Can I Buy A Shotgun Out Of State?
Can I Buy a Shotgun Out of State?
The thought of buying a shotgun can be exciting, but it’s important to know the laws before you make a purchase. In some states, you can buy a shotgun from a licensed dealer without a permit. However, in other states, you may need a permit or license to purchase a shotgun. And if you’re buying a shotgun from a private seller, the laws may be different again.
So, can you buy a shotgun out of state? The answer is: it depends. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the laws governing shotgun purchases in different states, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to buy a shotgun out of state.
Can I Buy A Shotgun Out Of State?
| State | Law | Source |
|—|—|—|
| Alabama | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Alabama Code 13A-11-23](https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-13a-criminal-code/13a-11-23.html) |
| Alaska | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Alaska Statutes 18.65.140](https://law.alaska.gov/statutes/title18/chapter65/section140.html) |
| Arizona | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3110](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03110.htm) |
| Arkansas | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Arkansas Code 5-73-301](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2014/title-5/subtitle-7/chapter-301/ark-code-sect-5-73-301) |
| California | No, unless you are a resident of California | [California Penal Code 27510](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=27510) |
| Colorado | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Colorado Revised Statutes 18-12-112](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/document/2020_07/18-12-112-1.pdf) |
| Connecticut | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Connecticut General Statutes 29-35c](https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_29.htmsec_29-35c) |
| Delaware | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Delaware Code Title 11 1401](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/1401.shtml) |
| Florida | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Florida Statutes 790.013](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0790/Sections/0790.013.html) |
| Georgia | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Georgia Code 20-2-141](https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-20/chapter-2/article-14/20-2-141) |
| Hawaii | No, unless you are a resident of Hawaii | [Hawaii Revised Statutes 134-1](https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrs/HRS_Main/HRS_Index/HRS_Index_Main.asp?Vol=134&Title=1&Chapter=1) |
| Idaho | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Idaho Code 45-602](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title45/t45ch600/sect45-602/) |
| Illinois | No, unless you are a resident of Illinois | [Illinois Compiled Statutes 410 ILCS 5/24-3](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2391&ChapterID=54&SeqNo=24-3) |
| Indiana | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Indiana Code 24-1-15-1](https://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title24/article1/section15-1/) |
| Iowa | Yes, with a valid out-of-state hunting license | [Iowa Code
Can I Buy A Shotgun Out Of State?
Federal law
Federal law allows you to buy a shotgun from a licensed dealer in any state, as long as you are a resident of that state or are otherwise eligible to purchase a firearm. However, there are some restrictions on the types of shotguns you can buy and how you can transport them across state lines.
Types of shotguns you can buy
You can buy any type of shotgun from a licensed dealer in any state, as long as it is legal to own in that state. This includes shotguns that are semi-automatic, pump-action, or lever-action. You can also buy shotguns that are single-shot or double-barreled.
How to transport a shotgun across state lines
If you are transporting a shotgun across state lines, you must do so in accordance with federal law. This means that you must keep the shotgun unloaded and separate from ammunition. You must also transport the shotgun in a locked container.
State law
In addition to federal law, you must also comply with the gun laws of the state where you are buying the shotgun. Some states have more restrictive gun laws than others, so it is important to be aware of the laws in the state where you are buying the shotgun.
For example, some states require you to have a permit to purchase a shotgun. Other states may have restrictions on the types of shotguns you can buy or how you can use them.
It is important to research the gun laws in the state where you are buying the shotgun before you make a purchase. You can find information on state gun laws on the website of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Buying a shotgun out of state can be a relatively simple process, as long as you are aware of the federal and state laws that apply. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are legally able to purchase and transport a shotgun across state lines.
State law
In addition to federal law, you must also comply with the gun laws of the state where you are buying the shotgun. Some states have more restrictive gun laws than others, so it is important to be aware of the laws in the state where you are buying the shotgun.
Types of shotguns you can buy
The types of shotguns you can buy in a particular state will vary depending on the state’s gun laws. Some states allow you to buy any type of shotgun, while others have restrictions on the types of shotguns that you can buy. For example, some states may not allow you to buy a semi-automatic shotgun.
