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.