Gun Laws: 50-State Survey

While the federal government has passed some laws regulating firearms, most gun laws are enacted at the state level. This survey of gun laws in all 50 states covers the following topics:

Scan the overview of each topic below, or scroll further down to read about the laws in a specific state.

Licenses for Purchasing or Owning Firearms

Federal law does not impose any licensing requirements for purchasing or owning a gun. About a quarter of the states have enacted these requirements. They generally take the form of a permit to purchase, which means that a person must get a permit before buying a firearm. However, Illinois and Massachusetts require a license to own firearms, while New York requires a license to own handguns. California requires a person who plans to buy a gun to complete firearm safety training and get a certificate. Washington requires this certificate for semi-automatic rifles.

Firearm Registration

A very limited range of weapons must be registered under the National Firearms Act of 1934, but federal law does not provide for comprehensive gun registration. Most states also do not require registration of firearms, and some states have enacted laws prohibiting registration. Only Hawaii and the District of Columbia require all firearms to be registered. California has created the equivalent of a registration system by requiring licensed dealers to process all gun transfers, while providing that law enforcement will maintain records of the transfers. The handgun licensing law in New York requires registration. California requires new residents to report firearms, while Maryland requires new residents to report handguns and assault weapons.

California, Hawaii, New York, and a few other states have created a specific registration system for assault weapons and other especially dangerous firearms that are currently banned in those states. This is because the ban provides an exception for weapons that were owned before the ban and are registered.

Background Checks for Private Sales

Federally licensed firearm dealers must perform background checks on prospective purchasers, but federal law does not impose this requirement on unlicensed sellers. (A change to federal law in 2022 expanded the range of sellers who must be licensed, while enhancing background checks for purchasers under 21.) California, New York, and 12 other states (and the District of Columbia) require universal background checks at the point of sale for any type of firearm. Pennsylvania requires universal background checks at the point of sale for handguns.

About a dozen states, including some of the states above, conduct universal background checks before the point of sale through their permit process. They require a firearm purchaser to get a permit to buy a firearm, which necessarily involves a background check. The length of these permits varies dramatically, though, which may mean that a person who passes a background check for a permit might not pass a background check at the point of sale.

Open Carry Rules

“Open carry” refers to openly carrying firearms in public. Federal law generally does not regulate open carry. California, Florida, and Illinois (and the District of Columbia) generally prohibit open carry for all firearms. New York prohibits open carry for handguns, while Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New Jersey prohibit open carry for long guns.

The remaining 43 states generally allow open carry for all types of firearms. About 10 states require a permit to openly carry handguns, and about seven other states (including Pennsylvania and Texas) place limited restrictions on openly carrying handguns. Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia place limited restrictions on openly carrying long guns. Otherwise, open carry is largely unrestricted.

Concealed Carry Rules

“Concealed carry” refers to carrying a concealed, loaded weapon in a public place. Federal law is generally silent on concealed carry, except for some provisions affecting law enforcement officers. Although most states originally prohibited or drastically restricted concealed carry, every state now allows this practice. About half the states require a concealed carry permit, while the other half do not require a permit. (This is sometimes known as “constitutional carry.”) Most states that do not require a permit still issue them, which can help their residents carry concealed firearms more easily in other states.

States that require a concealed carry permit have been divided into shall-issue and may-issue states. In a shall-issue state, the government agency that issues permits generally is required to grant a permit to anyone who meets the basic requirements. Several shall-issue states allow limited discretion to the issuing authority, which can reject a permit application if a person who meets the basic requirements poses some particular safety risks. In contrast, may-issue states allow substantial discretion to the issuing authority, which may consider the reason why the person is seeking the permit and other factors well beyond the basic requirements.

However, a Supreme Court decision in June 2022 struck down the proper-cause requirement in the New York concealed carry law. (The law provided that a person who wanted to carry a firearm outside their home could obtain a concealed carry permit only if they could prove that proper cause existed for doing so.) Writing for the majority, Justice Clarence Thomas found that the proper-cause provision impermissibly clashed with the Second Amendment right to bear arms in public for self-defense. Other may-issue laws with similar requirements may face constitutional challenges, or they may soon be rewritten or revised to avoid these challenges.

Magazine Limits for Firearms

At the federal level, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act expired in 2004, ending nationwide bans on certain large-capacity ammunition magazines and assault weapons. Most states have not passed laws in this area. However, California, Connecticut, Hawaii (for handguns), Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York (and the District of Columbia) have banned large-capacity magazines and assault weapons. Colorado and Vermont have banned large-capacity magazines. Most states define a large-capacity magazine as a magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds, but Colorado and Vermont use different definitions.

Stand Your Ground Laws

A person has a right to use force in self-defense (or defense of others) when an imminent threat of bodily harm arises. If they are threatened with death or serious bodily harm, they generally have a right to use deadly force. The doctrine of self-defense originally imposed a duty to retreat from a confrontation, rather than using force, if this would avert the threat. The traditional exception to the duty to retreat is known as the castle doctrine, which eliminates the duty to retreat before using force in self-defense if a threat or confrontation occurs in the home of the person using force in self-defense.

Many states have greatly expanded the castle doctrine through “stand your ground” laws. In general, these laws allow a person to use deadly force in any place where they have a legal right to be, even if retreating from the confrontation would avert the need to use force. Over half the states have enacted explicit “stand your ground” statutes, while several others have recognized the “stand your ground” principle through court decisions. A few states even allow the use of deadly force in response to non-violent property crimes. Only about a dozen states retain the traditional rule imposing a duty to retreat from a confrontation in a public place.

