How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Gun?
In the United States, the minimum age to purchase a gun varies from state to state. While federal law sets a minimum age of 18 for most gun purchases, some states have higher minimum ages or additional requirements. In this article, we’ll explore the different age requirements for buying a gun in the US and provide a breakdown of the laws by state.
Federal Law
The federal Gun Control Act of 1968 sets the minimum age for purchasing a firearm at 18 years old. However, there are some exceptions:
- Active military personnel: Members of the military can purchase firearms at any age, as long as they are on active duty.
- Law enforcement officers: Law enforcement officers can purchase firearms at any age, as long as they are authorized to carry a firearm as part of their job.
- FBI and ATF agents: Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) can purchase firearms at any age, as long as they are authorized to carry a firearm as part of their job.
State-by-State Breakdown
While federal law sets a minimum age of 18, some states have higher minimum ages or additional requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the laws by state:
| State | Minimum Age | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 18 | None |
| Alaska | 18 | None |
| Arizona | 18 | None |
| Arkansas | 18 | None |
| California | 21 | Background check, 10-day waiting period |
| Colorado | 18 | Background check, 72-hour waiting period |
| Connecticut | 21 | Background check, 14-day waiting period |
| Delaware | 18 | None |
| Florida | 18 | Background check, 3-day waiting period |
| Georgia | 18 | None |
| Hawaii | 21 | Background check, 14-day waiting period |
| Idaho | 18 | None |
| Illinois | 21 | Background check, 72-hour waiting period |
| Indiana | 18 | None |
| Iowa | 18 | None |
| Kansas | 18 | None |
| Kentucky | 18 | None |
| Louisiana | 18 | None |
| Maine | 18 | None |
| Maryland | 21 | Background check, 7-day waiting period |
| Massachusetts | 21 | Background check, 10-day waiting period |
| Michigan | 18 | None |
| Minnesota | 18 | None |
| Mississippi | 18 | None |
| Missouri | 18 | None |
| Montana | 18 | None |
| Nebraska | 18 | None |
| Nevada | 18 | None |
| New Hampshire | 18 | None |
| New Jersey | 21 | Background check, 10-day waiting period |
| New Mexico | 18 | None |
| New York | 21 | Background check, 10-day waiting period |
| North Carolina | 18 | None |
| North Dakota | 18 | None |
| Ohio | 18 | None |
| Oklahoma | 18 | None |
| Oregon | 18 | None |
| Pennsylvania | 21 | Background check, 3-day waiting period |
| Rhode Island | 21 | Background check, 10-day waiting period |
| South Carolina | 18 | None |
| South Dakota | 18 | None |
| Tennessee | 18 | None |
| Texas | 18 | None |
| Utah | 18 | None |
| Vermont | 18 | None |
| Virginia | 18 | None |
| Washington | 21 | Background check, 10-day waiting period |
| West Virginia | 18 | None |
| Wisconsin | 18 | None |
| Wyoming | 18 | None |
Additional Requirements
Some states have additional requirements for purchasing a gun, such as:
- Background checks: Many states require a background check before purchasing a gun. This check is typically conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
- Waiting periods: Some states have waiting periods before a gun can be purchased. This period can range from 3 days to 14 days.
- Permits: Some states require a permit to purchase a gun. This permit may be issued by the state or local law enforcement agency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the minimum age to buy a gun in the US varies from state to state. While federal law sets a minimum age of 18, some states have higher minimum ages or additional requirements. It’s important to note that even if you meet the minimum age requirement, you may still be prohibited from purchasing a gun due to other factors, such as a criminal record or a history of mental health issues. Before attempting to purchase a gun, it’s important to check the laws in your state and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements.