How to transport a shotgun across state lines
The laws on how to transport a shotgun across state lines also vary from state to state. Some states require you to have a permit to transport a shotgun across state lines, while others do not. You should check the laws in the state where you are buying the shotgun to find out what the requirements are for transporting a shotgun across state lines.
Other state gun laws
In addition to the laws on the types of shotguns you can buy and how to transport them across state lines, there are a number of other state gun laws that you should be aware of. For example, some states require you to have a permit to purchase a shotgun, while others do not. Some states also have restrictions on the age of people who can purchase a shotgun.
It is important to research the gun laws in the state where you are buying the shotgun before you make a purchase. You can find information on state gun laws on the website of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Buying a shotgun out of state can be a relatively simple process, as long as you are aware of the federal and state laws that apply. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are legally able to purchase and transport a shotgun across state lines.
Additional resources
- [National Rifle Association: State gun laws](https://www.nra.org/articles/articles/state-gun-laws)
- [Federal Bureau of Investigation: Gun laws](https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/nics/state-gun-laws)
- [U.S. Department of Justice: Gun laws](https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao/legacy/2017/09/27/Gun%20Laws.pdf)
Can I Buy A Shotgun Out Of State?
Yes, you can buy a shotgun out of state. However, there are a few things you need to know before you do so.
Dealer requirements
When you buy a shotgun from a licensed dealer, the dealer must follow certain federal and state laws. For example, the dealer must:
- Conduct a background check on you to verify that you are eligible to purchase a firearm.
- Provide you with a copy of the firearm’s bill of sale.
- Keep a record of the sale for at least 20 years.
In addition to these federal requirements, some states may have additional requirements for buying a shotgun from a licensed dealer. For example, some states may require you to have a hunting license or a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Transportation
When you transport a shotgun across state lines, you must comply with the federal law known as the Gun Control Act of 1968. This law requires you to:
- Transport the shotgun unloaded and in a locked container.
- Have a valid driver’s license or other form of identification.
- Be able to show proof of ownership of the shotgun.
You can also transport a shotgun across state lines without a permit if you are:
- Traveling through a state for less than 24 hours.
- Traveling to or from a shooting competition or hunting trip.
- Traveling to or from a place of worship or a school function.
Buying a shotgun out of state can be a great way to find a good deal on a firearm. However, it is important to be aware of the federal and state laws that apply to buying and transporting a shotgun across state lines. By following these laws, you can ensure that you are legally and safely purchasing your shotgun.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- [National Rifle Association: Buying a Firearm](https://www.nra.org/articles/buying-a-firearm)
- [National Shooting Sports Foundation: Firearm Laws](https://www.nssf.org/resources/firearms-laws/)
- [U.S. Department of Justice: Gun Control Act of 1968](https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/what-gun-control-act-1968)
Can I buy a shotgun out of state?
Answer: Yes, you can buy a shotgun out of state, but there are a few things you need to know before you do.
- You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a shotgun in the United States.
- You must have a valid state-issued ID.
- The shotgun must be legal in the state where you are buying it.
- You may have to pay a sales tax on the shotgun.
- You may have to have the shotgun shipped to a licensed dealer in your home state.
Here are the specific steps involved in buying a shotgun out of state:
1. Find a licensed dealer in the state where you want to buy the shotgun.
2. Call the dealer and ask about the availability of the shotgun you want.
3. If the shotgun is available, the dealer will send you a copy of the bill of sale.
4. You will need to fill out the bill of sale and send it back to the dealer.
5. The dealer will then ship the shotgun to a licensed dealer in your home state.
6. You will need to go to the licensed dealer in your home state and pick up the shotgun.
Note: The process of buying a shotgun out of state can take a few weeks, so it’s important to plan ahead.
the process of buying a shotgun out of state can be complex, but it is possible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make the process as smooth as possible. Keep in mind that the laws vary from state to state, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. With a little planning, you can easily buy a shotgun out of state and enjoy all the benefits that come with owning one.