People Prohibited From Possessing Firearms

While the Second Amendment confers a broad right to bear arms, the government can and does withhold this right from certain individuals. The federal Gun Control Act generally bars people who have been convicted or indicted for federal crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, state crimes that are not classified as misdemeanors and are punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, and state crimes classified as misdemeanors that are punishable by imprisonment for more than two years. Certain other groups are also barred:

  • People dealing with drug addiction (and unlawful users of controlled substances, including marijuana)
  • People who have been found to pose a danger to self or others, or to lack the mental capacity to manage their affairs due to a mental condition or illness
  • People who are incompetent to stand trial or not guilty due to mental incapacity
  • Fugitives from justice
  • People under 18 (for handguns)
  • Undocumented immigrants and foreign nationals on non-immigrant visas
  • People who have renounced U.S. citizenship
  • Former members of the armed forces who were dishonorably discharged
  • People convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence (recently expanded to include dating partners)
  • People subject to court orders restraining them from harassing, stalking, or threatening their intimate partner, their child, or a child of their partner, or engaging in conduct that would cause an intimate partner to reasonably fear bodily injury to the partner or child
  • People who have been involuntarily hospitalized or committed to a mental health or substance abuse treatment facility (with some exceptions)

State laws in this area focus on many of the same categories, such as people with felony convictions, substance abuse problems, mental illnesses, or a history of domestic violence or similar conduct. However, some states have enacted much more restrictive provisions than others. When a state law diverges from the federal law, the more restrictive law controls.

Click on a state below for information about its laws in each of these areas.

Alabama

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Limited restrictions for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required through 2022; no permit required starting 2023
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Alabama gun laws include people who have been convicted of committing or attempting to commit a crime of violence, misdemeanor domestic violence, or certain violent offenses specified by state law. In addition, a person may not possess a firearm if they are subject to a protection order for domestic abuse, or if they are of unsound mind, addicted to drugs, or an alcoholic. Minors are generally not allowed to possess firearms, but the law provides some exceptions.

Alaska

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing handguns or other concealable firearms under Alaska gun laws include people who have been convicted of a felony, or who have been adjudicated delinquent as minors for conduct that would be a felony if it were committed by an adult. There is an exception for a felony that is not an offense against the person if 10 years have passed since the individual’s unconditional discharge. People who have been convicted of felonies must not reside in a dwelling in which they know that there is a concealed firearm, with narrow exceptions.

Arizona

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from knowingly possessing a firearm under Arizona gun laws include people who have been convicted of a felony or adjudicated delinquent for a felony, when their right to possess a firearm has not been restored. Arizona also prohibits firearm possession by a person who has been found to constitute a danger to self or others, or to have a persistent or acute disability or grave disability, when their right to possess a firearm has not been restored. Other prohibited groups include people who are currently imprisoned in a correctional or detention facility, people serving various other types of criminal penalties, undocumented immigrants and certain other types of foreign nationals, people who have been found incompetent under rules of criminal procedure, and people who have been found guilty except insane.

In addition, a person who was adjudicated delinquent for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult must not possess a firearm within 10 years from the date of their adjudication, release, or escape from custody if they were adjudicated for an offense that would constitute one of certain enumerated offenses if committed as an adult. These offenses include burglary in the first or second degree, arson, felonies involving the use or threatening exhibition of a deadly weapon, and “serious offenses” as defined by state law.

Arkansas

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing a firearm under Arkansas gun laws generally include people who have been convicted of a felony, with some exceptions. (A defendant who entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere before an adjudication of guilt for a felony is considered to have a felony conviction.) In addition, a person may not possess a firearm if they have been adjudicated mentally ill, or if they have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution.

California

  • License: Firearms safety certificate
  • Registration: Implicitly required (gun transfers must be processed through licensed dealer, and records maintained in central database); pre-ban assault weapons, 50 caliber rifles must be registered; new residents must report firearms
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Prohibited (except sheriff may issue license when population of a county is less than 200,000 people, but valid only in that county)
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: 10 rounds
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by courts)

People prohibited from possessing a firearm under California gun laws generally include people dealing with drug addiction and people who have been convicted of a felony or certain domestic violence crimes. This prohibition also extends to certain enumerated misdemeanors, although the prohibition in these cases generally lasts for only 10 years after the conviction. In addition, a person may not possess a firearm if they are prohibited or restricted as a condition of probation, or if they know that they are subject to an outstanding arrest warrant for an offense that would result in a firearm prohibition. There are also prohibitions related to temporary restraining orders, injunctions, and protective orders. A person who has been adjudged a ward of the juvenile court due to committing certain enumerated offenses, such as certain drug or firearm offenses, cannot possess a firearm until they turn 30.

Colorado

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: 15 rounds
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by courts)

People prohibited from possessing a firearm under Colorado gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of certain enumerated felonies, or who has been adjudicated for an act that would constitute an enumerated felony if it had been committed by an adult. (Enumerated felonies include many types of violent crimes and sex crimes, among others.) In addition, people who are subject to domestic violence protection orders or convicted of domestic violence crimes may be prohibited from possessing a firearm. A person also may be prohibited from possessing firearms if they are subject to an extreme risk protection order, which means that they pose a danger to self or others.

