Are you a firearm owner?
Then you must know the gun laws of your country. As a responsible gun owner, if you have ever gone through the process to figure out the gun laws in the U.S., you know that it’s not that simple to understand. One state lets you carry a firearm without even needing a permit, while another makes you go through background checks, training, and multiple applications just to own one.
Whether you are a gun owner, thinking about becoming one, or just trying to stay informed, understanding how gun laws vary from state to state is important to staying both safe and legal.
Gun laws in the U.S. are shaped by both federal and state governments, but in many cases, the states have the final say. That means a law-abiding gun owner in Texas might unintentionally break the law by doing the same thing in California.
Federal Gun Laws in the U.S.A
Do you own a firearm?
If yes! Then you should know about federal Gun laws In the U.S.
In 2025, there will be a few changes in gun laws. Federal laws especially focus on background checks for gun sales and have put restrictions on some types of firearms. This time, key role in enforcing these laws was played by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives(ATF).
Background Checks:
Federal law makes it mandatory that any firearm that is purchased from licensed dealers must go through a background check, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
However, there are exceptions for certain private sales, these are person-to-person gun transfers that don’t involve a licensed dealer.
For example, if someone sells a gun to a friend or gives it as a gift to a family member, a background check of the person might not be required under federal law. This is sometimes called the “private sale loophole” or “gun show loophole.”
But it’s still illegal to sell a gun to someone who isn’t allowed to own one (someone with a criminal record). Also, some states have stricter rules, unlike federal laws, and require background checks even for private sales.
Guns That Come with Extra Rules
No matter what state you live in, some guns are controlled by the federal government. Machine guns, short-barrel shotguns, and silencers are not banned, but they are very restricted. If you want to have one, you need special approval, a background check, and a federal tax stamp, and this process can take several months, according to the ATF
What’s the Legal Age for Gun Ownership?
Under federal law, you have to be at least 21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer, and 18 to buy a rifle or shotgun. But some states have their own rules that may raise or lower those age limits a bit, depending on the situation.
How Licensed Firearms Dealers Are Regulated
The ATF has set strict rules for licensed gun dealers that they need to follow. These specific rules are implemented on them to keep firearms away from the wrong hands, and to make sure that sales are done legally and fairly.
Here I will give you s simple explanation:
Suppose that when dealers make a sale of any gun, they are required to keep a detailed record of that buyer. This includes information about the buyer, the firearm he bought. These records will help authorities to track firearms if they are used in a crime or in case they go missing.
Not just this, Dealers also need to check the background of the buyer to make sure that they are legally owning the firearm. In case if a dealer doesn’t follow these rule, they can lose their dealer license and can also face legal charges..
In short, being a licensed gun dealer comes with serious responsibilities.
How Concealed Carry Permits Work
Concealed carry means carrying a weapon in such a way that people can’t see it. In the U.S., Federal law does not require gun owners to show a permit for concealed weapons. But many other states have made it mandatory to have a permit while carrying your concealed weapon, according to Everytown Research & Policy.
These were some federal laws in the U.S.
Now let’s take a look at how gun laws work in some major states and how they affect citizens’ day-to-day life.
What You Should Know, State by State
Gun Laws in California
California is known for having some of the strongest gun laws in the U.S., with lots of restrictions about who can own a gun, what types of firearms are allowed, and how they can be used. For example, a person moving from Texas might be surprised to find that his legally owned AR-15 is not legal in California.
How You Can Get a Gun in California
- You need a Firearm Safety Certificate, which costs $25 (can vary), and you need to pass a written test.
- Every firearm that is being sold (even privately) has to go through an authorized dealer, and there is a 10-day waiting period to get it.
- Only those handguns can be sold that are approved by the state.
- Every sale is tracked by the state, and a background check via the dealer is mandatory.
What’s Banned
- Military style guns(assault guns), .50 caliber rifles, and gun magazines that hold more than 10 bullets are not allowed.
- Automatic weapons and short-barreled shotguns/rifles are usually illegal unless you have a special permit to own one.
Concealed Carry Permits (CCW)
- In California, officials can choose whether or not to give you a permit to carry a hidden gun. Urban areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco rarely issue such permits, while getting a permit in rural areas is easier.
- California permits work anywhere in the state, but this state doesn’t allow permits from other states.
Fighting the Rules and Following Them
- Some laws (like the ban on large-capacity magazines) have been challenged in court.
- Enforcement varies, such as cities tending to be strict, while some rural areas are more relaxed.
- State law enforcement agencies, like the California DOJ and Highway Patrol, enforce these laws across the state.
Gun Laws in Texas
Want to know the gun laws of Texas?
