Stun Gun Laws by State: Complete Legal Guide (2025)

Understanding stun gun laws is crucial before purchasing or carrying these self-defense devices. While stun guns are legal in most states, regulations vary significantly across the country. This comprehensive guide breaks down stun gun laws by state to help you stay legally compliant.

Last Updated: October 2025

Key Takeaways

Legal Status: Stun guns are legal to own in 49 out of 50 U.S. states, but each state has its own specific rules ranging from minimal restrictions to strict requirements.

Rhode Island Exception: Rhode Island is the only state where stun guns remain illegal for civilian possession.

Age Requirements: Most states require purchasers to be at least 18 years old, with some states requiring 21+.

Local Ordinances Matter: Even in states where stun guns are legal, cities and counties may impose additional restrictions.

Stun Guns vs. TASERs: These are different devices with separate regulations. Make sure you understand which device you’re purchasing and its specific legal requirements.

Travel Considerations: Laws vary by state, so traveling with a stun gun requires understanding regulations in every state you’ll pass through.

General Federal and State Guidelines

Federal Status

Under federal law, stun guns are legal to own and possess in the United States. However, the federal government defers to state and local jurisdictions to regulate these devices.

Federal Restrictions:

• Must be 18+ years old to purchase
• Cannot be carried on commercial aircraft (carry-on or checked)
• Cannot be shipped to restricted jurisdictions

Common State Requirements

While specific laws vary, most states that allow stun guns require:

• Minimum Age: At least 18 years old (some states require 21+)
• Clean Record: No felony convictions
• Self-Defense Purpose: Intended for lawful civilian self-defense only
• Home Possession: Minors may possess stun guns at home with parental supervision in some states

Prohibited Locations (Typically Apply in All States)

Even where legal, stun guns are generally prohibited in:

• K-12 schools and school property
• Government buildings and courthouses
• Correctional facilities
• Federal buildings
• Airports (beyond security checkpoints)
• Some college campuses
• Private property where prohibited by owner

Stun Gun Laws by State: Alphabetical Breakdown

Alabama

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required statewide
• Must be 18+ years old

Local Restrictions:

• City of Mobile: Requires a city permit from local police
• Possession not allowed on school property, including in vehicles on school premises

Alaska

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required
• No specific state restrictions

Arizona

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• Valid ID required for purchase
• No license required

Arkansas

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 19+ years old to purchase
• No permit required

California

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required
• No license required

Restrictions:

• Felons cannot purchase or carry
• Persons with narcotics addiction cannot possess
• Persons previously convicted of stun gun misuse prohibited
• Minors under 18 must have written consent from legal guardian

Colorado

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required
• No specific state restrictions

Connecticut

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 21+ years old
• Valid gun permit required
• Concealed carry permit or concealed weapons permit required

Delaware

Legal Status: ✅ Legal with restrictions

Requirements:

• Must be 21+ years old
• Background check required
• No felony convictions

Local Restrictions:

• Illegal in: Newark, Wilmington, and New Castle County

Florida

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 16+ years old (or with parental supervision)
• No permit required

Restrictions:

• Convicted felons prohibited

Georgia

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

Restrictions:

• Convicted felons prohibited

Hawaii

Legal Status: ✅ Legal with strict requirements (Changed January 1, 2022)

Requirements:

• Must be 21+ years old
• Background check required
• License required
• Cannot purchase online and ship to Hawaii

Note: Hawaii previously banned stun guns entirely but changed the law in 2022 to allow possession for qualified individuals.

Idaho

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

Restrictions:

• Felons prohibited from ownership

Illinois

Legal Status: ✅ Legal with requirements

Requirements:

• FOID card (Firearms Operations ID card) required for purchase, OR
• Illinois concealed carry permit required
• Must be 21+ years old (younger with parent’s written consent)
• Background check conducted by seller
• Must comply with Illinois Criminal Code

Local Restrictions:

• Prohibited in public housing
• Prohibited on public transit
• Prohibited in schools and courthouses
• Illegal in the City of Chicago

Indiana

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Valid ID required for purchase
• Permit required

Iowa

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required statewide

Local Restrictions:

• Illegal in: Denison and Crawford County

Kansas

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• No permit required

Kentucky

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required
• No special restrictions

Louisiana

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required
• No special restrictions

Maine

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• No felony convictions
• No permit required

Maryland

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Background check required
• No permit required

Massachusetts

Legal Status: ✅ Legal with permit

Requirements:

• Valid permit required

Michigan

Legal Status: ❌ Illegal

Stun guns are illegal to purchase, carry, and use in Michigan.

