Age & Eligibility
Requirements depend on the firearm, the person acquiring it, and the laws that apply where it is sold, delivered and possessed. Age alone does not establish eligibility.
Last Reviewed: September 12, 2026
Age Requirements
ATF’s published federal dealer-sale guidance generally sets a minimum age of 18 for rifles and shotguns, and 21 for other firearms, including handguns and frames or receivers. Higher state or local age requirements may apply.
These are general federal baselines, not a determination of the rules that apply to a particular person, firearm or location. Read ATF’s age guidance for the published federal summary.
Eligibility Beyond Age
You must be legally eligible to acquire and possess a firearm under applicable federal, state and local law. Meeting an age requirement is only one part of that determination.
Viewing a page, sending an inquiry or acknowledging a website notice does not establish eligibility or authorize a firearm transfer.
Licensed Dealer Requirements
A Federal Firearms License (FFL) authorizes specified firearms activities. A receiving dealer is the federally licensed firearms dealer handling a transfer to the recipient.
The dealer must complete the identification, records and background checks required by law. A website acknowledgement does not replace those requirements or guarantee an approval or completion time.
Location Restrictions
State and local restrictions may affect whether a particular firearm can be transferred or possessed. Its appearance on this website does not establish that it is lawful in every destination.
Requirements can change. This page is not a state-by-state eligibility assessment or a statement that every destination is available.
About This Information
This page provides general information, not advice about an individual person’s eligibility or a particular transfer. It does not determine anyone’s legal rights or replace the responsibilities of the parties involved.
The Legal Notice explains the limits of website information. Privacy explains information handling and the separate cookie choices.
To report an error or ask about information on this page, contact Steve with the relevant page address and a brief explanation.