Owner Responsibilities Licensing BROWSE STATE LAWS SHARE Licensing laws are safety measures proven to promote safe gun ownership and reduce gun deaths.

Gun licensing has been proven to reduce gun violence and trafficking, and it remains a necessary component to crafting comprehensive, lifesaving gun laws. Licensing laws are an effective way to make sure guns are only purchased and used by responsible Americans, and yet just a handful of states have these laws in place.

Background

Licensing laws ensure that gun owners have passed a background check before they purchase a gun. In contrast to states which require a background check at the point of sale of a firearm, licensing laws typically require an in-person application at law enforcement agencies, which provides an additional safeguard against fraud or inaccuracies that could allow dangerous individuals to obtain guns.

Licensing laws that require periodic renewal can also reduce gun crimes by helping law enforcement confirm that a gun owner remains eligible to possess firearms and facilitating the removal of firearms from people who become ineligible. Furthermore, licensing laws can help to empower safe and responsible gun ownership. Many states will only issue or renew license after an applicant has completed a safety training course and firearm safety tests showing that the applicant knows relevant gun laws and how to safely load, fire, and store a gun.

Studies show that these attributes of licensing laws can lead to significant reductions in both gun homicides and gun suicides.

When Connecticut passed a licensing law, its firearm homicide rate decreased by 40% and its firearm suicide rate decreased by 15%.

and its firearm suicide rate decreased by 15%. Conversely, when Missouri repealed its licensing law, its firearm homicide rate increased by 25% and its firearm suicide rate increased by 16%.

and its firearm suicide rate increased by 16%. A study of licensing laws across 80 large urban counties found that these laws are associated with an 11% decrease in firearm homicides.

Licensing laws also help to prevent gun trafficking and the diversion of guns to criminals.

In places with licensing laws, criminals typically acquire guns that originate from states with weaker laws.

After Missouri repealed its licensing law, the share of crime guns that originated from an in-state retail transaction doubled.

States with strong licensing laws were associated with 76% lower rates of gun exported to criminals.

Public opinion polls show that Americans strongly support licensing laws. A 2019 survey found that 77% of Americans support a law requiring a person to obtain a license from local law enforcement before buying a gun. This support includes more than two-thirds of gun owners (68%).

Summary of Federal Law

Federal law does not require licensing of gun owners or purchasers.

For information about the exemption that federal law provides for certain license holders to the background check required when a firearm is purchased from a licensed dealer, see our summary on Background Check Procedures.

Summary of State Law

In general, state licensing laws fall into four categories: (1) permits to purchase firearms, (2) licenses to own firearms, (3) firearm safety certificates, which indicate that the certificate-holder has completed required safety training and is licensed to purchase a firearm, and (4) registration laws that impose licensing requirements.

“Permit to purchase”: Ten states have enacted permit to purchase licensing schemes that require prospective purchasers obtain a permit or license before buying at least some firearms.

“License to own”: Three states—Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York—require a license to own firearms (New York’s law applies only to handguns). Unlike a permit to purchase, a license to own a firearm must remain valid for as long as the person owns the firearm.

Firearm Safety Certificate: Two states—California and Washington—require prospective firearm purchasers to first obtain a certificate showing that they have completed required firearm safety training. California requires this for all firearms, Washington requires it only for semiautomatic rifles.

Registration: One jurisdiction—the District of Columbia—has a registration law that also functions as a license requirement.

Any of these forms of licensing laws can be used to impose a background check requirement, or (like California’s firearm safety certificate) they can be used to supplement a separate background check system. See our summary on Universal Background Checks for further information. Permits to purchase, licenses to own, firearm safety certificates, and registration requirements can also be used to ensure that firearm owners or purchasers have undergone adequate safety training or testing.

State Laws Governing Licensing of Gun Owners or Purchasers

State Licensing Requirements for Gun Purchase or Possession State Type of Firearms Type of License Safety Training or Exam Requirement Duration California All firearms Firearms Safety Certificate Yes 5 years Connecticut All firearms Permit to purchase Yes 5 years District of Columbia All firearms Registration Yes So long as eligible Hawaii All firearms Permit to purchase Yes (handguns)



No (long guns) 10 days





1 Year Iowa Handguns Permit to purchase No 5 years Illinois All firearms License to own No 10 years Maryland Handguns Permit to purchase Yes 10 years Massachusetts All firearms and ammunition devices License to own



Permit to purchase (handguns only) Yes



Yes 6 years



10 days Michigan Handguns Permit to purchase No 30 days Nebraska Handguns Permit to purchase No 3 years New Jersey All firearms Permit to purchase No So long as eligible (long guns)



90 days (handguns) New York Handguns License to own No 5 years North Carolina Handguns Permit to purchase No 5 years Rhode Island Handguns Permit to purchase Yes Unspecified Washington Semiautomatic rifles Firearms safety certification Yes 5 years

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States with Licensing Requirements that Apply to All Guns

The seven states listed below have enacted the strongest licensing laws because they require licenses to possess, permits to purchase, and/or firearm safety certificates for all classes of firearms. Many of the states below also require applicants for a license or permit to successfully complete safety training courses.