In addition, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation generally must deny the transfer of a firearm when the prospective transferee has been arrested for or charged with a crime that would prevent them from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or they are the subject of an indictment, information, or felony complaint alleging that they have committed a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, as defined by federal law. Moreover, a transfer will be denied if the prospective transferee has been convicted of certain offenses after June 19, 2021 if the offense is classified as a misdemeanor within five years before the transfer.

Connecticut

  • License: Permit to purchase
  • Registration: Only for pre-ban assault weapons and large capacity magazines
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale and via permit requirement)
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: 10 rounds
  • Stand your ground: No

People prohibited from possessing a firearm under Connecticut gun laws generally include people who have been convicted of a felony, or convicted of certain misdemeanors on or after October 1, 2013. (These crimes usually involve violence or intimidation.) In addition, a person may not possess a firearm if they have been convicted as a delinquent for the commission of a serious juvenile offense, if they are subject to a restraining or protective order in a case involving physical force, or if they are subject to a firearm seizure order and have had notice and an opportunity to be heard. Undocumented immigrants are prohibited from possessing handguns.

Several other grounds for prohibiting firearm possession involve mental health, such as when a person has been confined in a psychiatric hospital by order of a probate court within a specified time period, has been voluntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital for care and treatment within the past six months, is prohibited from possessing a firearm for mental health reasons pursuant to federal law, or has been discharged from custody within the last 20 years after being found not guilty of a crime due to a mental disease or defect.

Delaware

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required (firearm registry prohibited)
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: No

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Delaware gun laws include people who have been convicted of a felony or a violent crime involving a physical injury to someone else, unless the conviction was expunged, and people who have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes or certain drug offenses. A bar based solely on a non-felony conviction lasts only for five years. A person who was adjudicated as delinquent when they were a juvenile for conduct that would constitute a felony if it had been committed by an adult may not possess a firearm unless and until they turn 25. In addition, a person who has been committed to an institution for a mental disorder generally cannot possess a firearm, nor can a person who is subject to a family court protective order that remains in effect. There is also a narrow prohibition for fugitives from justice in felony cases. Minors are generally not allowed to possess handguns.

Florida

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required (firearm registry prohibited)
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Prohibited
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Florida gun laws include people who have been convicted of a felony, are violent career criminals as defined by Florida law, or are under 24 and have been convicted of a delinquent act that would constitute a felony if it had been committed by an adult. In addition, a person must not possess a weapon if they are subject to a final injunction that restrains them from committing domestic violence, or if they are subject to a risk protection order that prohibits them from possessing firearms during the duration of the order. People who have been adjudicated mentally defective or who have been committed to a mental institution also must not possess firearms.

Georgia

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required (firearm registry prohibited)
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from buying or receiving firearms under Georgia gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a felony, who is on probation as a “felony first offender,” or who has received a conditional discharge for a felony. This law defines a felony more broadly than the standard definition of a felony in Georgia, covering crimes that are punishable by imprisonment of one year or more, rather than more than one year. This may mean that a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months of imprisonment could trigger a firearm ban.

Hawaii

  • License: Permit to purchase
  • Registration: Required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (via permit requirement)
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: 10 rounds (handguns)
  • Stand your ground: No

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Hawaii law include anyone who has been convicted of a felony, a drug sale, or a crime of violence, or who has been indicted for any of these offenses, as well as anyone who is under 25 and has been adjudicated to have committed a felony, a drug sale, or two or more violent crimes. In addition, a person must not possess a firearm if they are restrained pursuant to a court order from contacting, threatening, or physically abusing any person, if they are subject to a gun violence prevention order, if they are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law, if they are a fugitive from justice, or if they have three or more convictions for failing to report the loss or theft of a firearm. A minor must not possess a firearm if they are a fugitive from justice.

Certain other grounds relate to addiction and mental health. A person must not possess a firearm if they are receiving or have received treatment or counseling for drug or alcohol abuse, addiction, or dependence, if they have been acquitted of a crime based on a mental health issue, or if they have been diagnosed with a mental disorder. A minor must not possess a firearm if they are receiving or have received treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, or if they have been found not responsible for a criminal act or have been committed to an institution for a mental illness.

Idaho

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required (firearm registry prohibited)
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Idaho gun laws include people who have been convicted of certain felonies, as well as minors. (These enumerated felonies include various violent crimes, sex crimes, drug crimes, and weapons offenses.) The felony prohibition covers not only people who have been found guilty of an enumerated felony but also anyone who has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere.

Illinois

  • License: License to own
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (via license requirement)
  • Open carry: Prohibited
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by courts)

Under Illinois gun laws, people who are not permitted to possess firearms include anyone who has been convicted of a felony, who is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law, who is addicted to drugs, or who is under 21 and has been convicted of a misdemeanor or adjudged delinquent. Additional bars apply to people convicted of certain crimes, including people convicted of domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery, as well as people convicted of battery, assault, aggravated assault, or a violation of a protective order within the last five years if this involved the possession or use of a firearm. A minor may not possess a firearm if they are subject to a juvenile petition alleging that they are delinquent for committing an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult, while an adult may not possess a firearm if they were adjudicated delinquent for committing an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult.

Certain other grounds involve mental illnesses and disabilities. People who have been adjudicated as mentally disabled, who have been involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility, who have been found to be developmentally disabled, who are intellectually disabled, or who have received treatment at a mental health facility within the last five years (or sometimes earlier) must not possess firearms. A ban also covers anyone whose mental condition poses a clear and present danger to self, others, or the community.

