Gun laws in the United States (by state)

U.S. Firearms Legal Topics
Assault weapons ban
ATF Bureau
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act
Concealed carry in the U.S.
Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban
Federal Firearms License
Firearm case law
Firearm Owners Protection Act
Gun Control Act of 1968
Gun laws in the U.S. — by state
Gun laws in the U.S. — federal
Gun politics in the U.S.
National Firearms Act
Second Amendment to the Constitution
Straw purchase
Sullivan Act (New York)
Violent Crime Control Act

Gun laws in the United States regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition. State laws vary, and are independent of existing federal firearms laws, although they are sometimes broader or more limited in scope than the federal laws.For instance, some US states have created assault weapon bans that are similar to the expired federal assault weapons ban. State level laws vary significantly in their form, content, and level of restriction. Forty-four states have a provision in their state constitutions similar to the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The exceptions are California, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York. In New York, however, the statutory civil rights laws contain a provision virtually identical to the Second Amendment. As well, the Supreme Court of the United States has held that the protections of the Second Amendment apply against state governments and their political subdivisions (see: McDonald v. Chicago).

Firearm owners are subject to the firearm laws of the state they are in, and not exclusively their state of residence. Reciprocity between states exists in certain situations, such as with regard to concealed carry permits. These are recognized on a state-by-state basis. For example, Idaho recognizes an Oregon permit, but Oregon does not recognize an Idaho permit. Florida issues a license to carry both concealed weapons and firearms, but others license only the concealed carry of firearms. Some states do not recognize out-of-state permits to carry a firearm at all, so it is important to understand the laws of each state when traveling with a handgun.

In many cases, state firearms laws can be considerably less restrictive than federal firearms laws. This does not confer any de jure immunity against prosecution for violations of the federal laws. However, state and local police departments are not legally obligated to enforce federal gun law.

Alabama

Main article: Gun laws in Alabama

Alaska

Main article: Gun laws in Alaska

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	None	No
Firearm registration?	No	No	None	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	None	No
Owner license required?	No	No	None	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	AS 18.65.700 through 18.65.778	May carry concealed without permit, though permits can be issued for those who wish to have them.
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	AS 29.35.145	Municipalities may enact and enforce local regulations only if they are identical to, and provide the same penalty as, State law.
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No	None	No
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No	None	Federal rules observed.

Arizona

Main article: Gun laws in Arizona

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	None	No
Firearm registration?	Partial	Partial	ARS 13-3101	State law duplicates some of the registration requirements of the National Firearms Act.
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	None	No
Owner license required?	No	No	None	No
Carry permits issued?	Yes *	Yes*	ARS 13-3112	*Concealed carry over the age of 21 in most places no longer requires a permit as of July 29, 2010. Although not required, a concealed carry permit may still be obtained and has certain advantages.
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Partial	Partial	ARS 13-3108	See main article.
NFA weapons restricted?	Partial	Partial	ARS 13-3101	It is a violation of state law to possess some NFA weapons except as permitted by federal law.
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No	None	Federal rules observed.

Arkansas

Main article: Gun laws in Arkansas

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	None	No
Firearm registration?	No	No	None	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	None	No
Owner license required?	No	No	None	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	5-73-301 - 5-73-320	Concealed carry requires a permit. Open carry is not permitted.
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	5-73-120
NFA weapons restricted?	N/A	N/A	5-73-120
Peaceable Journey laws?	?	Yes	5-73-120 (c)(4)	A person has a defense to the crime of carrying a weapon when they are on a journey, unless the journey is through a commercial airport at the security checkpoint or is in checked baggage and is not a lawfully declared weapon

