Buying a firearm online is legal in all 50 states — but what you can buy, how long you'll wait, and what paperwork you'll need varies wildly depending on where you live. Whether you're in Montana (where you can walk out of an FFL the same day) or California (where you'll need a safety certificate, a 10-day waiting period, and your firearm must be on an approved roster), this guide covers everything you need to know before clicking "Add to Cart."
Last updated: February 2026. This guide is maintained by TheGunDock, a licensed FFL dealer that ships to all 50 states. We built this resource because we answer these questions every single day from customers — and we got tired of seeing outdated or incomplete information online.
Table of Contents
- How Buying a Gun Online Actually Works
- The NICS Background Check Process
- States with the Strictest Gun Laws
- Most Gun-Friendly States
- Waiting Periods by State
- Permit & License Requirements
- Assault Weapons Bans by State
- Magazine Capacity Limits
- Suppressors, SBRs & NFA Items
- Ammunition Restrictions
- Age Requirements by State
- Red Flag / ERPO Laws
- Quick Reference: Difficulty Rating by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Buying a Gun Online Actually Works
Federal law prohibits anyone — dealers and individuals alike — from shipping a firearm directly to a buyer's home. Every online firearm purchase must be transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). Here's the step-by-step process:
- Browse & Purchase Online — Select the firearm you want from an online dealer like TheGunDock.
- Choose Your Local FFL — During checkout, you'll select a local FFL dealer to receive the shipment. Our checkout includes an FFL finder that makes this easy.
- FFL License Exchange — Your local FFL sends a copy of their license to us (we handle this automatically for most dealers in our database).
- We Ship Dealer-to-Dealer — The firearm ships from our facility directly to your chosen FFL. It never touches a UPS store or your front porch.
- Visit Your FFL — You go to the receiving FFL in person with a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Complete ATF Form 4473 — You fill out the Firearms Transaction Record (about 2 pages of questions).
- Background Check (NICS) — The FFL calls in or submits your background check electronically.
- Waiting Period (if applicable) — Some states require you to wait. This clock starts when you visit the FFL — not when you placed the order online.
- Take Possession — If approved and all waiting periods are satisfied, you walk out with your firearm.
Important: FFL transfer fees typically range from $20 to $75 depending on the dealer. Factor this into your total cost when shopping online. Even with the transfer fee, online prices are often significantly lower than local retail.
The NICS Background Check Process
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), run by the FBI, is the backbone of every firearm purchase from a licensed dealer in America.
How It Works
Your FFL contacts NICS by phone or through the E-Check online portal. NICS searches federal databases including criminal records, mental health adjudications, restraining orders, immigration status, and more. Results usually come back in minutes, but can take up to 3 business days.
There are three possible outcomes:
- PROCEED — You're approved. The FFL can transfer the firearm immediately (unless your state has a waiting period).
- DENIED — The sale cannot proceed. You'll receive information on how to appeal if you believe the denial was in error.
- DELAYED — NICS needs more time to research. If the FBI doesn't return a decision within 3 business days, the FFL may (but is not required to) proceed with the sale.
Point of Contact (POC) States
Some states run their own background check systems that query NICS plus additional state databases. These "Point of Contact" states include:
Full POC States: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington
In these states, the process may take longer because the state agency runs additional checks beyond the federal NICS search.