Undocumented immigrants, foreign nationals on non-immigrant visas, people who intentionally made false statements on the FOID card application, and most non-residents of Illinois are ineligible to possess firearms. Applicants or cardholders subject to various types of protective orders or no-contact orders also may face the loss of their gun rights. Anyone who receives probation or conditional discharge after being convicted of a felony, misdemeanor domestic violence, or a misdemeanor involving bodily harm must not possess firearms, and a defendant convicted of a non-violent misdemeanor may be subject to this condition if the court chooses.

Indiana

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Indiana gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a serious violent felony or domestic battery. A person subject to a domestic violence protective order may be subject to a ban on firearm possession. Undocumented immigrants and people who are dangerous to self or others, as determined at a court hearing, also are prohibited from possessing firearms. If a person was adjudicated delinquent as a minor for an offense that would be a serious violent felony if it had been committed by an adult, and they were armed with a firearm during the commission of the offense, they generally will not be allowed to possess a firearm until they turn 26 or 28, depending on the type of offense.

Iowa

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Iowa gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a felony or adjudicated delinquent for actions that would constitute a felony if they had been committed by an adult. A person subject to a domestic violence protective order or convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence must not possess a firearm. Certain prohibitions may apply if a prospective firearm purchaser seeks a permit to acquire a handgun, but Iowa has removed the requirement that all handgun purchasers obtain this permit.

Kansas

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Kansas gun laws include anyone who used a firearm while committing a felony against or upon a person or while committing a drug crime. In addition, a person must not possess a firearm within three years of completing a sentence for a “person felony” in which they did not use a firearm, within eight years of completing a sentence for certain drug felonies, sex crimes, or certain crimes against persons and property, or within three months of completing a sentence for certain “non-person felonies.” (The same rules apply to people adjudicated juvenile offenders due to committing acts comparable to these crimes.)

Undocumented immigrants, fugitives from justice, people subject to domestic violence protective orders, people addicted to drugs who unlawfully use controlled substances, and people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence within the last five years must not possess firearms. Firearm possession is also prohibited for a person who is or has been mentally ill and subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment, or a person with an alcohol or substance abuse problem who is subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment.

Kentucky

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Kentucky gun laws include anyone who was convicted of a felony after July 15, 1994, including anyone who was convicted of a felony offense as a youthful offender. In addition, anyone who was convicted of a felony after January 1, 1975 must not possess a handgun, again including youthful offenders.

Louisiana

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Louisiana gun laws include anyone who was convicted of certain enumerated crimes, such as various violent felonies, burglaries, weapons offenses, drug felonies, and sex crimes. People who were found not guilty by reason of insanity for any of these crimes also must not possess firearms. These prohibitions expire once a person has not been convicted of any felony for 10 years after completing their sentence. A person who has been convicted of domestic violence or who is subject to a domestic violence protective order also may be barred from possessing firearms.

Maine

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: No

People who are prohibited from possessing firearms under Maine gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a crime under a law of Maine that is punishable by imprisonment for one year or more, or similar crimes under federal law or the law of another state, with certain variations and exceptions. In addition, a person must not possess firearms if they have been convicted of a crime under a law in a proceeding in which the prosecutor was required to prove that the crime was committed with the use of a dangerous weapon. A bar also applies to anyone who was adjudicated to have engaged in conduct as a juvenile that would have constituted a disqualifying conviction for an adult if bodily injury was threatened and resulted, or if the prosecutor was required to prove that the crime was committed with the use of a dangerous weapon. If a person was adjudicated to have engaged in conduct as a juvenile that would have constituted a disqualifying conviction for an adult, but the other conditions do not apply, they are barred from possessing a firearm for three years after the completion of their disposition, or until they turn 18, whichever is later.

Undocumented immigrants, foreign nationals on non-immigrant visas, people who have renounced U.S. citizenship, fugitives from justice, people dealing with drug addiction, people who unlawfully use controlled substances, and people who have been dishonorably discharged from the military are banned from possessing firearms. Certain other grounds involve mental health, such as people who have been found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity with respect to a criminal charge, who have been found not competent to stand trial on a criminal charge, or who have been committed involuntarily to a hospital pursuant to a court order after a hearing, due to presenting a likelihood of serious harm.

Maryland

  • License: Permit to purchase (handguns)
  • Registration: Only for pre-ban assault pistols; new residents must report handguns, assault weapons
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale; also via permit requirement for handguns)
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: 10 rounds
  • Stand your ground: No

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Maryland gun laws include people who have been convicted of a violent crime, certain drug crimes, or a disqualifying crime, or who have received a term of imprisonment greater than two years after being convicted of a violation classified as a common law crime. (Under Maryland law, a disqualifying crime is a crime of violence, a violation classified as a felony, or a violation classified as a misdemeanor with a statutory penalty greater than two years.) A person who has been adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court for an act that would be a disqualifying crime if committed by an adult must not possess a firearm until they turn 30. Fugitives from justice, habitual drunkards, people dealing with drug addiction, habitual users of controlled substances, and certain people subject to protective orders also are barred from possessing firearms.

Additional grounds for prohibiting possession of firearms involve mental illness. A person is barred from possessing firearms if they suffer from a mental disorder and have a history of violent behavior against self or others, if they have been found incompetent to stand trial, if they have been found not criminally responsible, if they have been involuntarily committed to a facility, or if they have been voluntarily admitted for more than 30 consecutive days to a facility. A person under the protection of a court-appointed guardian must not possess a firearm unless the guardian was appointed only because of a physical disability.