California

Main article: Gun laws in California

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	§12070, §12071, §12082	All firearm sales (except long guns more than 50 years old) must be completed through a dealer. Handgun purchases require a Handgun Safety Certificate and proof of residency.
Firearm registration?	Yes	Yes	§12025 and §12031	All handgun serial numbers and sales are recorded by the state (registered) in the Department of Justice’s Automated Firearms System. Longarm serial numbers are not recorded, only the sale. While there is no requirement for California residents to register previously owned handguns or firearms with law enforcement, §12025 and §12031 enhance several misdomenor offenses to felonies if the handgun is not on file in the Department of Justice’s Automated Firearms System. California §12025 states that handguns must be transported unloaded and in a locked box other than the glove compartment or utility box in a motor vehicle. New residents must register handguns (purchased outside of California) with DOJ within 60 days.
"Assault weapon" law?	Yes	Yes	§12280 , §12285	Illegal to possess, import, or purchase assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles, unless such weapons were acquired by the owner prior to June 1, 1989. Legally defined assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles listed by make and model by the DOJ must be registered. Their sale and transfer is prohibited. Military look-alike rifles that are not chambered for .50 BMG and are not on the DOJ roster are legal to purchase or possess, with some restrictions in configuration—known as "banned features." Active-duty military members residing out of state and assigned to duty in California may bring personally-owned assault weapons into the state. The military member's residence must be in a state that permits private citizens to own and possess assault weapons, and the firearms must be registered with the California Department of Justice prior to the servicemember's arrival in California by submitting the registration form with a copy of the member's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.
Owner license required?	No	No	None
Carry permits issued?	N/A	Partial	§12050	May issue, depending on jurisdiction. County sheriff's or local Police Chief's discretion, many counties are de facto "no-issue," while others are "shall-issue" in practice. CCW permits valid statewide. Out-of-state permits not valid in California.
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	§53701 GC	Most but not all local restrictions preempted.
NFA weapons restricted?	Yes	Yes	§12220, §12020	Possession of automatic weapons or short-barreled shotguns or rifles prohibited without DOJ "Dangerous Weapons Permit"; permission rarely granted outside of film industry. Suppressors (aka silencers) prohibited. AOW's (Any Other Weapons) permitted, except for "pen guns."
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No	None

Colorado

Main article: Gun laws in Colorado

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	None
Firearm registration?	No	No	None
"Assault weapon" law?	Varies	Varies	Denver has an "Assault Weapons" ban. See Section 38-130 of Denver’s Revised Municipal Code
Owner license required?	No	No	None
Concealed Carry permits issued?	Yes	Yes	CRS 18-12
Open carry without a permit?	Yes*	Yes*	CRS 18-12	Technically legal in most areas unless local laws exist (City of Denver), in which case signs must be posted. May be interpreted as disturbing the peace by law enforcement.
Concealed within a vehicle?	Unloaded Only**	Yes	CRS 18-12, 33-6-125	**Loaded without a round chambered only (applies to rifles/shotguns, not pistols).
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes*	Yes*	CRS 18-12	*Open carry and open car carry of a loaded firearm is prohibited in city and county of Denver, otherwise, local ordinances are preempted by state law
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No	None
Peaceable Journey laws?	Yes	Yes	CRS 18-12-105.6	Denver's restrictions on transport/possession of firearms in vehicles do not apply to persons travelling to or from other jurisdictions; see Trinen v. City & County of Denver, 53 P.3d 754
Castle Doctrine?	Yes	Yes		A legal resident of a property has the right to defend himself, other occupants, and property using deadly force from intruders, whether they are armed or not.
"Make My Day" Law?	Yes	Yes		A person may defend himself or others with deadly force if necessary.

Connecticut

Main article: Gun laws in Connecticut

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	Yes	CGS 29–36(f), CGS 29–36(g)	Certificate of Eligibility for Pistol or Revolver required to purchase handguns. Applicants must complete an approved handgun safety course, and pass a NICS background check prior to issuance of certificate. Certificate of Eligibility valid for five years. There is a 14-day waiting period for the purchase of long guns, with exceptions for peace officers, Active-Duty military members, and holders of carry permits and hunting licenses.
Firearm registration?	No*	No*	CGS 53–202	Registration required for assault weapons purchased before October 1, 1993. There is a de facto registry of handguns maintained by the Department of Public Safety as any handgun transfer, be it from a dealer or private party, must be accompanied by an authorization number issued by the DPS and a form containing personal and weapon identification (DPS-3-C) must be submitted to DPS and local police. This form is collected and maintained on all long guns purchased from FFL dealers as well, however is not required for the transfer of long guns between private parties.
"Assault weapon" law?	Yes	Yes	CGS 53–202	Partial ban (selective fire weapons, some .50 BMG variants, an enumerated list of specific restricted features and certain brands of semi-automatic assault weapons and weapon "types".) No restrictions on magazine capacity.
Owner license required?	No	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	CGS 29–28	May-Issue by statute, but Shall-Issue in practice. Permit needed to carry open or concealed. Exceptions for peace officers and Active-Duty military members. Out of state permits not valid in Connecticut, but nonresidents may apply for a Connecticut Nonresident CCW permit through the mail.
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	CGS 29–28
NFA weapons restricted?	Partial	Partial	CGS 53–202(c)	Selective fire assault weapons prohibited, unless purchased before October 1, 1993.
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No	CGS 29–38	Federal rules observed.