States with the Strictest Gun Laws for Online Buyers
If you live in one of these states, you'll face additional hurdles beyond the federal requirements. Here's what to expect:
California — The Most Restrictive
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Handgun Roster | Only handguns on the state's Certified Handgun Roster may be sold. The roster is small and shrinking. AB 1127 removes more models July 1, 2026. |
| Safety Certificate | Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) required before any purchase. Valid 5 years. Written test required. |
| Waiting Period | 10 days — mandatory for ALL firearms, no exceptions. |
| Purchase Limits | Three firearms of any type per 30 days (effective April 1, 2026 under AB 1078). |
| Assault Weapons | Comprehensive ban on named models and firearms with specific features. |
| Magazines | 10-round limit. |
| Age | 21 for all firearms (limited exception for non-semi-auto long guns for 18-20). |
| Suppressors/SBRs | BANNED. |
| Online Ammo | As of July 2025, California residents can order ammo online again (Ninth Circuit ruling). |
| Online Accessories | AB 1263 (effective Jan 1, 2026) requires ID verification and signed delivery for firearm parts shipped to CA. |
New York
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Handgun Permit | Must obtain a pistol permit BEFORE purchasing any handgun. Can take months to obtain. |
| Semi-Auto Rifle Permit | Required for all semiautomatic rifles. |
| Training | 16 hours classroom + 2 hours live-fire + written test (80% minimum) for handgun permits. |
| Age | 21 for handguns and semiautomatic rifles. |
| SAFE Act | Comprehensive assault weapons ban. 10-round magazine limit. |
| Suppressors | BANNED. |
| Online Ammo | Must be picked up from a dealer — cannot be shipped directly to you. |
New Jersey
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Firearms Purchaser ID (FPID) | Required for any rifle or shotgun purchase. |
| Handgun Permit | Separate permit required for EACH handgun purchase, issued by local police. |
| Waiting Period | 7 days for handguns. |
| Assault Weapons | Comprehensive ban. |
| Magazines | 10-round limit. |
| Suppressors/SBRs | BANNED. |
| Ammo | FPID required for rifle/shotgun ammo. Separate permit for handgun ammo. |
Massachusetts
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Required | License to Carry (LTC) or Firearms Identification Card (FID) required. Valid 6 years. Local police chief has discretion to deny. |
| Handgun Roster | Only handguns on the state roster may be sold by dealers. |
| Assault Weapons | Comprehensive ban plus expanded "copycat" interpretation. |
| Magazines | 10-round limit. |
| Suppressors | BANNED. |
| Ammo | LTC or FID required. Most online retailers refuse to ship to MA. |
Other Strict States
- Connecticut — Permit required for all firearms. 10-round magazine limit. Assault weapons ban. Ammo permit required.
- Hawaii — Permit required for all firearms. 14-day waiting period (longest in the nation). All firearms must be registered within 5 days. 10-round magazine limit. Suppressors banned. Ammo must ship by boat.
- Illinois — FOID card required for all firearms and ammo. 72-hour waiting period. Assault weapons ban. 10/15-round magazine limits. Suppressors banned.
- Maryland — Handgun Qualification License required. 7-day handgun waiting period. Assault weapons ban. 10-round magazine limit.
- Washington — Assault weapons sale ban (2023). 10-business-day wait for semiautomatic rifles (I-1639). Training required. 10-round magazine limit. Enhanced background check.
- Colorado — New SB 25-3 (2026) bans certain semiautomatic firearms. 3-day waiting period. 15-round magazine limit. Minimum ammo purchase age raised to 21.
Most Gun-Friendly States for Online Purchases
These states impose minimal requirements beyond the federal baseline. If you live here, the online purchase process is simple: buy, ship to your FFL, fill out Form 4473, pass NICS, walk out with your firearm — often in the same visit.
| State | What Makes It Easy |
|---|---|
| Montana | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits, NFA items legal, no firearms sales tax |
| New Hampshire | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits, NFA items legal, no sales tax |
| West Virginia | No permits, no waiting period, no restrictions beyond federal, no firearms sales tax |
| Idaho | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits, very favorable NFA laws |
| Kentucky | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits, NFA items legal |
| Tennessee | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits, NFA items legal |
| Texas | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits, anti-red-flag law |
| Arizona | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits, NFA items legal |
| Georgia | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits, NFA items legal |
| Missouri | No permits, no waiting period, no restrictions beyond federal |
| South Dakota | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, NFA items legal |
| Arkansas | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits |
| Alabama | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits |
| Mississippi | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits |
| Oklahoma | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits |
| Indiana | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits |
| Kansas | No permits, no waiting period, no AWB, no mag limits |
| Wyoming | No permits, no waiting period, no additional restrictions |
Waiting Periods by State
All Firearms
| State | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | 14 days (longest in the nation) |
| California | 10 days |
| Washington, D.C. | 10 days |
| Rhode Island | 7 days |
| New Mexico | 7 days |
| Illinois | 72 hours |
| Vermont | 72 hours |
| Maine | 72 hours |
Specific Firearms Only
| State | Period | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 10 business days | Semiautomatic rifles |
| Maryland | 7 days | Handguns |
| New Jersey | 7 days | Handguns |
| Minnesota | 7 days | Handguns & assault weapons |
| Florida | 3 days | All firearms |
| Colorado | 3 days | All firearms |
All other states (~36) have NO waiting period. Once you pass the background check, you walk out with your firearm.