Texas is known for its permissive gun laws, giving freedom regarding firearm possession and carry.
Here are some laws you need to know:
1. No Permit Required for Carrying Handguns
Are you 21 or older?
In Texas, since September 2021, anyone aged 21 or older can carry handguns openly or concealed without any requirement for a permit unless they are prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, such as due to a criminal conviction.
2. Holster Needed for Open Carry in Texas
Are you a firearm owner who carries a handgun openly in Texas?
Then, according to the Gun Laws of Texas, your handgun must be in a holster.
3. Background Checks Not Mandatory for Private Gun Deals
When it comes to Private sales of firearms, in Texas, it does not require any background check of the buyer, unlike in California.
4. Own a Gun in Texas? No Registration Needed
In Texas, people don’t require firearm registration, unlike California.
5. Cities Can’t Make Their Own Gun Rules
In Texas, do you know cities are not allowed to make their gun laws that are tougher than the laws made by the state government itself?
This means that only the state can decide the rules about guns, and local governments are required to follow them; they can’t add extra restrictions.
6. Restrictions for criminally convicted persons
Individuals convicted of a crime cannot own firearms unless five years have passed since their release and they have not committed any other crimes during that time.
Gun Laws in New York
Do you want to own a firearm in New York, or already own one and plan to visit the state?
Then you must know that, while Texas has relaxed gun laws, New York takes the opposite approach with stricter regulations.
Gun laws in New York are designed to protect people from harming themselves or others by possessing firearms and prevent people from committing any crime.
Here are the key laws:
1. Want a Gun? Get a License First
Are you planning to own a handgun in New York?
Then you must get a license. In the process of having a license, you have to go through a background check, fingerprinting, and paperwork.
But if you want to just have shotguns or simple rifles, then the license is not required.
On the other hand, to own a semi-automatic rifle, your age must be 21 or older, and in this case license is mandatory.
2. Assault Weapons Are Banned
Like California, New York has also banned assault-style(military style) weapons. If a gun has things like a pistol grip, folding stock, or flash suppressor, it may be banned under the law of the state.
There was an exception that if you owned this kind of gun before 2013, then you were required to register it by April 15, 2014, with the state.
3. Background Checks & Processing Time
Unlike in Texas, every firearm sale in New York requires a background check, even if the sale is between friends. If your background check isn’t approved immediately, you have to wait up to 30 days. Moreover
Even if you already possess a license, you still have to take extra steps for every new handgun you buy.
4. Special Gun Laws in New York City
NYC has its own special gun laws. If you want to own a firearm in New York City, you are required to have a special NYC license. Your state license does not work in the city unless the New York Police Department (NYPD) approves it. Even if you have a state license to carry, the NYPD must validate or approve it for you to use within NYC.
5. What Is the Special NYC License?
The NYC handgun license is a separate permit issued by the NYPD.
It requires:
- A separate application
- Background checks
- Fingerprinting
- Proof of a valid reason for carrying a handgun in the city (like a job that requires protection)
- Sometimes an interview or additional requirements
This license is much harder to get than licenses that you can get in other parts of New York State because NYC wants to strictly regulate who can have guns in the city.
6. Latest Court Decisions
There are some revisions and additions in court decisions like “Before 2022, you had to show a special reason to carry a hidden gun within the state”. But recently U.S. Supreme Court decision said that the “rule was unfair” and dismissed that.
Now, you can easily carry a licensed gun, but New York still has strict rules, unlike other states.
7. Other Important Gun Laws
- New York has a unique red flag law. This lets courts take away guns from people who may be dangerous to society.
- Bump stocks are banned. These are devices(gun stocks) that attach to rifles and let them fire bullets much faster, almost like automatic guns. Because they make guns more dangerous, that is why are not allowed in New York.
Teachers are prohibited from carrying guns in schools.
New York has a special program for the people called the gun buyback program, where people can give their guns to the department and get money in return.
Washington Gun Laws
Thinking of owning or carrying a gun in Washington?
Here’s what you need to know before.
1. The State Makes the Rules
In Washington, only the state can make major gun laws. Cities and towns can’t make their own stricter rules except in a few cases, like banning gunfire in crowded areas or restricting guns in stadiums and big event places.
2. Are You Old Enough to Own a Gun?
- To own a semi-automatic rifle, you must be 21 or older.
- People with criminal records or any pending charges can’t own guns.
- Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns are banned.
- Gun silencers (suppressors) and short rifles are allowed, but you must follow federal law.
3. Areas Where Guns Are Not Permitted
Guns are banned in some places, like:
- Courts and jails
- Airports and some schools
- Bars (that don’t allow people under 21)
- Outdoor music festivals
- Child care centers
Some places allow guns if you have a valid concealed carry license.