Delaware

Main article: Gun laws in Delaware

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No
Firearm registration?	No	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No
Owner license required?	No	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	11 Del.C. § 1441(j)
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes*	Yes*		Complete Preemption except any local ordinances that were in effect at the time that preemption was passed (July 4, 1985) are still in effect and are NOT preempted
NFA weapons restricted?	Yes	Yes		Civilian ownership for research purposes only
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No		Federal rules observed.

Florida

Main article: Gun laws in Florida

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	None
Firearm registration?	No	No	None
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	None
Owner license required?	No	No	None
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	Chapter 790.06	Concealed carry only; no open carry allowed, even with permit, except where cited by state law. Example, while hunting, fishing or camping, at an approved gun range etc. Consult Florida Law for more information.
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	Chapter 790.33
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No	None
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No	None	Federal rules observed.

Georgia

Main article: Gun laws in Georgia

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No
Firearm registration?	No	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No
Owner license required?	No	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	OCGA §16-11-129	Concealed or open carry allowed with permit. See also OCGA §43–38–10 which is a special permit for armed security guards.
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	OCGA §16-11-173	Despite state preemption, several localities continue to have local gun restrictions. Recent court rulings have resulted in many of these ordinances being withdrawn.
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No		Federal rules observed.
Unlicensed open carry?	Yes	No	OCGA 16-11-128	A Georgia Weapons License (GWL), or a recognized out-of-state permit, is required for open carry of any handgun outside of one's home, property, motor vehicle, or place of business.

Hawaii

Main article: Gun laws in Hawaii

Idaho

Main article: Gun laws in Idaho

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No
Firearm registration?	No	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No
Owner license required?	No	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes		Permit needed to carry concealed, may carry openly in a vehicle or on foot .
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No		Permitted as long such possession is in compliance with all federal regulations
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No		Federal rules observed.

Illinois

Main article: Gun laws in Illinois

Subject/Law	Long Guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State permit to purchase?	Yes	Yes	430 ILCS 65	FOID required.
Firearm registration?	No	No		The city of Chicago requires residents to complete a firearm safety course, receive a background check including fingerprinting, and then pay a $100 annual permit fee. Registration of any handgun will assume an additional one time fee of $15.00
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No
Owner license required?	Yes	Yes	430 ILCS 65	FOID required.
Carry permits issued?	No	No
State preemption of local restrictions?	No	No
NFA weapons restricted?	Yes	Yes	720 ILCS 5/24	Fully automatic firearms and short-barreled rifles and shotguns prohibited. AOW (Any Other Weapon) allowed with proper approval and tax stamp from BATF.
Peaceable journey laws?	No	No

Indiana

Main article: Gun laws in Indiana

Iowa

Main article: Gun laws in Iowa

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
Constitutional Right to Bear Arms	No
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	Yes	724.15	Concealed Carry permit may be used in lieu of purchase permit
Concealed carry permits issued?	No	Shall-Issue	724.4	Accepts permits from all states, Iowa residents must have Iowa permit
Castle Doctrine	No (see Notes)		704 707.6	Civil immunity for use of "reasonable force" in self defense
Firearm registration?	No	No	–
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	–
Owner license required?	No	No
NFA weapons restricted?	Yes		724.1	Complete prohibition

Kansas

Main article: Gun laws in Kansas

Subject/Law	Long Guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State permit to purchase?	No	No
Firearm registration?	No	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No
Owner license required?	No	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No
Peaceable journey laws?	No	No		Federal rules observed.

Kentucky

Main article: Gun laws in Kentucky

Subject/Law	Long Guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State permit to purchase?	No	No
Firearm registration?	No	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No
Owner license required?	No	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	KRS § 237.110
State preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	KRS § 65.870	Exception: KRS § 237.115 allows the following entities to restrict concealed carry: Postsecondary educational institutions Any unit of government within the state in buildings that it owns, leases, or occupies – however, concealed carry is allowed in highway rest areas, public housing, and private dwellings
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No
Peaceable journey laws?	No	No		Federal rules observed.