Massachusetts

  • License: License to own; additional permit to purchase for handguns
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (via license requirement)
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; prohibited for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: 10 rounds
  • Stand your ground: No

Under Massachusetts gun laws, a person generally will not be eligible to purchase or possess a firearm if they have been convicted of a felony, a violent crime, misdemeanor domestic violence, a misdemeanor punishable by more than two years of imprisonment, various weapons offenses, or drug crimes. People who have been adjudicated a delinquent child or youthful offender for any of these crimes are similarly ineligible. Foreign nationals who are not green card holders, people who have renounced U.S. citizenship, fugitives from justice, people who are subject to outstanding arrest warrants, and people who have been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces also are ineligible.

In addition, a person may not be eligible to purchase or possess a firearm if they are or have been committed to a hospital or institution for mental illness or for alcohol or substance abuse. If a guardian or conservator has been appointed for an individual who lacks the mental capacity to manage their affairs, this disqualifies the individual from firearm possession. A person also cannot purchase or possess a firearm if they are subject to an order for the suspension or surrender of firearms because of domestic abuse, or to a protection order, including an extreme risk protection order.

Michigan

  • License: Permit to purchase (handguns)
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required only for handguns (via permit requirement)
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Michigan gun laws include anyone convicted of a felony until at least three years after certain requirements are met, such as paying fines, serving imprisonment, and completing any conditions of probation or parole. Stricter requirements apply to certain specified felonies, such as those involving drug crimes, weapons offenses, burglary, arson, and crimes involving physical force.

In addition, a person will not qualify for a permit to purchase a handgun if law enforcement has probable cause to believe that they would commit a crime with the gun, or pose a threat to self or others. To be eligible for a permit, a person must not have a felony charge pending against them, must not be subject to certain types of court orders, and must not be insane or legally incapacitated, or under an order of involuntary commitment due to mental illness, among other requirements.

Minnesota

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; prohibited for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: No

Numerous groups of people are barred from possessing firearms under Minnesota gun laws, including people who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term greater than one year, people who have been convicted of committing a crime of violence, people who are currently in a pre-trial diversion program after being charged with committing a crime of violence, and people who have been adjudicated delinquent or convicted as an extended jurisdiction juvenile of committing a crime of violence. Other criminal grounds include convictions of misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor drug violations in the last three years, convictions of assault against a family or household member (or assault in the fifth degree) in the last three years, convictions in other states of assault against a family or household member using a firearm in the last three years, and convictions in Minnesota of assault against a family or household member using a firearm. Certain gross misdemeanors also trigger a three-year ban on firearm possession, such as gang crimes and child neglect or endangerment.

Certain other grounds for disqualification involve mental health and substance abuse. A person generally cannot possess a firearm if they have been committed for treatment for the habitual use of a controlled substance or marijuana, if they have been committed to a treatment facility as chemically dependent, if they have been found incompetent to stand trial or found not guilty by reason of mental illness, or if they have been committed to a treatment facility as a person who is mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or mentally ill and dangerous to the public. Unlawful users of controlled substances also cannot possess firearms.

Additional disqualified groups include certain people involved in domestic violence or similar conduct, such as people subject to domestic violence or child abuse protective orders, people who have been convicted of stalking in the last three years, people who have been convicted of stalking while using a firearm, and people who have been convicted of violating an order of protection while using a firearm. Undocumented immigrants, people who have renounced U.S. citizenship, people who were dishonorably discharged from the armed forces, and fugitives from justice also are prohibited.

Mississippi

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Cncealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

Mississippi gun laws are relatively lenient, but a person must not possess a firearm if they have been convicted of a felony under federal law or the law of any state. Federal prohibitions also apply to Mississippi residents.

Missouri

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Limited restrictions for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from knowingly possessing firearms under Missouri gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a felony. In addition, people who are currently adjudged mentally incompetent, people who are habitually intoxicated or drugged, and fugitives from justice cannot possess firearms. A person who is intoxicated may possess a firearm unless they handle it in a negligent or unlawful way, or discharge it in circumstances other than self-defense.

Montana

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People generally prohibited from possessing firearms under Montana gun laws include people who have been convicted of a felony for which they received an additional sentence under a Montana law that imposes an additional sentence for crimes committed with a dangerous weapon. (People convicted of equivalent crimes under federal laws or the laws of other states also must not possess firearms.) In addition, a person is barred from possessing firearms if they have been convicted of a felony that requires registration as a sexual or violent offender. Under an administrative regulation, people on probation or parole must not possess firearms.

Nebraska

  • License: Permit to purchase (handguns)
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required only for handguns (via permit requirement)
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: No

People generally prohibited from possessing firearms under Nebraska gun laws include people convicted of felonies, people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence in the last seven years, and anyone under 25 who was previously adjudicated a juvenile offender for an act that would be a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence if committed by an adult. Fugitives from justice and people who are knowingly violating a domestic violence protection order, harassment protection order, or sexual assault protection order also must not possess firearms.

Nevada

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Nevada gun laws include anyone convicted of a felony, misdemeanor domestic violence, or stalking, as well as people who are subject to an extended order for protection against domestic violence or the equivalent. Certain other grounds involve mental illness, such as people who have been found guilty but mentally ill (or have entered such a plea), people who have been acquitted by reason of insanity, and people who have been adjudicated mentally ill or have been committed to a mental health facility. People dealing with drug addiction, unlawful users of controlled substances, fugitives from justice, and undocumented immigrants also are prohibited from possessing firearms.

