Federal law establishes the baseline for firearm purchases, but your state may have additional requirements that affect your online gun purchase or FFL transfer.
Before buying, you need to know your state's waiting periods, permit requirements, and any restrictions on what you can purchase.
State Waiting Periods
Some states impose mandatory waiting periods between purchase/background check approval and when you can take possession. Even if NICS approves you instantly, you must wait.
States with Waiting Periods
| State | Waiting Period | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| California | 10 days | All firearms |
| Colorado | 3 days | All firearms |
| Florida | 3 days (up to 5 days at county discretion) | All firearms |
| Hawaii | 14 days | All firearms |
| Illinois | 72 hours (handguns), 24 hours (long guns) | All firearms |
| Maryland | 7 days | Handguns and certain rifles |
| Minnesota | 7 days (or until permit issued) | Handguns, semi-auto military-style rifles |
| New Jersey | 7 days | Handguns |
| Oregon | Varies (based on background check) | All firearms |
| Rhode Island | 7 days | All firearms |
| Washington | 10 days | All firearms |
States without waiting periods: Most states allow you to take possession immediately after passing your background check.
How Waiting Periods Work
Your FFL cannot legally transfer the firearm until the waiting period expires, regardless of background check results. The clock typically starts when:
- You complete Form 4473 (most states), or
- The background check is initiated, or
- The purchase is made (varies by state)
Your FFL will tell you exactly when you can return to pick up your firearm.
Permit-to-Purchase States
Some states require you to obtain a permit before you can purchase or receive certain firearms.
States Requiring Permits
| State | Permit Required | Firearm Type | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Yes | Handguns, long guns | Local police, background check |
| Hawaii | Yes | All firearms | County police, includes fingerprints |
| Illinois | FOID required | All firearms | State Police application |
| Maryland | HQL required | Handguns | Training course + application |
| Massachusetts | LTC/FID required | All firearms | Local police, training |
| Michigan | Purchase permit | Handguns | Local police (or CPL exemption) |
| Minnesota | Permit to purchase | Handguns, semi-auto rifles | Sheriff or police application |
| New Jersey | FPID required | All firearms | Local police application |
| New York | License required | Handguns | County judge/police, extensive process |
| North Carolina | Purchase permit | Handguns | Sheriff application (or CHP exemption) |
If your state requires a permit: You must have it before attempting your FFL transfer. The FFL will verify your permit before completing the transfer.
Obtaining Your Permit
Permit processes vary by state but typically include:
- Application to local law enforcement or state agency
- Background check
- Fingerprinting (some states)
- Training course (some states)
- Waiting period for processing (days to months)
- Fees ($20-$200+)
Plan ahead—some states take months to issue permits. Don't buy a gun online until you have your permit in hand.
State Background Check Systems
Beyond federal NICS, some states run their own background checks:
Point-of-Contact States
These states handle their own background checks (may also access NICS):
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
In these states, your FFL contacts the state system instead of (or in addition to) calling NICS directly.
What This Means for You
State checks may:
- Take longer than federal NICS
- Search additional state databases
- Have different denial criteria
- Require additional fees
Your FFL handles all of this—you don't need to do anything differently.
Magazine Capacity Restrictions
Several states limit magazine capacity:
| State | Magazine Limit |
|---|---|
| California | 10 rounds |
| Colorado | 15 rounds |
| Connecticut | 10 rounds |
| Hawaii | 10 rounds |
| Maryland | 10 rounds |
| Massachusetts | 10 rounds (pre-ban exempt) |
| New Jersey | 10 rounds |
| New York | 10 rounds |
| Vermont | 10 rounds (handguns), 15 (long guns) |
| Washington | 10 rounds |
If you're buying online: Ensure any included magazines comply with your state's limits. Many online retailers won't ship non-compliant magazines to restricted states. Your FFL won't transfer firearms with illegal magazines.
Assault Weapon Restrictions
Some states restrict or ban certain semi-automatic firearms:
States with Assault Weapon Laws
- California — Banned features list, requires registration
- Connecticut — Banned list, some grandfathered
- Hawaii — Assault pistols banned
- Maryland — Banned list with specific models
- Massachusetts — Banned features, AG enforcement list
- New Jersey — Banned features list
- New York — SAFE Act restrictions, banned features
If you're in a restricted state, research specific models before purchasing. Your FFL can advise whether a particular firearm is legal in your state.
Handgun vs. Long Gun Regulations
Many states have different rules for handguns and long guns:
Common Handgun-Specific Rules
- Lower age requirement for long guns (18) vs. handguns (21 federally)
- Additional waiting periods for handguns
- Permit requirements for handguns only
- Registration requirements for handguns
- More restrictive transfer rules
Interstate Considerations
Federal law treats handguns and long guns differently for interstate transfers:
- Long guns: Can be transferred in any state where the sale is legal
- Handguns: Must be transferred in your state of residence
If you're buying a handgun online, the FFL must be in the state where you legally reside.
Registration Requirements
Most states don't require firearm registration, but a few do:
| State | Registration Required |
|---|---|
| California | Yes, through DROS |
| Connecticut | Yes, assault weapons |
| Hawaii | Yes, all firearms |
| Maryland | Yes, regulated firearms |
| New York | Yes, handguns + assault weapons |
| Washington D.C. | Yes, all firearms |
In registration states, your FFL handles the registration paperwork during your transfer.
Age Requirements
Federal minimums:
- Handguns: 21 years old
- Long guns: 18 years old
Some states are more restrictive:
| State | Minimum Age (All Firearms) |
|---|---|
| California | 21 |
| Florida | 21 |
| Hawaii | 21 |
| Illinois | 21 |
| Vermont | 21 |
| Washington | 21 |
FFLs will verify your age before completing any transfer.
Concealed Carry Permit Benefits
In some states, having a concealed carry permit (CCW/CHP/LTC) provides benefits for purchases:
- Skip permit-to-purchase requirements — Some states exempt CCW holders
- Bypass waiting periods — Limited states allow this
- NICS alternative — Some state permits qualify as background check alternatives
- Streamlined transfers — Fewer steps at the FFL
Check whether your state CCW provides any purchase benefits.
How to Check Your State's Laws
Laws change. Always verify current requirements before purchasing:
- Your state's attorney general website — Official source for state gun laws
- State police/law enforcement websites — Often have firearms FAQ sections
- Your FFL — Local dealers know local laws
- NRA-ILA state law pages — Comprehensive summaries (verify with official sources)
When in doubt, ask your FFL. They're responsible for knowing local law and won't complete transfers that violate state requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all states require a waiting period?
No. Most states allow you to take possession immediately after passing your background check. Only about 10 states have mandatory waiting periods.
Can I buy a gun online if my state requires a permit?
Yes, but you must have the permit before completing your FFL transfer. The firearm can ship to your FFL, but they won't transfer it to you without verifying your permit.
What happens if I buy a gun that's illegal in my state?
Your FFL will refuse the transfer. You'll need to have the firearm returned to the seller (at your expense) or transferred to an FFL in a state where it's legal.
Do state laws apply to online purchases from other states?
Yes. When the firearm transfers to you through a local FFL, your state's laws apply fully. Where the online retailer is located doesn't matter.
Can I move to a new state with my guns?
Generally yes, but you must comply with your new state's laws. Some firearms legal in your old state may be restricted in your new state. Research before moving.
Find a Local FFL Who Knows Your State's Laws
Local FFLs understand your state's requirements and can guide you through the process.