4. Open Carry and Concealed Carry
- You can carry a visible (open) handgun without a permit, as long as it’s legal and you are not trying to scare people.
- If you want to carry a loaded gun in a vehicle, then you need a Concealed Pistol License (CPL).
- CPLs are available only if you are aged 21 or over, with no serious criminal history.
5. Red Flag Law
Police can take your guns away from you if a judge decides that you are a danger to yourself or others around you. Mental health experts might also get involved, and your family can be notified when your guns are returned.
6. Big Law Change: I-1639
In 2018, people voted for a new law called Initiative-1639. It made gun rules stronger for the safety of citizens. The law added:
- Better background checks
- Gun safety classes
- A waiting time before buying a gun
- Rules to keep guns stored safely
- You must be at least 21 years old to buy semi-automatic rifles
7. 2023 Assault Weapon Ban
As of April 2023, Washington banned the sale and making of many semi-automatic rifles considered “assault weapons”(military style weapons). But if you already owned one before the law, you can keep it.
8. Can You Use Your Washington Gun License in Other States?
Washington’s concealed pistol licenses are accepted in several states, including Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah. Likewise, the licenses of these are accepted in Washington, as long as you follow Washington’s gun laws.
But still, some licenses have specific rules: for example, only certain types of permits from Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota are accepted. Michigan does not accept Washington’s non-resident licenses, and Washington doesn’t accept some permits issued to people aged 18 to 20.
9. When Is It Legal to Defend Yourself?
Lastly, Washington is a “stand your ground” state. It means you can stand firm and protect yourself legally when someone threatens you with serious harm. But aiming a gun at someone for no reason is illegal and could get you in serious trouble.
Georgia Gun Laws
Planning to own or carry a firearm in Georgia? Here are some key laws you must know before proceeding further.
1. Georgia Law Allows Permit-Free Firearm Purchases
Unlike states such as California, New York, and Washington, Georgia does not require a state permit to purchase rifles or handguns. There is also no firearm registration, no assault weapon ban, and no magazine capacity limits.
2.No License Needed for Open or Concealed Carry
As of April 12, 2022, both open and concealed carry are legal without a permit for anyone aged 21 or older. Georgia is a “constitutional carry” state. You can still get a Georgia Weapons Carry License (GWCL), which can be useful if you want to carry in other states(such as Alaska, Texas, Indiana, etc.) that recognize it.
3. Restricted Areas for Carrying Firearms
Even though you can carry a firearm without a permit in Georgia, there are still some places where guns are not allowed:
- Courthouses, jails, and government buildings with security checks
- Places of worship
- Polling places on election days
- Nuclear power plants and state mental health facilities
- Schools
- College campuses (you need a license to carry here)
In most of these places (except schools and nuclear plants), you can ask security or staff about how to legally store or secure your firearm if needed.
4. How Georgia Law Covers Home and Personal Defense
Georgia has followed the Stand Your Ground principle since July 2006. This means you don’t have to run away if someone threatens you with serious harm. You have the right to defend yourself, your home, and others if you feel your safety is at risk.
5. Private Gun Sales Are Legal
In Georgia, people can buy or sell firearms privately without the need for a license, background check, or going through a licensed dealer.
6. Can You Carry a Gun on College Campuses in Georgia?
In Georgia, since July 2017, under HB 280 (Campus Carry Law), firearm owners are allowed to carry concealed guns in universities. But there are some restrictions, such as carrying is not allowed in the dormitories, sports venues, or classrooms with high school students.
7. State Law Controls Gun Rules Across Georgia
Unlike California and New York, local governments in Georgia can’t pass their own stricter gun laws.
Georgia has uniform gun laws throughout the whole state, whether it is the city or the countryside. This helps ensure consistency statewide.
8. Kennesaw’s “Gun Ownership” Law
In Georgia, there is one city called Kennesaw. There’s a unique local law that says every homeowner is supposed to own a gun. However, no one has ever been punished for not following it. The law has many exceptions, such as people who object for religious or personal reasons, can’t afford a gun, have a felony record, or have mental or physical disabilities, are not required to follow it.
Final Thoughts
The biggest takeaway? Gun laws in the U.S. are all about location. What’s perfectly legal in Texas might be a felony in New York.
I did extensive research while creating this guide for you. During my research I realized that it would be worth your time if you would check the gun laws before owning a gun or bringing one with you when you travel to another state.
It doesn’t take long to look up the rules, and doing so can help you stay out of trouble and be a more responsible, informed gun owner.