New Hampshire

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under New Hampshire gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a felony against the person or property of someone else or a drug felony. A person who is currently subject to a protective order cannot possess a firearm.

New Jersey

  • License: Permit to purchase
  • Registration: Only for pre-ban assault weapons
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale and via permit requirement)
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; prohibited for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: 10 rounds
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by courts)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under New Jersey gun laws generally include anyone convicted of certain enumerated crimes, such as arson, burglary, aggravated assault, sexual assault, homicide, extortion, kidnapping, robbery, child endangerment, stalking, domestic violence, gang crimes, racketeering, and various weapons offenses. Criminal grounds also cover people convicted of certain drug crimes and people convicted of domestic violence disorderly persons offenses. In addition, a person subject to a domestic violence restraining order or an order of protection concerning a judicial officer cannot possess firearms. A person who has been committed for a mental disorder to a hospital or institution generally cannot possess firearms.

Additional grounds apply to purchase permits for handguns and firearms purchaser identification cards, which must be withheld from anyone who has been convicted of any crime for which a sentence of imprisonment greater than six months is authorized. Habitual drunkards, people who are drug dependent, people convicted of domestic violence disorderly persons offenses, and people confined to a hospital or institution for a mental disorder also cannot obtain a permit. Additional grounds cover certain people who were adjudicated delinquent as juveniles and people subject to certain court orders, among others. In general, a purchase permit must not be issued if this would not be in the interest of the public health, safety, or welfare, or if the applicant does not have good character.

New Mexico

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: No

People prohibited from possessing firearms under New Mexico gun laws include anyone convicted of a felony who has not yet completed 10 years since the end of their sentence or probation. People under age 19 must not knowingly possess a handgun.

Additional grounds involve domestic violence. People are prohibited from accessing firearms if they have been convicted of certain domestic violence or similar offenses, including domestic violence battery, stalking, and any misdemeanor domestic violence crime that creates a bar to firearm possession under federal law. A firearm ban also covers people who are subject to certain types of domestic violence protective orders that have been issued after notice and a hearing, if the court finds that the individual presents a credible threat.

New York

  • License: License to own (handguns)
  • Registration: Required (handguns and pre-ban assault weapons)
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale; also via license requirement for handguns)
  • Open carry: Prohibited for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: 10 rounds
  • Stand your ground: No

People prohibited from purchasing or acquiring a handgun, rifle, or shotgun under New York gun laws include anyone who knows that they are prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a conviction of a felony or serious offense, or due to a warrant of arrest issued for them for a felony or serious offense. (These offenses include various drug offenses, sex offenses, weapons offenses, child endangerment, stalking, domestic violence, and receiving stolen property, among others.) People prohibited from possessing a long gun include anyone who has been convicted of a felony or serious offense, in addition to anyone who has been certified as not suitable by a professional at a hospital or institution for mental illness.

Certain requirements also apply to licenses to possess a firearm, such as good moral character and a record free from felonies and serious offenses. Additional groups of people who cannot get a license include people dealing with drug addiction, unlawful users of controlled substances, undocumented immigrants, foreign nationals on non-immigrant visas, people dishonorably discharged from the armed forces, people who have renounced U.S. citizenship, and fugitives from justice. In addition, an applicant must not have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility or have been civilly confined in a secure treatment facility, and they must not have had a guardian appointed for them based on a lack of mental capacity. An applicant also must not be under an ineligibility order due to a domestic violence restraining order.

North Carolina

  • License: Permit to purchase (handguns)
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required only for handguns (via permit requirement)
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under North Carolina gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a felony under North Carolina law (with limited exceptions) or of crimes in other states or under federal law that were punishable by more than one year of imprisonment and are substantially similar to North Carolina felonies. People who have been acquitted by reason of insanity or found to lack mental capacity in these proceedings also are barred, as are people who are acquitted by reason of insanity or found to lack mental capacity in a proceeding involving misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun. Courts may prohibit firearm possession by people who are subject to certain domestic violence protective orders, and in cases in which a juvenile is placed on probation. A court that imposes regular conditions of probation must prohibit the defendant from possessing a firearm without court permission.

In addition, certain requirements apply to handgun purchase permits. These disqualify people indicted or convicted of most felonies, fugitives from justice, people dealing with drug addiction, unlawful users of controlled substances, undocumented immigrants, people dishonorably discharged from the armed forces, people who have renounced U.S. citizenship, people adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution, and people subject to certain court orders related to domestic violence.

North Dakota

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Limited restrictions for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under North Dakota gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a violent felony (or has been released from incarceration, parole, or probation after such a conviction) in the last 10 years. A five-year ban applies to anyone who has been convicted of other types of felonies while they were using or possessing a firearm or certain other weapons. A five-year ban also applies to a person convicted of a Class A misdemeanor involving violence that was committed while using or possessing a firearm or certain other dangerous weapons. A person who has been confined or committed to an institution as a person requiring treatment or a mentally deficient person is generally barred from possessing firearms unless they have not suffered from the disability for three years.

Ohio

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People generally prohibited from possessing firearms under Ohio gun laws include anyone who has been indicted or convicted for a violent felony or a drug felony, as well as anyone who has been adjudicated a delinquent child for conduct that would have constituted one of these offenses if committed by an adult. Chronic alcoholics, people dependent on drugs or in danger of drug dependence, fugitives from justice, and people subject to certain court orders or findings involving their mental health also are barred from possessing firearms.

