Stun Gun Laws by State: 2025 Legal Guide
Understanding stun gun laws is one of the most important steps before buying or carrying one. Rules vary widely across the United States, and even though most states now allow civilian stun guns, each state has different conditions, local ordinances, and age requirements. This guide gives you a complete, updated breakdown so you can stay legal, informed, and confident.
Always remember: laws change fast. This guide is updated for 2025, but you should always double-check your state and local rules before traveling or carrying.
Legend for This Guide
- ✅ Legal — No permit required and no major restrictions beyond age and criminal record laws.
- ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions — Age limits, permits, background checks, location bans, or special conditions apply.
- ❌ Illegal — Stun guns cannot be purchased, owned, or possessed by civilians.
General U.S. Stun Gun Laws
Federal Law
Stun guns are legal at the federal level. There is no nationwide ban on owning or carrying them for self-defense. However:
- You should be at least 18 years old.
- You cannot take a stun gun onto commercial airplanes (carry-on or checked).
- Retailers cannot ship to prohibited states or restricted cities.
- States and cities can create their own rules — and many do.
Common State Requirements
Most legal states follow these general rules:
- Minimum age: usually 18 (some 19 or 21).
- Felons generally cannot possess stun guns.
- Stun guns may be used only for lawful self-defense.
- Many states ban carrying stun guns in government buildings, courthouses, schools, or airports.
- Local city ordinances may be stricter than state laws.
Stun Gun Laws by State (A–Z)
Below is the full 2025 stun gun legal map, listed alphabetically. Each state includes the legal status and key notes.
Alabama — ✅ Legal
- No permit required statewide.
- Must be 18+.
- City of Mobile requires a local permit; not allowed on school property.
Alaska — ✅ Legal
- No permit required.
- No major state restrictions.
Arizona — ✅ Legal
- Must be 18+.
- Valid ID required for purchase.
- No permit needed.
Arkansas — ✅ Legal
- Must be 19+.
- No permit required.
California — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Felons and narcotics addicts are prohibited.
- Minors under 18 need written guardian consent.
- Individuals previously convicted of stun gun misuse cannot possess one.
Colorado — ✅ Legal
- No permit required.
- No major statewide restrictions.
Connecticut — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 21+.
- Gun permit (pistol permit or similar) required.
Delaware — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 21+.
- Background check required.
- Illegal in Wilmington, Newark, and New Castle County.
Florida — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 16+ (younger only with parental supervision).
- No permit required for most adults.
- Felons are prohibited.
Georgia — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal for adults.
- Felons prohibited.
Hawaii — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 21+.
- Background check and training required.
- License required.
- No online shipping of stun guns into Hawaii.
Idaho — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal for adults.
- Felons prohibited.
Illinois — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- FOID card or concealed carry permit required.
- Background check required.
- Must be 21+ unless with parental consent.
- Illegal in Chicago, on public transit, and in certain public housing locations.
Indiana — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal to own.
- A permit may be required for some forms of carry; check current state guidance.
Iowa — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal in most of the state.
- Illegal in Denison and Crawford County.
Kansas — ✅ Legal
- Must be 18+.
- No permit or license required.
Kentucky — ✅ Legal
- No major restrictions.
Louisiana — ✅ Legal
- No permit required.
Maine — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 18+.
- Felons prohibited.
Maryland — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Background check required for purchase.
- No statewide permit requirement beyond that.
Massachusetts — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Permit required; regulated similarly to firearms.
Michigan — ❌ Illegal
- Civilian stun guns are banned statewide.
Minnesota — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 18+.
- Background check required.
- Felons prohibited.
Mississippi — ✅ Legal
- No major statewide restrictions.
Missouri — ✅ Legal
- No major statewide restrictions.
Montana — ✅ Legal
- No permit required.
Nebraska — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 18+.
- Felons prohibited.
Nevada — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 18+.
- Felons prohibited.
New Hampshire — ✅ Legal
- Must be 18+.
- No permit required.
New Jersey — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 18+.
- No permit required, but subject to state-level regulations.
New Mexico — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 18+.
- Concealed weapons permit required for certain types of carry.
New York — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal for adults due to a federal court decision overturning the previous ban.
- Must be 18+.
- Felons prohibited.
North Carolina — ✅ Legal
- No permit required for basic possession.
North Dakota — ✅ Legal
- No permit required for basic possession.
Ohio — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal with a valid permit in certain carry situations.
- Check current Ohio concealed carry and weapons statutes.
Oklahoma — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal to own.
- Some forms of carry may require a permit.
Oregon — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal statewide.
- City of Portland has additional local rules.
Pennsylvania — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Must be 18+.
- No statewide permit requirement, but local rules may apply.
Rhode Island — ❌ Illegal
- Stun guns are banned statewide for civilians.
South Carolina — ✅ Legal
- No permit required for most adults.
South Dakota — ✅ Legal
- No major statewide restrictions.
Tennessee — ✅ Legal
- No permit required for basic possession.