Minnesota

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• Background check required
• No prior felony convictions
• No license required

Mississippi

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required
• No state-wide restrictions

Missouri

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required
• No special restrictions

Montana

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

Nebraska

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• No felony convictions

Nevada

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• No prior felony convictions
• No license required

New Hampshire

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• No license required

New Jersey

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• No license required

New Mexico

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old (as of 2021 law change)
• Concealed carry permit or concealed weapons permit required

New York

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess (Changed in 2019)

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• No felony convictions
• No license required

Note: Prior to a 2019 federal court decision, stun guns were prohibited in New York. The law has since changed to allow possession.

North Carolina

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

North Dakota

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

Ohio

Legal Status: ✅ Legal with permit

Requirements:

• Valid permit required

Oklahoma

Legal Status: ✅ Legal with permit

Requirements:

• Valid permit required

Oregon

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required statewide

Local Restrictions:

• City of Portland has specific local laws

Pennsylvania

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years old
• No permit or license required

Rhode Island

Legal Status: ❌ Illegal

Rhode Island is the only state where stun guns remain completely illegal for civilian possession.

South Carolina

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

South Dakota

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

Tennessee

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit or license required

Texas

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required
• No state-wide restrictions

Utah

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

Vermont

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

Virginia

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

Washington

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required statewide

Local Restrictions:

• Illegal in: Ruston, Washington

West Virginia

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit or license required

Wisconsin

Legal Status: ✅ Legal with permit

Requirements:

• Valid permit required
• Concealed carry permit or concealed weapons permit required
• Must be carried in a closed case

Wyoming

Legal Status: ✅ Legal to purchase and possess

Requirements:

• No permit required

U.S. Territories

U.S. Virgin Islands

Legal Status: ❌ Prohibited

Stun guns are illegal in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Stun Guns vs. TASERs: Legal Differences

It’s important to understand that stun guns and TASERs are different devices with separate legal regulations:

Stun Guns

• Require direct physical contact with attacker
• Hand-held devices that deliver electrical charge on contact
• Legal in 49 states (excluding Rhode Island)

TASERs

• Can be deployed from a distance (15-25 feet)
• Fire projectile probes connected by wires
• Face more legal restrictions than stun guns
• Prohibited in more jurisdictions
• Often regulated similarly to firearms

Always verify which device you’re purchasing and check the specific laws for that device type in your jurisdiction.

The Importance of Local Ordinances

State law is only part of the picture. Local city and county ordinances can impose additional restrictions even in states where stun guns are legal.

Examples of Local Restrictions:

• Mobile, Alabama requires city permit
• Newark, Wilmington, and New Castle County, Delaware prohibit stun guns
• Chicago, Illinois prohibits stun guns
• Denison and Crawford County, Iowa prohibit stun guns
• Portland, Oregon has specific local laws
• Ruston, Washington prohibits stun guns

Always check with your local law enforcement or city attorney’s office to understand regulations in your specific area.

Traveling with Stun Guns

Domestic Travel by Car

When traveling with a stun gun by vehicle:

• Research laws in every state you’ll pass through
• Keep the device stored securely
• Be prepared to leave it behind if entering restricted states
• Understand that legal possession in your home state doesn’t guarantee legality elsewhere

Air Travel

Stun guns are prohibited on commercial aircraft:

• Cannot be carried in carry-on luggage
• Cannot be packed in checked luggage
• TSA will confiscate any stun guns found during screening
• May face fines or criminal charges for attempting to bring aboard

International Travel

Many countries prohibit stun guns entirely. Always research destination country laws before traveling internationally. In most cases, it’s best to leave your stun gun at home.

Legal Responsibilities of Stun Gun Owners

Lawful Use

Stun guns should only be used for legitimate self-defense when you reasonably believe you’re in imminent danger of harm.

Unlawful use includes:

• Offensive use or assault
• Intimidation or threats
• Use during commission of another crime
• Use on someone who doesn’t pose a threat

Consequences of unlawful use:

• Criminal charges (assault, battery, or assault with a weapon)
• Civil lawsuits
• Enhanced penalties if used during another crime
• Potential prison time and fines

Proper Storage and Maintenance

Responsible ownership includes:

• Storing in a dry, secure location when not in use
• Keeping device turned off when stored
• Locking up device or storing separately from batteries if possible
• Regularly checking battery charge
• Inspecting contacts for dirt or corrosion
• Testing functionality periodically

Notification Requirements

Some jurisdictions may require you to:

• Notify authorities after deploying a stun gun
• Report use in self-defense situations
• Cooperate with investigations following use

Legal Responsibilities for Retailers and Distributors

If you sell stun guns, you have additional legal obligations:

Age Verification

• Confirm buyers meet minimum age requirements (18+ or 21+ depending on state)
• Require valid identification for all purchases

Location Verification

• Verify buyer’s shipping address
• Never ship to prohibited states (Rhode Island, Michigan, U.S. Virgin Islands)
• Never ship to restricted cities/counties
• Understand that shipping to prohibited areas can result in severe penalties

Background Checks

• Conduct background checks where required (Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Hawaii)
• Maintain records of background check results

Record Keeping

• Maintain purchase records including buyer identification and date of sale
• Retain records for period required by state law

Proper Labeling and Documentation

• Include clear warnings about legal restrictions
• Provide instruction manuals with all products
• Include information about proper use and safety
• Display clear age restriction notices

Liability Protection

• Carry product liability insurance
• Have customers acknowledge proper use responsibility
• Include liability waivers where appropriate
• Stay current on changing regulations

Recent Changes in Stun Gun Legislation

Stun gun laws continue to evolve. Recent significant changes include:

Hawaii (January 1, 2022)

Previously one of the strictest states, Hawaii legalized stun gun possession for qualified individuals who:

• Are 21+ years old
• Pass background checks
• Obtain required license

New York (2019)

A federal court decision overturned New York’s previous ban, making stun guns legal for the first time.

New Mexico (2021)

Updated requirements to allow individuals 18+ to possess stun guns, with concealed carry permit required.

State-by-State Trend

Several states have moved toward requiring concealed carry permits or concealed weapons permits:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• New Mexico
• Wisconsin

Checking Your State’s Current Laws

This guide provides general information accurate at the time of publication, but laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations through official sources:

Official Resources:

1. Your State’s Official Website (.gov domain)
2. State Attorney General’s Office
3. Local Law Enforcement Agency
4. State Legislature Website (for current statutes)
5. County/City Attorney’s Office (for local ordinances)

When to Check:

• Before purchasing a stun gun
• Before traveling with a stun gun
• Annually to stay current with changes
• When moving to a new state or city
• If you’re a retailer, check regularly for all states you serve

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry a stun gun for self-defense if I have a felony conviction?

No. Nearly all states that allow stun guns prohibit felons from possessing them. This restriction applies even if the felony is old or unrelated to violent crime.

Do I need a permit to keep a stun gun in my home?

In most states, no permit is required for home possession. However, some states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oklahoma, Wisconsin) require permits for any possession, including at home. Check your specific state requirements.

Can I take my stun gun to another state?

Only if stun guns are legal in that state and you meet that state’s requirements. Research destination state laws before traveling. Remember that legality in your home state doesn’t transfer to other states.

Are there age restrictions for stun gun possession?

Yes. Most states require buyers to be 18+, with some requiring 21+. Minors may be able to possess stun guns at home with parental supervision in some states, but generally cannot purchase or carry them.

What happens if I’m caught with a stun gun in a prohibited location?

Consequences vary but may include:

• Confiscation of the device
• Fines
• Misdemeanor or felony criminal charges
• Jail time in serious cases
• Permanent criminal record

Can I order a stun gun online and have it shipped to me?

In most states, yes, but with important caveats:

• Hawaii prohibits online purchases/shipments
• Responsible retailers verify your age and location
• You must meet your state’s legal requirements
• Never attempt to ship to restricted states or cities

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Stun gun laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. The information provided here, while accurate at the time of publication, may not reflect the most current laws in your area.

Before purchasing, possessing, or carrying a stun gun:

• Verify current laws in your specific state, county, and city
• Consult your state’s official website or legal resources
• Contact local law enforcement if you have questions
• Consider consulting with an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation

Improper or illegal possession or use of stun guns may result in criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment.

Stay Legally Compliant

Understanding and following stun gun laws is your responsibility as an owner or seller. Laws can change at any time, so staying informed protects you from legal consequences.

For Stun Gun Owners:

• Know your state and local laws
• Understand where you cannot carry
• Use only for legitimate self-defense
• Store safely and responsibly
• Stay updated on law changes

For Retailers:

• Verify buyer eligibility before sales
• Never ship to prohibited jurisdictions
• Maintain required records
• Include proper warnings and documentation
• Stay current with regulations in all states you serve

Ready to purchase a stun gun legally?

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Last Updated: October 2025. Laws change frequently—always verify current regulations through official state and local sources before purchasing or carrying a stun gun.