Gun Laws by State: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Firearm
Gun laws in the United States vary significantly from state to state. While federal law establishes minimum requirements for firearm purchases, states can and do impose additional restrictions. Understanding the gun laws in your state is essential before making any firearm purchase.
Federal Baseline Requirements
All states must comply with federal firearm laws at minimum:
- Must be 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer (18 for long guns)
- Must pass an NICS background check through an FFL dealer
- Cannot be a federally prohibited person
- Firearms purchased online or out of state must transfer through a local FFL dealer
- Machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986 cannot be transferred to civilians
Key State-Specific Laws
Permit to Purchase
Some states require a permit or license before you can purchase a firearm:
- Illinois: FOID (Firearm Owners Identification) card required
- New Jersey: Firearm Purchaser Identification Card required; additional Handgun Purchase Permit needed for handguns
- Hawaii: Permit to purchase required
- Massachusetts: License to Carry or Firearm Identification Card required
Waiting Periods
Some states require a waiting period between purchase and pickup:
- California: 10 days
- Florida: 3 days (handguns only)
- Hawaii: 14 days
- Illinois: 72 hours
- Minnesota: 5 business days
- New Jersey: 7 days
Assault Weapons Bans
Several states prohibit semi-automatic rifles with certain features:
- California: Strict assault weapons ban; featureless rifles or use of bullet buttons required
- New York: SAFE Act restricts semi-automatic firearms with certain features
- Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut also have AWB laws
High Capacity Magazine Bans
States that restrict magazine capacity to 10 rounds or fewer:
- California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington
Red Flag Laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders)
States that allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk:
- California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington
Private Sale Background Check Requirements
States that require background checks on all transfers, even private party sales:
- California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington
State-Level Red Tape-Free States
Some states have very permissive firearms laws with minimal restrictions beyond federal law:
- Texas, Arizona, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and others have no additional waiting periods, no assault weapons bans, and honor constitutional carry
State Highlights
Texas
No permit to purchase, no waiting period, constitutional carry allowed, no magazine capacity limits. Must comply with federal NICS background check.
California
10-day waiting period, assault weapons ban, magazine capacity limit of 10 rounds, handgun roster of approved models only, DROS fee, additional background check.
Florida
3-day waiting period for handguns (exemptions for CCW permit holders), no assault weapons ban, constitutional carry passed in 2023.
New York
States of mind SAFE Act, 10-round magazine limit, assault weapons ban, pistol permit required, NICS check required for all transfers.
Always Verify Current State Laws
Firearm laws change frequently. Always verify the current laws in your state before purchasing, transporting, or carrying a firearm. Consult a licensed firearms attorney if you have questions about specific situations.
Find a Local FFL Dealer
FFLSearch.net makes it easy to find licensed dealers in your state who are familiar with local requirements and can guide you through the purchase process.