Oklahoma

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

Under Oklahoma gun laws, anyone who has been convicted of a felony may not possess any dangerous or deadly firearm. Anyone who was previously adjudicated as a delinquent child or a youthful offender for an offense that would have been a felony if committed by an adult must not possess a dangerous or deadly firearm within 10 years after the adjudication. Undocumented immigrants also are barred. Certain types of weapons also are prohibited for people serving a term of probation for any felony.

Oregon

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by courts)

People generally prohibited from possessing firearms under Oregon gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a felony (or has been found guilty, except for insanity, of a felony), or anyone who was found to be within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court when they were a minor for committing an act that would be a felony or a violent misdemeanor if committed by an adult, and was discharged from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court in the previous four years. Other excluded groups include people under 18, people who have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or a stalking misdemeanor, and people subject to domestic violence protective orders.

Additional grounds involve mental illness. A person must not possess a firearm if they were committed to the Oregon Health Authority due to mental illness, they are subject to an extreme risk protection order, or they were found to be mentally ill and subject to an order that prohibited them from possessing a firearm due to their mental illness.

Pennsylvania

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required (registry prohibited for long guns)
  • Background checks for private sales: Required only for handguns (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Limited restrictions
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People who are generally prohibited from possessing firearms under Pennsylvania gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of certain specified crimes, such as murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, stalking, organized crimes, kidnapping, certain sex crimes, certain weapons crimes, certain drug crimes, arson, burglary, robbery, and felony theft or extortion, among others. A person who was adjudicated delinquent due to conduct that would constitute any of certain specified crimes if committed by an adult must not possess a firearm for 15 years, or until they turn 30.

Certain other prohibitions involve domestic violence. A person is banned from possessing a firearm if they are subject to an active protection from abuse order that provides for the relinquishment of firearms, or if they were convicted or released from confinement or supervision for illegally failing to relinquish firearms in violation of a domestic violence protection order in the last five years. Groups prohibited from possessing firearms also include fugitives from justice, undocumented immigrants, and people who have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution.

Rhode Island

  • License: Permit to purchase (handguns)
  • Registration: Not required (firearm registry prohibited)
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale; also via permit requirement for handguns)
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: No

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Rhode Island gun laws include people convicted of violent crimes (or who have entered a no contest plea), people convicted of domestic violence felonies or certain domestic violence misdemeanors, fugitives from justice, and people subject to certain domestic violence protective orders. Anyone who is subject to an extreme risk protection order, or who is under guardianship, treatment, or confinement due to being mentally incompetent, cannot possess firearms. Undocumented immigrants and people who have been adjudicated as “drug addicts,” or are under treatment or confinement due to problems with drug addiction, are also barred.

South Carolina

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under South Carolina gun laws include people who have been convicted of violent crimes, people under age 18, habitual drunkards, people dealing with drug addiction, fugitives from justice, members of subversive organizations, undocumented immigrants, and people who have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or defective, or who have been committed to a mental institution. There is also a general prohibition for people who have been adjudged unfit to possess a firearm. Additional laws prohibit certain people convicted of domestic abuse or subject to court orders related to domestic abuse from possessing firearms.

South Dakota

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required (firearm registry prohibited)
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under South Dakota gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a violent crime or certain drug-related felonies, unless they were last discharged from prison, jail, probation, or parole more than 15 years before. A person cannot possess a firearm if they were last discharged from prison, jail, probation, or parole for felony possession of a controlled substance or marijuana in the last five years. A person is also barred if they have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving domestic violence in the last year. People under 18 cannot possess a firearm.

Tennessee

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required (firearm registry prohibited)
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Permit required for handguns; limited restrictions for long guns
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Tennessee gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a felony drug crime, any of certain felony violent crimes, an attempt to commit a felony violent crime, or a felony involving the use of a deadly weapon. A person also is barred if they have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence and remain subject to the disabilities of that conviction, or if they are subject to an active order of protection that complies with federal law. Handgun possession bans cover anyone convicted of a felony, as well as anyone under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. People under 18 cannot knowingly possess a handgun.

Texas

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Limited restrictions for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

Under Texas gun laws, anyone who has been convicted of a felony cannot possess a firearm before the fifth anniversary of their release from confinement or supervision, or at any time afterward at any location other than the property where they live. In addition, a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic assault against a family or household member cannot possess a firearm before the fifth anniversary of their release from confinement or community supervision after conviction.

Utah

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Utah gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor, or has been adjudicated delinquent in the last seven years for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult. (Especially severe consequences apply to people who have been convicted of a violent felony, are on probation or parole for a felony, are on parole from a secure facility, or have been adjudicated delinquent for the equivalent of a violent felony in the last 10 years.) People who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity for a felony or mentally incompetent to stand trial for a felony also cannot possess firearms.

Other excluded groups include undocumented immigrants, unlawful users of controlled substances, people who have been adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution, people who have renounced U.S. citizenship, and people who have been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces. Certain people subject to domestic violence protective orders or sexual violence protective orders also may be barred if specific conditions are met. Anyone who has been convicted of a crime for which the penalty was enhanced because it was gang-related faces a five-year bar. There is also a bar against anyone who is in possession of a dangerous weapon while being knowingly and intentionally in unlawful possession of certain controlled substances.

Vermont

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required (firearm registry prohibited)
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: 15 rounds for handguns; 10 rounds for long guns
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by courts)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Vermont gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a violent crime in a certain list, including domestic assault and stalking. A person subject to an extreme risk protection order, which means that they pose a risk to self or others, cannot possess a firearm for up to six months while the order is in effect. An offender on probation potentially may not be allowed to possess a firearm without permission from the court or probation officer.