Permit & License Requirements by State
Permit Required for ALL Firearms
- Connecticut — Permit required; valid 5 years; requires safety course
- Hawaii — Permit required; requires safety course + mental health waiver
- Massachusetts — LTC/FID required plus separate purchase permit
- Illinois — FOID card required for all firearms and ammunition
Permit Required for Handguns Only
- Maryland — Handgun Qualification License (HQL); valid 10 years; requires training
- Michigan — License to Purchase for handguns
- New Jersey — FPID for long guns + separate permit per handgun
- New York — Pistol permit required (semi-auto rifle permit also required)
- North Carolina — Pistol purchase permit (or concealed handgun permit)
Assault Weapons Bans by State (2026)
The following states have active assault weapons bans. If you live in one of these states, many popular semi-automatic rifles (AR-15s, AK-pattern rifles, etc.) cannot be legally purchased:
| State | Law | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| California | Penal Code 30500-30530 | Named models + features test |
| Colorado | SB 25-3 (2026) | Certain semiautomatic firearms |
| Connecticut | PA 13-3 | Comprehensive |
| Delaware | Effective July 1, 2026 | Manufacture, sale, transfer |
| Hawaii | HRS 134 | Comprehensive |
| Illinois | Protect IL Communities Act (2023) | Comprehensive |
| Maryland | Firearm Safety Act (2013) | Named models + features test |
| Massachusetts | MGL c.140 s.131M | Comprehensive + "copycat" interpretation |
| New Jersey | N.J.S.A. 2C:39 | Comprehensive |
| New York | SAFE Act | Comprehensive + registration mandate |
| Rhode Island | HB 5076 (2025) | Statewide sales ban |
| Washington | HB 1240 (2023) | Sale/manufacture/import ban; possession of existing weapons allowed |
| D.C. | D.C. Code 7-2501 | Comprehensive |
All other states (37+) have no assault weapons ban. AR-15s, AK-pattern rifles, and similar firearms are fully legal to purchase.
Magazine Capacity Limits by State
| State | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | 10 rounds | All firearms |
| Connecticut | 10 rounds | |
| Hawaii | 10 rounds | |
| Maryland | 10 rounds | Sale/manufacture ban; possession of pre-ban mags legal |
| Massachusetts | 10 rounds | |
| New Jersey | 10 rounds | |
| New York | 10 rounds | |
| Rhode Island | 10 rounds | |
| Washington | 10 rounds | Sale/manufacture/import ban |
| D.C. | 10 rounds | |
| Colorado | 15 rounds | Pre-owned grandfathered |
| Vermont | 10 (long guns) / 15 (handguns) | |
| Illinois | 10 (long guns) / 15 (handguns) | |
| Delaware | 17 rounds |
All other states (36+) have no magazine capacity restrictions. Standard capacity magazines (17, 30, 33+ rounds) are fully legal.
Suppressors, SBRs & NFA Items by State
2026 Update: $0 Federal Tax Stamp
As of January 1, 2026, the federal NFA tax stamp for suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs has been reduced from $200 to $0 under the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The NFA registration requirement still applies — you still need to file ATF Form 4 — but there's no fee. State bans still apply regardless of federal changes.
Suppressors — BANNED in 8 States + D.C.
California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island
Legal in 42 states with NFA compliance (now $0 tax stamp).
Connecticut: Legal to own but cannot use for hunting.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) — Banned or Restricted
California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and several others have complete or functional bans.
Legal in most states with NFA compliance ($0 tax stamp).
Read our complete suppressor buying guide →
Ammunition Restrictions for Online Buyers
States Requiring a Permit to Buy Ammo
- Connecticut — Permit required
- Illinois — FOID card required
- Massachusetts — LTC or FID required (most online retailers refuse to ship to MA)
- New Jersey — FPID required for rifle/shotgun ammo; separate permit for handgun ammo
States Requiring Dealer Pickup for Online Ammo
- New York — Online ammo orders must be picked up from a licensed dealer
- Washington, D.C. — Same requirement
States with Shipping Restrictions
- Hawaii — Ammo must ship by boat (not air)
- Alaska — Ammo limited to sea or truck delivery
- Illinois — No drop shipments
- New Mexico — No drop shipments
- Maryland — Legal to ship everywhere except Annapolis
All other states: Ammo can be shipped directly to your door with no special requirements (you must be 18+ for rifle/shotgun ammo, 21+ for handgun ammo).
