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? Email FFL@THEGUNDOCK.COM for assistance with state-specific shipping questions. We cannot provide legal advice but can help with shipping compliance.