Laws about stun guns change from state to state. While you can freely buy stun guns in 33 states, other states make you get permits, pass background checks, or don't allow them at all.
Most states say you must be 18 or older to own one. You can't bring stun guns into places like schools, courts, or government buildings.
Many cities and towns have stricter rules than their states do. Before you buy or carry a stun gun, make sure to check both your state and local laws. Learning these rules now will help you follow the law correctly.
Key Takeaways
States have different rules about stun guns, but most allow you to own one if you follow their specific requirements for permits, licenses, or background checks.
You usually need to be at least 18 years old to own a stun gun in most states.
The law bans stun guns in certain places like schools, courthouses, and government buildings – no exceptions.
You can only use a stun gun to defend yourself when you're in immediate danger, but each state defines this differently in their laws.
Many cities and towns create stricter rules than their state laws, including requiring special permits or completely banning stun guns in some areas.
State-by-State Legal Requirements
The legal rules for stun guns differ greatly across the United States. While most states let people own stun guns, each state has its own specific laws about how you can buy and use them.
You need special paperwork in California – both a permit and registration – before you can buy a stun gun. Florida bans stun guns completely for regular citizens. Illinois requires you to get a Firearm Owner's Identification Card if you want to carry a concealed stun gun. In New York, only licensed security guards can have stun guns.
Texas makes things simpler – you can own and carry stun guns for self-defense without any special permits. But remember, most states won't let you bring stun guns into certain places like schools and courthouses, no matter where you live.
Make sure you look up your state's laws before you buy or carry a stun gun. You need to know the rules about:
- Who can own one
- What permits you might need
- Where you can carry it
This way, you'll stay within the law and avoid any legal troubles.
Permit and License Regulations
You need to get the right permits and licenses to legally own a stun gun in many states. Each area has different rules, so you must learn your local laws. States like Massachusetts and Hawaii make you get a permit before you can own a stun gun.
You'll need to get your permit or license from either your state or local government. For example, if you live in Mobile, Alabama, you must follow the city's specific rules. Check all the requirements for your area before you carry or use a stun gun. These often include age limits and background checks.
If you carry a stun gun without the required permit in places with strict laws, you could get in legal trouble. Some states don't make you get a permit in certain cases, like when you use the device to protect yourself or keep it in your home. Make sure you know and follow your local rules to legally own and use your stun gun.
Age and Background Check Rules
Most states require you to be at least 18 years old to buy or carry a stun gun. Each state sets its own rules, and some places might require you to be even older or get a special permit.
Before you can own a stun gun, many states will check your background. You might need to get a permit first, and officials will look into your history to make sure you don't have any felony convictions. Some areas have stricter rules that require extra permits and more detailed background checks.
Breaking these rules can get you into serious trouble. You could face criminal charges if you have a stun gun without meeting the age limits or passing required background checks. Check your state's specific laws before buying one. Keep in mind that if you have a felony conviction, many states won't let you own a stun gun at all.
Restricted Locations and Areas
You need to know which places ban stun guns before carrying one. Most states have clear rules about where you can't take these devices. You can't bring stun guns into schools or courthouses, even if you have permits or licenses.
Buses, trains, and government buildings usually don't allow stun guns inside. Many private businesses can choose to ban stun guns too, and they often show this through signs or written rules. Before going to concerts or sports events, check what the venue allows.
Many places require you to have a permit to carry a concealed stun gun. Breaking these rules can get you in trouble with the law. Even with the right permits, you should follow all local rules carefully. Never use a stun gun against police officers – this is illegal and leads to serious charges. If you're unsure about rules for a specific place, ask the local police or a lawyer.
Self-Defense Usage Guidelines
Owning a stun gun comes with important rules about self-defense and safety. You must only use these devices to protect yourself when legally allowed. Each state has different laws about when and how you can use stun guns, so learn your local rules before carrying one.
Never start fights or make situations worse with your stun gun. Only use it when you truly believe you're in immediate danger. Most states require you to have a good reason to think someone might hurt you before you can use a stun gun. Remember that you can't use these devices against police officers, even if you think you need to defend yourself.
