According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) , these are the federal minimum ages:
: States like California , Colorado , Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont generally require a buyer to be 21 for both handguns and long guns.
: Washington and Massachusetts require buyers to be 21 for semiautomatic rifles, while allowing 18-year-olds to purchase other long guns. legal age to buy a gun
: Some states, such as Minnesota, require a permit to purchase handguns or "military-style assault weapons," which are typically only issued to those 21 or older. Ownership vs. Purchase
States can raise these minimum ages but cannot lower them below the federal standard. As of 2026, several states have stricter rules: According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
The legal age to buy a firearm in the United States depends on the type of weapon and whether you are buying from a licensed dealer or a private individual. While federal law sets a baseline, many states have enacted stricter requirements. Federal Requirements
: You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun or long gun ammunition from an FFL dealer. Ownership vs
: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun or handgun ammunition from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL).