Federal Law on Minimum Age to Purchase & Possess
From the ATF Website: May an individual between the ages of 18 and 21 years of age acquire a handgun from an unlicensed individual who is also a resident of that same State?
An individual between 18 and 21 years of age may acquire a handgun from an unlicensed individual who resides in the same State, provided the person acquiring the handgun is not otherwise prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law. A Federal firearms licensee may not, however, sell or deliver a firearm other than a shotgun or rifle to a person the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under 21 years of age.
There may be State or local laws or regulations that govern this type of transaction. Contact the office of your State Attorney General for information on any such requirements.
[18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1)] Last Reviewed September 23, 2016
SUMMARY OF FEDERAL LAW
http://smartgunlaws.org/ – Federal law in this area distinguishes between long guns (rifles and shotguns) and handguns, and between gun possession and gun sales. Federal law also provides stronger age restrictions for sales by licensed gun sellers.
Minimum Age for Gun Sales and Transfers
Handguns |
| Licensed firearms dealers – Dealers may not sell or deliver a handgun or ammunition for a handgun to any person the dealer has reasonable cause to believe is under age 21.
18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1), (c)(1). |
| Unlicensed persons – 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 age 18, with certain exceptions*.
18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(1), (5). |
| Long Guns (Rifles and Shotguns) |
| Licensed firearms dealers – Dealers may not sell or deliver a long gun, or ammunition for a long gun, to any person the dealer knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under age 18.
18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1), (c)(1). |
| Unlicensed persons – Unlicensed persons may sell, deliver, or otherwise transfer a long gun or long gun ammunition to a person of any age. |
Minimum Age for Gun Possession: Subject to limited exceptions*, federal law prohibits the possession of a handgun or handgun ammunition by any person under the age of 18. Federal law provides no minimum age for the possession of long guns or long gun ammunition. 18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(2), (5).
*Exceptions: Federal law provides exceptions for the temporary transfer and possession of handguns and handgun ammunition for specified activities, including employment, ranching, farming, target practice and hunting. 18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(3).