Before you buy a stun gun, take a training course to learn how to handle it safely. Training will help you avoid accidents and know how to use the device properly when needed. Since laws about stun guns differ from state to state, keep up with your local rules to stay legal while protecting yourself.
Transportation and Storage Laws
Check airline rules and state laws before you travel with a stun gun, since rules differ for both carry-on and checked bags. When you cross state lines, make sure you follow the rules in both states you're traveling between. This includes keeping your stun gun in a locked box and removing its power source.
At home and while moving it around, store your stun gun in a locked container to stay safe and avoid breaking any laws.
Safe Travel Requirements
Traveling With Stun Guns: What You Need to Know
Federal and local regulations control how you can travel with stun guns. Most states allow stun guns, but some places like Hawaii have strict rules. When flying, you can't bring your stun gun in carry-on bags, but you can pack it in checked luggage if you secure and unload it properly.
Take these steps to travel safely:
- Contact police in both your starting point and destination to check if you need permits
- Find out if you need a concealed carry permit where you're going
- Follow all transport rules to avoid heavy fines
- Keep your stun gun in a locked box during travel
Laws change when you cross state lines, so do your homework first. Call your airline to learn their rules about packing stun guns in checked bags. Airlines often have extra rules beyond what the government requires.
Before using your stun gun at your destination, check all local laws about:
- How to store it
- Where you can carry it
- When you can use it
Remember: The rules exist to keep everyone safe. Breaking them can result in serious trouble, including fines or arrest. When in doubt, ask local authorities about what's allowed in their area.
Proper Storage Guidelines
Store and transport your stun gun safely by following your state's rules. Make sure to unload your stun gun and keep it in a locked container where others can't see it. Most states require you to lock up the device when you're not using it to keep others from getting to it.
Before crossing state lines with your stun gun, check the rules for each state on your route. If you're flying, don't pack your stun gun in your carry-on bag. You must tell the airline about it and put it in your checked luggage following airline and TSA rules.
Good storage isn't just about making things easy – it's about following the law and staying safe. Even if you have a permit, you can face criminal charges if you don't follow storage and transport rules. At home, keep your stun gun in a locked safe or secure box. When traveling by car, store it out of sight in your trunk or another secure spot that follows your state's rules.
Ownership Limitations and Exceptions
Ownership Limitations and Exceptions
State laws control what kinds of stun guns you can own and how you can use them. Check these key rules before buying:
Most states ban people with felony convictions from owning stun guns.
Several states require special permits:
- Connecticut requires a concealed carry permit
- Delaware requires a concealed carry permit
- Illinois requires a concealed carry permit
- Wisconsin requires a concealed carry permit
California limits the size of stun gun containers and how strong the spray can be.
New Jersey only allows stun guns up to 3/4 of an ounce and limits their use to self-defense.
State and local laws about stun guns change often, so always check your current local rules. Breaking these laws can lead to serious penalties, even though stun guns remain legal in most areas.
Voltage and Feature Restrictions
States enforce different rules about what kind of stun guns you can own and use. Before you buy a stun gun or taser for protection, you need to know what your state allows in terms of power levels and shooting features.
California strictly limits stun guns to 10 watts or less of power. They created this rule to help people defend themselves while keeping more dangerous weapons off the streets.
Illinois bans stun guns that can shoot farther than 15 feet, no matter how much power they have.
New York has even tougher rules and only lets people own basic stun guns you have to hold against someone – no shooting allowed. This means you can't have tasers that fire electrical probes in New York, even if you have permits.
Texas gives you more freedom with stun guns, as they don't limit power levels or features.
You should check your local laws about stun gun power and shooting features before buying one. Each state has different rules about what you can legally own and carry.
Local Jurisdiction Special Conditions
Make sure to review your local city and county rules about stun guns, as they often set stricter limits than state laws. Your city might require special permits or ban carrying stun guns in places like government buildings and public areas.
Even if state law lets you own a stun gun, your local area mightn't allow them at all. Some cities also require you to complete training or file paperwork before you can legally own one. Since rules vary by location, contact your local police department or city hall to learn the exact requirements that apply to you.
