What Is The Process To Buy A Gun May 2026

: Some states require a Permit to Purchase or a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card (e.g., Illinois or New Jersey) before you can even initiate a sale. 2. Choose a Firearm and a Licensed Dealer

The process of buying a firearm in the United States involves strict federal regulations supplemented by varying state laws. Generally, the process requires verifying your eligibility, choosing a licensed dealer, and passing a background check. 1. Determine Your Eligibility

: You must answer a series of "yes/no" questions regarding your criminal history and mental health status. Lying on this form is a federal felony. 4. The Background Check Firearms Checks (NICS) - FBI what is the process to buy a gun

: You cannot legally purchase a firearm if you fall into certain categories, such as being a convicted felon, a fugitive, an unlawful user of controlled substances, or having been adjudicated as "mentally defective".

Once you have selected a firearm at a dealership, you must complete , the "Firearms Transaction Record". : Some states require a Permit to Purchase

: You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun) and 21 years old for handguns from a licensed dealer.

: You select a firearm from the dealer's inventory. Lying on this form is a federal felony

: You provide your name, address, birth date, and place of birth.