California: Firearm Safety Certificate

California requires a Firearm Safety Certificate (“FSC”) prior to purchase of any firearm.

Duration: California FSCs are valid for five years from the date of issue.

No Limit on Number of Firearms Purchased: California does not impose any limit on the number of firearms that may be purchased by the holder of an FSC.

Safety Training? Yes, applicants must complete required safety training.

Connecticut: Permit to Purchase

Connecticut requires a person who wishes to purchase or receive a handgun to obtain a permit to carry a handgun or a handgun eligibility certificate. Connecticut also requires a person who wishes to purchase or receive a long gun to obtain a long gun eligibility certificate, a permit to carry a handgun, or a handgun eligibility certificate. Permits and certificates may be revoked in the event the holder becomes disqualified.

Duration: Connecticut permits and certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue.

No Limit on Number of Firearms Purchased: Connecticut does not impose any limit on the number of firearms that may be purchased by the holder of a permit or certificate.

Safety Training? Yes, applicants must complete required safety training.

District of Columbia: Registration

Details about D.C.’s registration requirements for all firearms can be found in our summary on Registration of Firearms in the District of Columbia.

Duration: D.C. previously required firearm registrants to renew their registration certificates every three years, but this requirement was struck down under the Second Amendment by a federal appeals court.

No Limit on Number of Firearms Purchased: D.C. previously prohibited registering more than one handgun in D.C. during any 30-day period, but this requirement was also struck down in the same appeals court decision.

Safety Training? Yes, applicants must complete required safety training.

Hawaii: Permit to Purchase

In Hawaii, anyone wishing to acquire a firearm must obtain a permit from the county chief of police. As part of the application process, applicants undergo a background check and must sign a waiver allowing access to mental health records. Permits may not issue until at least 14 days have passed after the date of application, and all permits must be issued or denied before the 20th day from the date of application. Permits may be revoked for good cause.

Duration: Permits to acquire a handgun are valid for 10 days from the date of issue, and long gun permits are valid for one year from date of issue.

Single Purchase: Handgun purchases are limited to one handgun per permit.

Safety Training? Yes, applicants must complete required safety training.

Illinois: License to Purchase or Possess

In Illinois, no person may acquire or possess any firearm or ammunition without a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, or a valid permit to carry concealed handguns. Each applicant for a FOID card is required to complete an application and “submit evidence” to the Department of State Police (DSP) that she or he is not a prohibited purchaser. The DSP has the authority to revoke a FOID card if the holder becomes a prohibited purchaser. Effective January 1, 2014, a private person who sells or transfers a firearm must contact DSP to verify the validity of the purchaser’s FOID card.

Duration: FOID cards are valid for ten years from the date of issue.

No Limit on Number of Firearms Purchased: Illinois does not impose any limit on the number of firearms that may be purchased by the holder of a FOID card.

Safety Training? No safety training requirement.

Massachusetts: License to Possess and Permit to Purchase

In Massachusetts, all firearm possessors are required to obtain either a Firearm Identification (FID) card or a Class A or B license to carry a firearm. FID cardholders are permitted to purchase and possess rifles or shotguns, excluding large capacity weapons. A Class A license allows the licensee to purchase and possess all types of lawful firearms; a Class B license is limited to “non-large capacity” handguns and any rifle or shotgun, but does not permit carrying concealed, loaded handguns in a public place. All applicants must undergo a background check. The licensing authority has 40 days to approve or deny the application. A FID card or Class A or B license must be revoked or suspended if the holder becomes disqualified from obtaining the card or license.

To purchase a handgun in Massachusetts, a FID cardholder must also obtain a permit to purchase. A permit to purchase is issued at the discretion of the licensing authority for a “proper purpose,” following a background check.

Duration: FID cards and Class A and Class B licenses are valid for six years; permits to acquire handguns are valid for 10 days.

Single Purchase: Handgun purchases are limited to one handgun per permit. However, there is no limit on the number of firearms that may be purchased with a Class A or Class B license, or on the number of non-large capacity rifles or shotguns that may be purchased with a FID Card.

Safety Training? Yes, applicants must complete required safety training.

