Comprehensive answers about Constitutional Carry, permits, self-defense, D.C. laws, and more. Updated for 2026.
Our website provides general informational content about firearms laws across the United States. We aim to help gun owners, prospective buyers, and enthusiasts understand the complex landscape of federal and state firearms regulations.
No. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not attorneys, and using our website does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal questions specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified firearms attorney.
We strive to keep our content current and accurate. Firearms laws change frequently, and we make efforts to update our information when significant legal developments occur. However, we cannot guarantee that all information reflects the most recent changes. Always verify with official sources.
We work to provide accurate information sourced from official government resources and legal databases. However, we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy at all times. Laws change rapidly, and errors can occur. We encourage users to verify all information with official sources before making legal decisions.
Constitutional Carry (also called "permitless carry") means that individuals can carry a concealed firearm without a government-issued permit. These laws are based on the Second Amendment premise that the right to bear arms does not require government permission. Currently, about 28 states have some form of Constitutional Carry.
Shall Issue: If you meet the legal requirements (background check, no felonies, etc.), the state must issue your permit. These are generally straightforward to obtain.
May Issue: The issuing authority has discretion over whether to grant permits. You typically need to demonstrate a specific "good cause" need beyond personal protection. These permits are often very difficult to obtain.
It depends on state-to-state reciprocity agreements. Some states honor permits from all other states, while others only honor permits from specific states. Additionally, some states that have Constitutional Carry may still honor permits from other states for benefits like purchasing firearms in that state. Always check the specific laws before carrying in another state.
Federal law prohibits firearms in:
State and local laws add additional restrictions. Always research your specific destination before carrying.
As of 2026, approximately 28 states have some form of Constitutional Carry (permitless concealed carry). These states allow eligible adults to carry concealed firearms without a government-issued permit. However, federal restrictions still apply on federal property.
In June 2022, the Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen established that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to carry firearms outside the home for self-defense.
This decision struck down "may-issue" permitting schemes and required courts to use a historical test when evaluating firearms regulations. It has led to many states expanding concealed carry rights.
Federal law prohibits licensed dealers from selling handguns to anyone under 21, but long guns (rifles and shotguns) can be purchased at 18. However, there are ongoing legal challenges to the handgun age restriction.
Constitutional Carry states may allow 18-20 year olds to carry without a permit, though federal restrictions on purchasing still apply. Always check your specific state laws.
Red Flag Laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders/ERPOs) allow family members or law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous.
Approximately 21 states and Washington D.C. have some form of red flag law. These laws vary significantly in who can petition, the burden of proof, and the duration of the order.
Generally no. D.C. does not issue concealed carry permits to most residents. The city only issues permits in extremely limited circumstances (such as documented threats).
After Bruen, there are ongoing legal challenges to D.C.'s restrictive carry policies.
All firearms in D.C. must be registered with MPD. Registration requires completing a training course, background check, and fingerprinting. D.C. also prohibits assault weapons and magazines over 10 rounds.
Castle Doctrine: You have no duty to retreat when in your home (or sometimes vehicle/place of work in some states). You may use force to defend yourself.
Stand Your Ground: Extends the no-duty-to-retreat principle beyond your home to any place you are legally allowed to be. About 30 states have some form of stand your ground law.
Lethal force is generally only justified when you have a reasonable belief of imminent death or serious bodily harm to yourself or others. You cannot use lethal force to protect property alone.
Specific laws vary by state. After any self-defense incident, you should immediately contact law enforcement and consult an attorney.
The Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) provides limited protections when traveling through states with stricter laws. As long as your firearm is unloaded and locked in the trunk, you cannot be prosecuted under that state's laws for simple possession.
However, FOPA does not allow you to stop in restrictive states or bring firearms into states where they are categorically prohibited.
This depends on your state and employer. Many states have "parking lot" laws that prohibit employers from banning lawful firearms in vehicles parked in company lots.
However, employers can generally prohibit carrying on the premises itself. Check your state laws and your employer's policies.
Ghost guns are firearms made from unfinished frames or receivers (80% lowers) that lack serial numbers. As of 2022, federal law requires all kits to include serial numbers, and the ATF has issued new regulations.
Many states have also enacted their own ghost gun prohibitions. Some pre-2022 kits may still be legal depending on your state.
Yes. Federal law prohibits marijuana users from purchasing firearms regardless of state laws. On Form 4473, using marijuana is a disqualifying factor.
This remains true even in states where recreational marijuana is legal. If you hold a medical card, you may face additional restrictions in some states.
Several states have assault weapon bans (CA, CT, DE, HI, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, RI, VA, WA) plus D.C. These bans are being challenged in court following Bruen. grandfather clauses often allow previously-owned weapons. Check your specific state for current legal status.
Contact a firearms attorney as soon as possible after the incident.
A background check (NICS check) is conducted through the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Federal Licensed Firearm Dealers (FFLs) must run this check before transferring a firearm. It searches criminal records, restraining orders, and other disqualifying information. The process typically takes a few minutes but can take up to 3 business days in some cases.
Form 4473 is the ATF's "Firearms Transaction Record" that must be completed for every firearm purchased from an FFL. It collects information about the buyer, the firearm, and includes attestations that the buyer is not prohibited from purchasing firearms. This form must be retained by the dealer and is subject to inspection by ATF.
Generally, you must purchase firearms in your state of residence through an FFL. You can purchase a firearm in another state, but it must be shipped to an FFL in your home state, where you will complete the 4473 and background check. Private sales between residents of different states are prohibited.
NFA (National Firearms Act) items are heavily regulated by the ATF and include:
To own an NFA item like a silencer, you must:
Also ensure silencers are legal in your state.
We appreciate corrections! Please use our contact form and select "Report an Error" as the subject. Include the specific page URL and description of the error so we can investigate and correct it quickly.
We review all error reports and make corrections as quickly as possible.
We cannot recommend specific attorneys due to the nature of our informational-only service. However, we provide resources to help you find qualified firearms attorneys:
To stay informed about firearms law changes:
If you couldn't find the answer to your question, feel free to contact us. For specific legal matters, we recommend consulting with a qualified attorney.
Reminder: Our website provides informational content only. For legal questions about your specific situation, please consult with a qualified firearms attorney.