Minimum Age for Gun Sales and Transfers*

Minimum Age for Gun Sales and Transfers

Minimum Age for Gun Sales and Transfers*

Unlicensed Persons

  • Handguns: Under federal law, unlicensed persons may not sell, deliver or otherwise transfer a handgun or handgun ammunition to any person the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under the age of 18, except under certain exceptions.**

  • Long Guns: There are no federal laws preventing unlicensed persons from selling, delivering or otherwise transferring a long gun or long gun ammunition to a person of any age.

Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs):

  • Handguns: Under federal law, FFLs may not sell, deliver or otherwise transfer a handgun or handgun ammunition to any person the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under the age of 21.

  • Long Guns: Under federal law, FFLs may not sell, deliver or otherwise transfer a long gun or long gun ammunition to any person the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under the age of 18.

*18 USC 922

**18 USC 922 (x)

Published by ATF on June 21, 2016

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Last Reviewed October 28, 2020