What Age Can You Get a Gun License?
The question of what age you can get a gun license varies depending on the country, state, or region you are in. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of gun licensing laws and regulations, providing a comprehensive overview of the age requirements for obtaining a gun license.
Federal Laws
In the United States, the federal government has established certain requirements for gun ownership. Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, a person must be at least 18 years old to purchase a rifle or shotgun from a licensed firearms dealer. However, the minimum age requirement for buying a handgun is 21 years old.
Federal Background Check
Prior to purchasing a firearm, individuals must undergo a federal background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS check is designed to ensure that the buyer is not prohibited from owning a firearm due to a criminal conviction, mental health issue, or other disqualifying factor.
State Laws
While federal law sets a minimum age requirement for buying a firearm, individual states have their own laws and regulations regarding gun ownership. Some states have higher age requirements for purchasing or owning firearms, while others may have more relaxed laws.
| State | Minimum Age for Buying a Handgun |
|---|---|
| California | 21 |
| Connecticut | 21 |
| Illinois | 21 |
| Massachusetts | 21 |
| New Jersey | 21 |
| New York | 21 |
| Oregon | 21 |
| Washington | 21 |
| Colorado | 18 |
| Florida | 18 |
| Texas | 18 |
As you can see from the table above, some states have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old for buying a handgun, while others have a higher age requirement of 21 years old.
State-issued Concealed Carry Licenses
In addition to purchasing a firearm, individuals may also apply for a state-issued concealed carry license. The minimum age requirement for obtaining a concealed carry license varies by state, ranging from 18 years old to 21 years old.
| State | Minimum Age for Concealed Carry License |
|---|---|
| Alaska | 18 |
| Arizona | 18 |
| Arkansas | 18 |
| Idaho | 18 |
| Kentucky | 18 |
| Louisiana | 18 |
| Mississippi | 18 |
| Montana | 18 |
| New Hampshire | 18 |
| North Dakota | 18 |
| South Dakota | 18 |
| Texas | 21 |
| Virginia | 21 |
| Washington | 21 |
As you can see from the table above, some states have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old for obtaining a concealed carry license, while others have a higher age requirement of 21 years old.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the age requirement for getting a gun license varies depending on the country, state, or region you are in. While federal law sets a minimum age requirement of 18 years old for buying a rifle or shotgun, and 21 years old for buying a handgun, individual states have their own laws and regulations regarding gun ownership. Some states have higher age requirements for purchasing or owning firearms, while others may have more relaxed laws. When it comes to obtaining a state-issued concealed carry license, the minimum age requirement varies from 18 years old to 21 years old. It is essential to research and understand the specific laws and regulations in your area before purchasing a firearm or applying for a concealed carry license.