Texas — ✅ Legal
- No permit required.
- No major statewide restrictions for adults.
Utah — ✅ Legal
- No permit required for most adults.
Vermont — ✅ Legal
- No permit required.
Virginia — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal statewide.
- Some location-based bans and local restrictions may apply.
Washington — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Legal statewide.
- Illegal in the city of Ruston.
West Virginia — ✅ Legal
- No permit required for basic possession.
Wisconsin — ⚠️ Legal With Restrictions
- Concealed carry permit required.
- Must generally be carried in a closed case.
Wyoming — ✅ Legal
- No major statewide restrictions.
U.S. Territories
U.S. Virgin Islands — ❌ Illegal
- Stun guns are prohibited in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Stun Guns vs. TASER Devices
Stun guns and TASER devices are not the same, and they do not always follow identical laws.
Stun Guns
- Handheld devices.
- Require direct physical contact to deliver an electrical charge.
- Legal in most U.S. states, with some restrictions.
TASER Devices
- Fire probes attached to wires, typically reaching 15–25 feet.
- Often regulated more like firearms.
- May require permits or licenses in additional states and cities.
Always confirm which device you are purchasing and review the specific laws for that device type in your jurisdiction.
The Importance of Local Ordinances
Even legal states have cities and counties with their own bans or rules. State law is only part of the picture.
Examples of local restrictions include:
- Mobile, Alabama
- Newark, Delaware
- Wilmington, Delaware
- New Castle County, Delaware
- Denison and Crawford County, Iowa
- Chicago, Illinois
- Portland, Oregon
- Ruston, Washington
Always check your city and county regulations, not just state law.
Traveling With a Stun Gun
Travel by Car
- Research laws in every state you will pass through.
- Keep the device stored securely.
- Do not assume legality in your home state carries over to other states.
Air Travel (TSA)
- Stun guns are banned from carry-on and checked baggage on commercial flights.
- TSA will confiscate any stun guns found during screening.
- Travelers may receive fines or face other penalties.
For official federal guidance, see the TSA’s page on Stun Guns & Shocking Devices.
International Travel
- Many countries prohibit stun guns entirely.
- Unless you have confirmed otherwise, it is safest to leave your stun gun at home.
Legal Responsibilities for Owners
- Use a stun gun only for legitimate self-defense when you reasonably believe you are in danger.
- Do not use it offensively or to intimidate others.
- Misuse can result in criminal charges, civil lawsuits, fines, or jail time.
- Store the device safely, away from children.
- Keep batteries charged and inspect the device regularly to ensure it works properly.
Retailer Responsibilities
- Verify buyer age and eligibility before selling.
- Do not ship to prohibited states or restricted cities/counties.
- Follow any background check requirements in your state.
- Maintain basic sales and recordkeeping as required by law.
- Include warnings, safety instructions, and legal notices with products.
- Review regulations regularly and update your policies as laws change.
Recent Law Changes to Know
- New York (2019): A federal court decision overturned the previous statewide ban, allowing civilian stun gun possession with restrictions.
- Hawaii (2022): Ban removed; stun guns now allowed for qualified adults who meet licensing, training, and background requirements.
- New Mexico (2021): Updated age and permit requirements for possession and carry.
- Several states have moved toward permit-style regulation, often treating some devices more like firearms.
When To Check Your Local Laws
- Before buying a stun gun.
- Before carrying it in public.
- Before traveling to another state or country.
- When moving to a new state, city, or county.
- At least once a year to catch any updates.
- More frequently if you are a retailer shipping to multiple states.
If you’re looking for legal, easy-to-use options, you can explore our full selection of rechargeable stun guns designed for everyday personal protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can felons own stun guns?
In most states, felons are prohibited from possessing stun guns. This applies even if the felony is non-violent or many years old.
Do I need a permit for home possession?
Many states do not require a permit to keep a stun gun in your home, but some states (such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and others) may require permits for any possession. Always check current rules where you live.
Can I bring a stun gun to another state?
Only if stun guns are legal in that state and you meet that state’s requirements. Research destination laws before traveling, and never assume your home-state rules carry over.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes. Most states require buyers to be at least 18, and some require 19 or 21. Minors may sometimes possess a device at home with parental supervision, but cannot usually buy or carry one in public.
Can I order a stun gun online?
In many states, yes. However, retailers must follow state and local laws, cannot ship to prohibited areas, and may require proof of age or other documentation.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Stun gun laws change frequently and may vary by state, county, and city. Before purchasing, possessing, or carrying a stun gun, verify current laws through official state and local sources or consult with an attorney.
Stay Safe and Stay Compliant
Understanding stun gun laws protects you from fines, confiscation, and criminal charges. Stay informed, follow the rules in your area, and carry responsibly. If you are ready to legally purchase a stun gun, review your local regulations first and then choose a model that fits your needs and comfort level.
For all legal categories, visit the full guide:
Self-Defense Laws & Restrictions (2025)
Legal guidance researched and compiled by Joshua Chacon.
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