Gun Laws by State

U.S. firearm rules come from federal, state, and sometimes local law. They can govern who may possess a firearm and how firearms are bought, sold, carried, transported, stored, or transferred. Federal law applies nationwide, while state and local requirements vary by location.

Both, and they stack. Federal law sets a nationwide floor, such as who counts as a prohibited person and when a licensed dealer must run a background check. States can add their own requirements on top, such as purchase permits, waiting periods, registration, or carry licensing, and some cities and counties add further rules where state law allows it. A transaction or trip can involve more than one layer at once.

There is no single official federal ranking of state firearm laws. On GunList's own 0-10 scoring (purchase permits, waiting periods, registration, magazine and assault-weapon rules, owner licensing, and carry requirements), the current lowest scores belong to Illinois (0.5), Washington, D.C. (0.5), California (1.5), New Jersey (1.5), New York (1.5), and Rhode Island (1.5). These states generally require a purchase permit or dealer-facilitated background check, additional licensing, and restrict specific firearm types or magazine capacity. Treat this as a starting comparison, not an official label, and read the specific state's guide for the details behind its score.

There is no official federal definition of the least restrictive state either. On GunList's own 0-10 scoring, 21 states are currently tied at the top of the scale, each scoring 10: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Each has no general purchase permit, waiting period, firearm registration, magazine limit, or assault-weapon ban, and allows permitless or shall-issue carry for eligible people. A state can still restrict one specific category even at a top overall score, so review that state's full guide before making a legal or travel decision.

Open-carry rules vary by state, firearm type, age, permit status, and location. Even where open carry is generally permitted, restrictions may apply in schools, government buildings, businesses, vehicles, or other sensitive places. Verify the current rules for every state and locality involved.

There is no stable official count. Firearm requirements are spread across federal statutes and regulations, 50 state legal systems plus D.C., local ordinances where allowed, and court decisions. The total also changes as laws take effect, are amended, or are blocked by courts.

It varies by state and changes throughout the year as legislative sessions, ballot measures, agency rules, and court rulings take effect. GunList does not maintain a single national changelog; instead, check the Updated date and source list at the bottom of the specific state guide you care about for its current status.

It depends on the firearm, your residence, the seller, and the laws of both states. Many out-of-state purchases must be completed through an FFL in the buyer's state of residence.

Generally, a private sale to a resident of another state must be completed through a federally licensed dealer. Check federal law and the laws of both states before proceeding.

Federal law does not require every same-state private transfer to go through a background check, but many states impose background check, permit, dealer-transfer, or record requirements. Review the state involved.

Carry rules vary by state and may change when you cross a state line. Check permit recognition, restricted locations, vehicle carry rules, and transportation requirements for each place you enter.