City-Specific Permit Rules
Local cities and towns in the United States often make their own rules about stun guns that are stricter than state laws. You must check your local rules carefully, since each city can have different laws about owning or carrying stun guns and tasers. For instance, Chicago enforces tougher rules than Illinois state law does, while Mobile, Alabama makes you get a special permit.
Before you buy or carry a stun gun, look up these important city rules:
- New York City only lets licensed security guards and certain professionals own stun guns, even though the state allows them
- Newark, Wilmington, and New Castle County in Delaware ban stun guns completely, though the state says they're legal
- Mobile, Alabama requires you to get a special permit from their police department
- Chicago treats stun guns as dangerous weapons and sets strict limits beyond state rules
Your state and city might've many different laws about firearms and dangerous weapons that overlap. To stay safe and legal, contact your local police department to check the current rules before buying a stun gun.
County-Level Carry Restrictions
State laws set basic rules for stun guns, but many counties add their own stricter rules about carrying these devices. You need to check both state and local laws before buying or carrying a stun gun to make sure you follow all the rules.
Many local governments have created their own rules that go beyond what the state requires. Take Delaware, for example – even though state law allows stun guns, you can't have one in Wilmington or New Castle County. In Mobile, Alabama, you must get a permit from local police before you can legally own a stun gun.
These rules can be very different from one city or county to another. Breaking local rules can get you in legal trouble, even if your stun gun follows state law. It's smart to call your local police department or lawyer to check the current rules, since some places don't allow stun guns in certain public areas or require special permits. Just following state laws isn't enough – local rules often have more limits.
Municipal Building Limitations
Most cities have strict rules about stun guns in their buildings, even in places where you can legally carry them elsewhere. Government buildings, courthouses, and similar locations ban these devices to keep everyone safe.
Before you carry a stun gun into any public building, know these common rules:
- New York City bans stun guns in all city buildings, and most residents can't own them at all
- In Illinois, you need a concealed carry permit to bring stun guns into schools, public transit, or government buildings
- Washington DC doesn't allow stun guns in any public buildings or properties
- San Francisco takes it further – you can't buy or sell stun guns anywhere in the city
While police officers can usually carry stun guns in these places, regular citizens must follow local rules. Each city sets its own restrictions, which often include:
- Government offices
- Schools
- Libraries
- Other public buildings
Make sure you check your local laws, since rules change from one city to another. It's your job to know where you can and can't carry a stun gun.
Purchase Requirements by Region
Regional rules for buying stun guns differ across the U.S., with most states keeping rules simple. You can legally buy tasers in 33 states and Washington D.C. without a permit or license. You just need to be old enough and have no felony convictions.
Five states – Delaware, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Wisconsin – require you to get a concealed carry permit first. Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Minnesota make you pass a background check before buying a stun gun. These states treat stun guns as dangerous weapons and have stricter rules than other states.
If you want to carry a stun gun for protection, keep in mind that eight states and D.C. don't allow them on school property. Virginia has even more limits – you can't bring them to airports, courthouses, or onto buses. Before you buy, check your state's age rules, which usually set the minimum age between 16 and 21 years old. Every state bans people with felony convictions from having stun guns, no matter what other rules they have.
Frequently Asked Questions
In What States Are Stun Guns Not Legal?
Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Michigan ban stun guns completely. New York requires you to get special permits to own one, while Illinois enforces strict concealed carry rules. California makes you register your stun gun and get a permit before buying one.
Are Stun Guns Protected by the Second Amendment?
The Supreme Court hasn't fully decided if stun guns fall under Second Amendment protection, but different courts across the country have reached different conclusions. Some courts defend the right to own stun guns for self-defense, while others uphold laws that limit their use to protect public safety.
What Is the Legal Voltage for a Stun Gun?
Stun gun voltage limits range from 7,000 to 150,000 volts, depending on your state's laws. Before you buy a stun gun, make sure to look up your local rules about voltage limits and whether you can legally own one, since laws differ from place to place.
What Are the Laws and Restrictions on Stun Guns in Texas?
Texas law allows you to own and carry stun guns without any permits or licenses. You don't need special training to carry one. However, you can't use stun guns against police officers, and convicted felons cannot possess them. You can bring stun guns into most public places legally.