Virginia

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Limited restrictions
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by courts)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Virginia gun laws generally include anyone who has been convicted of a felony, who has been adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile of committing any of certain serious offenses when they were 14 or older, or who is under 29 and was found guilty as a juvenile of committing a delinquent act when they were 14 or older that would be a felony if committed by an adult. Additional criminal grounds include misdemeanor convictions for assault and battery against a family or household member (on or after July 1, 2021) for three years after the conviction, as well as people who have been acquitted by reason of insanity on any felony charge or certain misdemeanor charges.

Other groups who cannot possess firearms include undocumented immigrants, foreign nationals, people who have been adjudicated legally incompetent or mentally incapacitated, and people subject to emergency substantial risk orders, substantial risk orders, or similar orders. A person who is subject to a protective order issued after a hearing also faces a bar. In addition, a person who has been involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility or ordered to mandatory outpatient treatment in certain circumstances cannot possess firearms.

Washington

  • License: Firearms safety certificate (semi-automatic rifles)
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale)
  • Open carry: Limited restrictions for handguns; unrestricted for long guns
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by courts)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Washington gun laws include anyone who has been convicted (or found not guilty by reason of insanity) of a felony or certain domestic violence crimes, or who has had serious but non-felony charges dismissed due to being incompetent when the court has found that they have a history of one or more violent acts. A person cannot possess a firearm while they are out of custody on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a serious offense. People under 18 also are barred.

Certain other grounds involve mental health. A person cannot possess a firearm if they have been involuntarily committed for mental health treatment under certain statutes. A six-month bar applies after a person has been detained at a facility for a 72-hour evaluation and treatment due to posing a likelihood of serious harm, but they have not been committed for involuntary treatment. A person subject to an extreme risk protection order cannot possess firearms.

Washington, D.C.

  • License: Required via registration
  • Registration: Required
  • Background checks for private sales: Required (point of sale and via license requirement)
  • Open carry: Prohibited
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: 10 rounds
  • Stand your ground: No

Under Washington, D.C. gun laws, a person cannot possess a firearm unless they have a registration certificate. This requires passing a background check, through which certain people may be excluded. People who may be excluded include people who have been convicted of a felony or certain weapons offenses, or who have been indicted for a violent crime or a weapons offense. A five-year bar applies to anyone who has been convicted of a drug crime, multiple DUIs, assault and similar crimes, misdemeanor “intra-family offenses,” stalking, or certain weapons misdemeanors. Another five-year bar applies to anyone who was acquitted of a criminal charge by reason of insanity, has been adjudicated a chronic alcoholic, has been committed (voluntarily or involuntarily) to a mental hospital or institution, or has a history of violent behavior.

People who are blind or have a physical defect that indicates that they cannot safely possess and use a firearm also are barred. Anyone who is subject to an extreme risk protection order cannot possess a firearm. Respondents of domestic violence protection orders are barred unless the order has expired or has been rescinded for five years. In addition, a person cannot possess a firearm if they have been adjudicated negligent in a firearm incident that caused death or serious injury to someone else.

Groups excluded specifically from possessing a handgun include people dealing with drug addiction, fugitives from justice, anyone not licensed to sell weapons who has been convicted of unlawfully selling weapons, anyone convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than a year, anyone convicted of a misdemeanor “intra-family offense” in the last five years, or anyone subject to a restraining order that requires relinquishing possession of firearms.

West Virginia

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People generally prohibited from possessing firearms under West Virginia gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, as well as anyone convicted of certain domestic violence crimes or subject to certain domestic violence protective orders. Other excluded groups include alcoholics, people dealing with drug addiction, unlawful users of controlled substances, undocumented immigrants, people who have been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces, and people who have been adjudicated to be mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution.

Wisconsin

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: Permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: No

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Wisconsin gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a felony, found not guilty of a felony by reason of mental condition, or adjudicated delinquent for an act (committed on or after April 21, 1994) that would be a felony if committed by an adult. Other excluded groups include people enjoined under a domestic abuse or child abuse restraining order or injunction, people enjoined under a harassment restraining order or injunction with an order prohibiting firearm possession, and people enjoined under a restraining order or injunction protecting an elder adult or adult-at-risk with an order prohibiting firearm possession.

Certain other grounds for exclusion involve mental health or substance abuse. A person cannot possess a firearm if they have been ordered to refrain from possession because a court has found that federal law prohibits the person from possessing firearms based on being committed to a treatment facility for mental illness or drug dependency, having a guardian appointed for them, or being ordered to protective services or protective placement. In addition, a person cannot possess a firearm if they have been committed to an alcohol treatment center while there is a substantial probability that they may harm themselves or endanger public safety.

Wyoming

  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Background checks for private sales: Not required
  • Open carry: Unrestricted
  • Concealed carry: No permit required
  • Magazine limit: None
  • Stand your ground: Yes (by statute)

People prohibited from possessing firearms under Wyoming gun laws include anyone who has been convicted of a violent felony, or a felony causing bodily injury to a peace officer. (Guilty pleas are included.) Certain firearms that are manufactured in Wyoming and remain within the state may be exempted by state law from federal regulations. A person cannot possess these firearms if they have been convicted of a felony, are adjudicated to be legally incompetent, or have been committed to a mental institution.

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