You must be a legal resident of the state where you are purchasing the firearm.
Individuals with certain backgrounds are barred from ownership, including those with felony convictions, certain domestic violence misdemeanors, active restraining orders, or a history of being involuntarily committed to a mental institution. 2. The Purchasing Process buying a gun requirements
To legally purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer, you must meet several federal criteria: You must be a legal resident of the
Federal law does not require background checks for sales between private individuals (non-dealers), but many states (e.g., California, Washington, New Jersey) require these transfers to be processed through an FFL to ensure a background check is conducted. The Purchasing Process To legally purchase a firearm
Most legitimate firearm sales happen through a , such as a gun shop or outdoor retailer.
You must be at least 18 years old to buy a long gun (rifle or shotgun) and at least 21 years old for handguns.