Age Requirements by State
Federal Baseline
- 18 to purchase long guns (rifles/shotguns) from an FFL
- 21 to purchase handguns from an FFL
States Requiring 21 for ALL Firearms
California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, New York, Vermont, Washington — and approximately 14 other states have raised the minimum age for long guns from 18 to 21.
If you're between 18-20, check your specific state before ordering a rifle or shotgun. In gun-friendly states like Kentucky, Texas, and Georgia, you can buy a long gun at 18 from an FFL with no issues.
Red Flag / ERPO Laws
As of late 2025, 22 states and D.C. have enacted Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws, which allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk:
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and D.C.
Two states have specifically passed anti-red-flag laws: Texas (June 2025) and Montana (May 2025).
Quick Reference: Online Purchase Difficulty by State
How to Read This
Easy = Federal requirements only. Buy, ship to FFL, pass NICS, walk out same day.
Moderate = Some extra steps (short wait, mag limits).
Difficult = Significant additional permits, bans, or waiting periods.
Most Difficult = Multiple layers of permits, rosters, bans, and restrictions.
Easy (Federal Minimum Only)
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Moderate (Some Additional Requirements)
Colorado (3-day wait + mag limits + 2026 AWB), Florida (3-day wait), Maine (72-hour wait), Michigan (handgun permit), Minnesota (7-day handgun wait), New Mexico (7-day wait), Oregon (pending permit system), Rhode Island (7-day wait + AWB), Vermont (72-hour wait + mag limits)
Difficult (Significant Additional Requirements)
Delaware (AWB effective 2026 + mag limits), Illinois (FOID required + 72-hour wait + AWB + mag limits), Maryland (HQL for handguns + 7-day wait + AWB), Washington (AWB + 10-day semiauto wait + mag limits + enhanced background check)
Most Difficult (Multiple Layers of Restrictions)
California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a gun online and have it shipped to my house?
No. Federal law requires all online firearm purchases to be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer. You must visit the FFL in person, complete Form 4473, and pass a background check before taking possession. The only exception is antique firearms (manufactured before 1899).
Do I need a permit to buy a gun online?
It depends on your state. Most states (30+) do not require any purchase permit — you just need to pass the NICS background check. However, states like Illinois (FOID), New York (pistol permit), New Jersey (FPID), Massachusetts (LTC/FID), Connecticut, and Hawaii all require permits before you can purchase.
How long does it take to get my gun after ordering online?
Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days. Once your FFL receives it, you'll complete paperwork and a background check (usually 15-30 minutes). In states with no waiting period, you can walk out the same day. In states with waiting periods, add the applicable wait time (3-14 days depending on state).
Can I buy a gun online from another state?
Yes. You can purchase a firearm from any licensed dealer in any state. The firearm will be shipped to an FFL in YOUR state, where it must comply with your state's laws. You cannot buy a handgun that's not on your state's approved roster (CA, MA), and you cannot buy an "assault weapon" if your state bans them.
Is it legal to buy ammunition online?
In most states, yes — ammo can be shipped directly to your door. However, New York requires dealer pickup, and several states (CT, IL, MA, NJ) require permits. Hawaii and Alaska have shipping method restrictions. Check the ammunition section above for your state.
What happens if my background check is delayed?
A "delayed" status means NICS needs more time. The FBI has 3 business days to make a determination. If they don't respond within 3 business days, the FFL may legally proceed with the transfer (though some FFLs choose to wait longer). If you're frequently delayed, you can apply for a NICS Appeal Services (NICS) Voluntary Appeal File to speed up future checks.
Can I buy a suppressor online?
If your state allows suppressors (42 states do), yes. As of January 2026, the federal tax stamp is $0. You'll still need to file ATF Form 4 and pass a background check. The process typically takes several months for the ATF to process. Read our complete suppressor guide.
I'm 18-20 years old. What can I buy online?
Federal law allows 18-year-olds to buy rifles and shotguns from an FFL. However, many states have raised the minimum age to 21 for all firearms or for semiautomatic rifles. In gun-friendly states, an 18-year-old can buy a bolt-action rifle, pump shotgun, or semi-auto rifle with no issues. You must be 21 to buy a handgun from any FFL anywhere in the country.
Ready to Buy?
TheGunDock ships to all 50 states and has 190,000+ products in stock from 17 distributors. Our checkout includes a built-in FFL finder — just enter your zip code and we'll show you the closest transfer dealers.
Disclaimer: Gun laws change frequently. This guide reflects information gathered as of February 2026. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general's office, the ATF, or a qualified firearms attorney before making a purchase. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