Louisiana

Main article: Gun laws in Louisiana

Maine

Main article: Gun laws in Maine

Maryland

Main article: Gun laws in Maryland

Massachusetts

Main article: Gun laws in Massachusetts

Michigan

Main article: Gun laws in Michigan

Minnesota

Main article: Gun laws in Minnesota

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	Yes	§624.7131	Permit to purchase required to transfer/purchase "military-style assault weapons" through FFL dealers. No permit required for private transfers between individuals.
Firearm registration?	No	No	None	No
Private sales regulated?	Yes	Yes	§624.713	One must be 18 or older to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun from a private seller. The buyer must present a transferee permit and a drivers license to the seller. You can obtain a transferee permit from your local police station free of charge.
"Assault weapon" law?	Partial*	Partial*	§624.7131	Persons age 18 and older may acquire an assault weapon with a transferee permit that can be obtained at a police station for free.
Owner license required?	No	No	None	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	§624.714	Shall Issue. 'Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol' required to carry handguns. Concealment is permitted but not required. A carry permit also allows for the carry of long guns ( §624.7181)
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	§471.633	Municipalities may regulate the discharge of firearms within their borders.
NFA weapons restricted?	Yes	Yes	§609.67	Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns, unless designated Curios & Relics, are prohibited in most cases. Sound suppressors and some destructive devices are prohibited in most cases.
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No	None	Federal rules observed.

Mississippi

Main article: Gun laws in Mississippi

Missouri

Main article: Gun laws in Missouri

Montana

Main article: Gun laws in Montana

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No
Firearm registration?	No	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No
Owner license required?	No	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes		Permits not required in many locations (see below )
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	M.C.A 45-8-351	Complete state preemption of firearms laws except localities may regulate the carrying of concealed or openly carried firearms to a public assembly, a publicly owned building, a park under its jurisdiction or a school. localities may also regulate the possession of firearms by felons, minors, illegal aliens or the mentally --71.187.60.231 (talk) 02:26, October 26, 2011 (UTC) .
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No		Permitted as long such possession is in compliance with all federal regulations
Peaceable Journey laws?	Yes	Yes

Nebraska

Main article: Gun laws in Nebraska

Nevada

Main article: Gun laws in Nevada

New Hampshire

Main article: Gun laws in New Hampshire

New Jersey

Main article: Gun laws in New Jersey

New Mexico

Main article: Gun laws in New Mexico

Subject/Law	Long Guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State permit to purchase?	No	No		[citation needed]
Firearm registration?	No	No		[citation needed]
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No		[citation needed]
Owner license required?	No	No		[citation needed]
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	NMSA 29–19–4	Shall-issue, with completion of 15-hour handgun safety course that includes live-fire instruction. Permit required to carry concealed loaded firearm. No permit needed for open carry, concealed carry of an unloaded firearm, or transport of a loaded firearm either concealed or openly in a vehicle.
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No		[citation needed]
Castle Doctrine law?	No	No		No statutory protection from lawsuits arising from the use of lethal force in self-defense[citation needed]
"Opt-Out" statute?	Yes	Yes	NMSA 29–19–12; NMSA 30–14–6	Property owners may prohibit the carrying of firearms onto property they lawfully possess by posting signage or verbally notifying persons upon entering the property.
Peaceable journey laws?	No	No		Federal rules observed.[citation needed]

New York

Main article: Gun laws in New York

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	Yes
Firearm registration?	Yes	Yes		Long guns, only in NYC.
"Assault weapon" law?	Yes	Yes		More restrictive NYC version of the expired Federal law.
Owner license required?	Varies	Yes		Licensing is required for long guns in NYC.
Carry permits issued?	Yes	Yes		In some localities a carry permit is de facto "No-issue"
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes[citation needed]	Yes[citation needed]
Peaceable Journey laws?	Yes	Yes

North Carolina

Main article: Gun laws in North Carolina

North Dakota

Main article: Gun laws in North Dakota

Ohio

Main article: Gun laws in Ohio

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	None
Firearm registration?	No	No	None	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	None	Any semi-automatic firearm designed or specially adapted to fire more than thirty-one cartridges without reloading, other than a firearm chambered in .22 caliber short, long, or long-rifle cartridges, is classified as an automatic weapon. Thus the use of a magazine over 30 rounds is prohibited unless the gun is registered as an automatic weapon under Ohio State Law.
Owner license required?	No	No	None	No
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	O.R.C. 2923.16	Shall Issue – 12 hour training required
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	O.R.C. 9.68	Full Preemption – Affirmed by City of Cleveland vs. State of Ohio
NFA weapons restricted?	Partial	Partial	O.R.C. 2923	It is a violation of state law to possess NFA weapons except as permitted by federal law.
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No	None	Federal rules observed.

