The legal age to buy a firearm in the United States depends on the type of weapon and whether you are buying from a licensed dealer or a private individual. While federal law sets a baseline, many states have enacted stricter requirements. Federal Requirements
: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun or handgun ammunition from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL).
: Some states, such as Minnesota, require a permit to purchase handguns or "military-style assault weapons," which are typically only issued to those 21 or older. Ownership vs. Purchase
: Washington and Massachusetts require buyers to be 21 for semiautomatic rifles, while allowing 18-year-olds to purchase other long guns.
: States like California , Colorado , Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont generally require a buyer to be 21 for both handguns and long guns.