Is Body Armor Legal? A State-by-State Guide to U.S. Body Armor Laws
The legality of purchasing and owning body armor varies across the United States, with most states allowing adult civilians to buy and own body armor unless they have been convicted of a felony. However, there are specific nuances and additional regulations in certain states that are important to understand.
Federal Regulations on Body Armor
Federally, it's legal for civilians to purchase and wear body armor if they have no criminal record. However, under 18 U.S.C.A. Section 931, individuals convicted of violent felonies are prohibited from owning body armor. Using body armor in a federal crime results in enhanced penalties.
State-Specific Body Armor Laws
Alabama, Alaska
No extra restrictions beyond federal laws.
Arizona
Restricts body armor use during criminal activities.
Arkansas
Prohibits body armor for individuals convicted of certain serious crimes.
California
Aligns with federal standards for body armor acquisition and use.
Colorado
Similar to federal laws; felons are restricted from body armor use.
Connecticut
Requires face-to-face transactions for body armor sales. Applicable professions such as military, law enforcement, and first responders are eligible for online purchase.
State of Connecticut Body Armor Law
Delaware
Criminalizes body armor use during the commission of a crime.
Florida
Similar to federal laws, with additional restrictions on use during criminal acts.
Georgia
Prohibits body armor use while trafficking drugs or committing violent crimes.
Hawaii
Adheres to federal laws, barring use during criminal activities.
Idaho
Federal laws apply, barring use in criminal endeavors.
Illinois
Allows purchase and use, barring felons and illegal use during criminal activities.
Indiana
Permits body armor except for felons; illegal use during a felony is a serious offense.
Iowa
Federal laws apply; body armor available online and in-person.
Kansas
Restricts body armor use during specific public gatherings in Topeka.
Kentucky
Federal guidelines apply; online and face-to-face transactions allowed.
Louisiana
Allows body armor, barring use on school premises and during crimes.
Maine
Adheres to federal regulations without additional restrictions.
Maryland
Requires a permit for individuals with violent or drug trafficking history.
Massachusetts
Federal laws apply; criminalizes use during criminal endeavors.
Michigan
Similar to federal laws; various transaction methods available.
Minnesota
Follows federal guidelines; transactions online and offline.
Mississippi
Federal regulations apply; available online and offline.
Missouri
Strict adherence to federal directives; online transactions allowed.
Montana
Federal laws apply; online purchases available.
Nebraska
Abides by federal regulations; online and direct transactions.
Nevada
Federal guidelines apply; sales facilitated online and offline.
New Hampshire
Federal laws apply; committing felonies with body armor is a Class B felony.
New Jersey
Similar framework as most states; additional criminal charges for crimes committed while wearing body armor.
New Mexico
Regulations align with federal laws; online and in-person purchases.
New York
Restrictions on public purchase, sale, or delivery of "bullet-resistant soft body armor". Professions eligible for purchase are police officers, peace officers, military servicemen, and other professions designated by the Department of State in accordance with section 144-a of the Executive Law.
State of New York Body Armor Law
North Carolina
Federal laws apply; criminalizes wearing body armor during criminal activities.
North Dakota
Adheres to federal regulations; online and in-person purchases.
Ohio
Federal laws apply; online and face-to-face purchases.
Oklahoma
Allows purchase and use, barring felons; criminalizes use during felonies.
Oregon
Maintains adherence to federal laws; online and in-person purchases.
Pennsylvania
Rules coincide with federal laws; online and face-to-face purchases.
Rhode Island
Allows purchase and use, except for individuals with violent felony convictions.
South Carolina
Adults, except those with violent felony records, can purchase and use body armor.
South Dakota
Matches federal laws; online and in-person purchases.
Tennessee
Allows purchase and use, barring violent felons; criminalizes use during crimes.
Texas
Follows federal regulations; in-person and online purchases.
Utah
No additional rules; online and in-person sales.
Vermont
In line with federal rules; online and face-to-face purchases.
Virginia
Allows purchase and use, except for felons; criminalizes possession during violent felonies.
Washington State
Regulations align with federal laws; online and in-person purchases.
West Virginia
Permits adults to buy and use, except felons; criminalizes wearing during violent felonies.
Wisconsin
Allows purchase and use by non-felons; criminalizes use during felonies.
Wyoming
In line with federal laws; online and in-person purchases.
Washington D.C.
Federal laws apply; online and in-person purchases.
Restrictions on Online Sales and Shipping
Online sales are generally allowed, but Connecticut and New York have restrictions. Connecticut bans online sales to the public, and New York limits it to certain professions. Shipping outside the U.S. requires federal permission, and minors need written permission from local police to own body armor.