Oklahoma

Main article: Gun laws in Oklahoma

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	§21-1276,	Private sales legal, no waiting period.
Firearm registration?	No	No	–	None
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	–	None
Owner license required?	No	No	§21-1273, §21-1276, §21-1283,	None
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	§21-1277, §21-1272, §21-1278, §21-1289, §21-1290	Concealed carry of loaded handguns only; no open carry allowed, even with permit. Unlicensed public carry of unloaded handguns and long arms by persons eligible to possess firearms is allowed under some circumstances.
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	§21-1289.24	–
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No	§21-1289.18	Short barreled rifles and shotguns are illegal to possess under state law unless registered under the NFA, ownership and possession of automatic firearms is legal under state law.

Oregon

Main article: Gun laws in Oregon

Pennsylvania

Main article: Gun laws in Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Main article: Gun laws in Rhode Island

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	Yes	RI Gen. Stat. 11–47–35	All purchasers of firearms must complete and pass a safety exam managed by the RI Department of Environmental Management, at which time they will receive a DEM issued "blue card" allowing purchase.
Firearm registration?	No	No	RI Gen. Stat. 11–47–41
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	None
Owner license required?	No	No	None
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	RI Gen. Stat. 11–47–11 RI and RI Gen. Stat. 11–47–18	See Notes Below
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	RI Gen. Stat. 11–47–58
NFA weapons restricted?	Yes	Yes	RI Gen. Stat. 11–47–8 and RI Gen. Stat. 11–47–20	It is a violation of state law to possess any NFA weapon or silencers with the exception of Class III FFLs.
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	Yes	RI Gen. Stat. 11–47–8	State law mirrors Federal law to a limited degree but does not make any provision for transport of rifles and explicitly states that an individual transporting a weapon must have a valid permit in another state. The State may also adhere to federal law but this is unclear and there does not appear to be any statewide policy.

South Carolina

Main article: Gun laws in South Carolina

South Dakota

Main article: Gun laws in South Dakota

Tennessee

Main article: Gun laws in Tennessee

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	None	No
Firearm registration?	No	No	None	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	None	No
Owner license required?	No	No	None	No
Carry permits issued?	No*	Yes	39-17-1351	Permits are "shall-issue". Concealed or open carry of a handgun is allowed with permit. *Loaded long gun carry is generally illegal. Those with a Handgun Carry Permit(HCP) holders may have loaded longs in a private vehicle so long as there is not a round in the chamber 39-17-1307(e) There are also other exceptions (like for hunting) listed in 39-17-1307
State Preemption of local restrictions?	No	No	39-17-1314	Tennessee is an anomalous State. The Legislature made a loop hole for cities and municipalities with laws in effect prior to April 8, 1986. The local ordinances in effect before April 8, 1986 pre-empt State law see TCA 39-17-1314(a). Local governments may post signs per 39-17-1359 to prohibit carry on government property, just like private property owners.
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No	None	On July 1, 2003 public chapter 275 is in effect. It requires the CLEO, chief law enforcement officer, to sign NFA paperwork in 15 days if the applicant is not prohibited from possessing firearms. see TCA 39-17-1361 .
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No	None	Federal rules observed.
Self-Defense Law	–	–	39-11-611	There is not duty to retreat before using deadly force, as long as you are acting lawfully and are in a place you have a right to be in. It is presumed you had a reasonable fear of imminent death or serious bodily injury if someone unlawfully and forcibly enters a residence, business, dwelling or vehicle.

