Stun guns are regulated products in most states, so it's important to know the laws that govern buying, owning and using stun guns in your home state. Regulations can vary significantly by state and can be updated from time to time, so it's always best to check your state regulations to make sure you're in compliance.
To help you know what to expect, we put together a summary of most relevant regulations. Keep in mind that this post is not the official source of information and that it might not be updated with the latest requirements from your local state. When in doubt, always refer to your local state law.
All states will have a minimum age requirement for purchasing a stun gun and all states will prohibit the use of a stun gun for people with assault felony convictions. Some state require a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card for making a stun gun purchase (which is why we will ask you for proof of FOID ownership before we process your order if you live in one of those states) along with some requiring a background check (which we may also have to conduct if required by law).
Concealed carry laws vary by state, but the USCCA website has a good guide to show the concealed carry requirements by state. Many states require a concealed carry license (CCL) for carrying a concealed weapon.
If you're planning to take a stun gun with you on a plane, consult the FAA regulations. As of now, stun guns are allowed only in checked luggage if they have a safety feature that prevents an accidental discharge. All the sun guns we carry will have a safety feature. Keep in mind that some state will not allow carrying stun guns into airports (see footnote below the table)
For your convenience, at the time of writing this post, here is a summary of the specific state requirements for purchasing a stun gun. While we will try to keep this updated, changes may happen locally and this post may not reflect the latest official information.
| State | Minimum age | Carry in state and government buildings (including schools) | Permit required | Background check required |
| Alabama | 19 | No | No | No |
| Alaska | 18 | No | No | No |
| Arizona | 18 | No | No | No |
| Arkansas | 19 | No* | No | No |
| California |
16 w/ guardian 18 otherwise |
No | No | No |
| Colorado | 18 | No | No | No |
| Connecticut | 21 | No | No | No |
| Delaware | 21 | No | No | Yes |
| District of Columbia | 18 | No | No | No |
| Florida | 18 | No | No | No |
| Georgia | 18 | No | No | No |
| Hawaii | Training required | No | Yes | |
| Idaho | 18 | No | No | No |
| Illinois | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | 18 | No* | No | No |
| Iowa | 18 | No | No | No |
| Kansas | 18 | No | No | No |
| Kentucky | 18 | No** | No | No |
| Louisiana | 18 | No | No | No |
| Maine | 18 | No | No | No |
| Maryland | 18 | No | No | Yes |
| Massachusetts | 18 | No | Yes**** | No |
| Michigan | 21 | No** | CPL | No |
| Minnesota | 18 | No | No | Yes |
| Mississippi | 21 | No* | No | No |
| Missouri | 18 | No | No | No |
| Montana | 18 | No | No | No |
| Nebraska | 18 | No | No | No |
| Nevada | 18 | No | No | No |
| New Hampshire | 18 | No | No | No |
| New Jersey | 18 | No | No | No |
| New Mexico | 18 | No | No | No |
| New York | 18 | No | No | No |
| North Carolina | 18 | No | No | No |
| North Dakota | 18 | No | No | No |
| Ohio | 18 | No | No | No |
| Oklahoma | 18 | No | No | No |
| Oregon | 18 | No | No | No |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | No | No | No |
| Puerto Rico | 18 | No** | No | No |
| Rhode Island | Banned for now | |||
| South Carolina | 18 | No | No | No |
| South Dakota | 18 | No | No | No |
| Tennessee | 18 | No* | No | No |
| Texas | 18 | Yes*** | No | No |
| Utah | 18 | No | No | No |
| Vermont | 18 | No | No | No |
| Virginia | 18 | No | No | No |
| Washington | 18 | No | No | No |
| West-Virginia | 18 | No* | No | No |
| Wisconsin | 18 | No | CCL | Yes |
| Wyoming | 18 | No | No | No |
*Carrying inside airports and military facilities is also not allowed
**Carrying inside grocery stores and private businesses requires a permit unless otherwise posted
***With the exception of courthouses, carrying is allowed in state and local government buildings with a concealed handgun carry permit
**** Massachusetts banned the use of stun guns for the general public. Only law enforcement officers and agencies are excluded.
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