe storage laws
**RECIPROCITY NOTES:**
- Concealed carry permits have varying reciprocity
- Check each state's recognition agreements
- Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act applies
- National parks follow state laws
**SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS:**
- Some states restrict direct shipments
- FFL transfers required in most states
- High-capacity magazines banned in some states
- Assault weapons definitions vary
**COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITY:**
- Buyer responsible for knowing local laws
- We cannot ship items illegal in destination state
- Consult local attorneys for legal questions
- Laws change - verify current requirements
**Resources for Current Laws:**
- State attorney general websites
- Local law enforcement
- NRA-ILA state law pages
- Gun rights organization websites
**Need Help?** Call 502-272-4859 for assistance with state-specific shipping questions. We cannot provide legal advice but can help with shipping compliance.