Texas

Main article: Gun laws in Texas

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	None	Must be 18+ to purchase a long gun from a dealer or private seller, 21+ to purchase a handgun from a dealer , 18 to own a handgun .
Firearm registration?	No	No	None
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	None
Owner license required?	No	No	None
Carry permits issued?	No	Yes	GC Ch. 411 Subch H, PC 46.15	Concealed carry of a handgun requires a "shall-issue" permit, and is subject to specific laws governing trespass while armed. Open carry of a handgun is prohibited with some exceptions (hunting, on one's own property). Open carry of a long gun is not specifically prohibited as PC 46.02 (unlawful carry of weapons) only mentions handguns, however it may be construed as "Disorderly Conduct".
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	LGC §229.001.	FIREARMS; EXPLOSIVES. (a) A municipality may not adopt regulations relating to the transfer, private ownership, keeping, transportation, licensing, or registration of firearms, ammunition, or firearm supplies. Municipal governments can enact regulations on the discharge of firearms (such as noise, nuisance or public safety ordinances); however, those laws are subject to and cannot preempt State law concerning justified use of a firearm.
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No	PC 46.01(9), PC 46.05	State law prohibits ownership outside of NFA compliance, calling possession while in compliance "a defense to prosecution."
Peaceable Journey laws?	Yes	Yes	PC 46.02, PC 46.15	A person may carry a concealed, loaded handgun without a permit while in or heading directly to a car they own or control, Although the police continue to arrest citizens or doing exactly this.
Castle Doctrine?	Yes	Yes	PC 9.32	A person is presumed justified in using deadly force to protect themselves against an unlawful, forceful intrusion into their dwelling, or to prevent an unlawful, forceful attempt to remove a lawful occupant from the dwelling, or to prevent certain serious felonies such as burglary or arson. There is no duty to retreat from any place where the shooter has a legal right to be.

Utah

Main article: Gun laws in Utah

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	-	Private sales legal, no waiting period.
Firearm registration?	No	No	–	None
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	–	None
Owner license required?	No	No	-	None
Carry permits issued?	Yes	Yes	-	Open carry allowed without permit and concealed carry allowed with permit.
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	-	None
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No	-	Possession of NFA firearms in violation of federal law is a third degree felony under state law. However, possession and ownership of NFA firearms and items is legal under state law if federal requirements and laws are followed.
Peaceable Journey laws?	Yes	Yes	76-10-523	Persons exempt from weapons laws. (g) a nonresident traveling in or through the state, provided that any firearm is: unloaded; and securely encased as defined in Section 76-10-501. Handguns may be loaded in any vehicle under the person's control.
Castle Doctrine?	Yes	Yes	76-2-402	Force in defense of person—Forcible felony defined. A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes that force is necessary to defend himself or a third person against such other's imminent use of unlawful force. However, that person is justified in using force intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury only if he or she reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury to himself or a third person as a result of the other's imminent use of unlawful force, or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.

Vermont

Main article: Gun laws in Vermont

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	–	No
Firearm registration?	No	No	–	No
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	–	No
Owner license required?	No	No	–	No
Carry permits issued?	No	No	–	*May carry open or concealed without permit
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	–	–
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No	–

Virginia

Main article: Gun laws in Virginia

Washington

Main article: Gun laws in Washington

Washington, D.C.

Main article: Gun laws in the District of Columbia

West Virginia

Main article: Gun laws in West Virginia

Wisconsin

Main article: Gun laws in Wisconsin

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
Constitutional Right to Bear Arms	Yes		1:22	"The people have the right to keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose."
State Preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	66.0409
State Permit to Purchase?	No	No	175.35	48 hour waiting period on handguns
Concealed carry permits issued?	No	Shall-Issue	175.60	May carry open without permit, some local law enforcement have attempted to treat open carry as disorderly conduct. However, after two high profile lawsuits in which municipalities have paid settlements to open carriers who had been arrested, this practice has abated.
Castle Doctrine	Yes		895.62
Firearm registration?	No	No	–
"Assault weapon" law?	No	No	–
Owner license required?	No	No	941.29
NFA weapons restricted?	Machine Guns restricted, exceptions apply		941.298 941.26	Silencers and SBR allowed if NFA rules followed, otherwise felony

Wyoming

Main article: Gun laws in Wyoming

External links

• U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives – State Laws and Published Ordinances – Firearms
• National Rifle Association – State Firearms Laws
• Transporting Firearms Within The USA
• Legal Community Against Violence – State & Local Laws
• USA Carry – Concealed Firearm Information and Resources
• CarryConcealed.net – Concealed carry laws and maps
• OpenCarry.org – Open carry laws and maps