New Jersey: Permit to Purchase

In New Jersey, all handgun purchasers must obtain a permit to purchase a handgun, while purchasers of rifles or shotguns must obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC). Both require the applicant to undergo a background check and waive confidentiality relating to any institutional confinement for a mental or psychiatric condition. New Jersey law also provides that no handgun transfer permit or FPIC may be issued where the transfer would not be in the interest of the public health, safety or welfare. In addition, the applicant must be of “good character and good repute in the community” where he or she lives. The FPIC or permit must be issued within 30 days of application, or 45 days if the applicant is a non-resident. A FPIC may be revoked by a superior court after a hearing with notice, upon a finding that the holder no longer qualifies for the FPIC.

Duration: Handgun purchase permits in New Jersey are valid for 90 days, and may be extended for an additional 90 days for good cause. New Jersey FPICs are valid as long as the holder remains eligible to possess a firearm.

Single Purchase: Handgun purchases are limited to one handgun per permit and one handgun per 30-day period.

Safety Training? No safety training requirement.

States with Licensing Requirements for Certain Classes of Weapons

The seven states listed below all require licenses or permits for purchase or possession of handguns, but not other types of guns. Of the below states, only Maryland and Rhode Island require safety training to receive a license or permit.

Additionally, though it does not require a license or permit to purchase a gun, Washington requires safety training certification for purchase of semiautomatic rifles.

Iowa

Iowa requires a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers. Once an applicant passes a background check and obtains a permit, the permit is valid for 5 years. Permits may be revoked in the event the holder becomes disqualified. County sheriffs in Iowa are authorized to obtain relevant criminal history data and conduct a criminal history check annually on anyone who has been issued a five-year permit to acquire a handgun. However, Iowa law does not require a background check to be conducted on handgun permit-holders more frequently than once every five years (the duration of the permit).

Maryland

Maryland requires that a person obtain a permit before the person buys, rents, or receives a handgun. A permit is valid for 10 years. Maryland applicants must complete an approved safety training course that includes instruction on state firearms law, home firearm safety, handgun mechanisms and operation, and an orientation component that demonstrates the person’s safe operation and handling of a firearm.

Michigan

Michigan requires either a license to carry a concealed handgun or a handgun purchase license, although a person who purchases a handgun from a licensed dealer does not need either license. A handgun purchase license is valid for 30 days.

Nebraska

Nebraska issues handgun certificates, although handgun purchasers outside Omaha who purchase from licensed dealers or who have a concealed weapons permit do not need a handgun certificate. Purchasers from private sellers must obtain a handgun certificate. Handgun certificates are valid for three years.

New York

New York requires a license to purchase or possess a handgun. Handgun licenses in New York must be recertified every five years and must specify the weapon by caliber, make, model, manufacturer’s name and serial number. Specific provisions apply to permits in New York City, where the duration is three years, and in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, where the duration is five years.

North Carolina

North Carolina requires a handgun purchaser to obtain either a permit to purchase a handgun or a concealed handgun permit. Both are valid for five years. The handgun purchase permit is valid for purchase of a single handgun and must be revoked if the person becomes ineligible.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires a pistol/revolver safety certificate issued by the state Department of Environmental Management. The certificate remains valid indefinitely. In Rhode Island, anyone wishing to purchase a handgun who does not have a concealed handgun license and is not a member of law enforcement must complete a basic two-hour handgun safety course.

Washington

Though there is no formal certificate or permitting process, effective July 1, 2019, Washington requires purchasers of semiautomatic rifles to have completed a safety training program in the past five years. This program must include instruction on: basic firearms safety, safe storage, talking to children about gun safety, suicide prevention, safe handling of firearms, and state and federal firearms laws, including prohibited firearms transfers.

GET THE FACTS Gun violence is a complex problem, and while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, we must act. Our reports bring you the latest cutting-edge research and analysis about strategies to end our country’s gun violence crisis at every level. Learn More

Selected Local Law



New York City

As noted above, while state law in New York requires a person to obtain a permit for the purchase or possession of a handgun, this requirement does not apply to rifles or shotguns. In New York City, however, a permit is required for the purchase or possession of rifles or shotguns. Permits are issued following a background check and are valid for three years. Permits are renewed automatically unless the police commissioner has reason to believe the applicant’s status has changed since the previous application. Permits may be revoked and weapons seized upon evidence that the holder of the permit has become disqualified. A rifle or shotgun permit is also required for possession of rifle or shotgun ammunition and a rifle or shotgun ammunition feeding device.

Key Legislative Elements

The features listed below are intended to provide a framework from which policy options may be considered. A jurisdiction considering new legislation should consult with counsel.

License is required for possession of any firearm (D.C., Illinois, Massachusetts), and must be shown prior to purchase of any firearm (California, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Jersey).

License must be shown prior to purchase of a firearm from any seller, even if the seller is not a licensed dealer (five states and D.C. — any firearm; eight states — handguns only).

License conditions include: Thorough background check (Connecticut, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey — all firearms; Iowa, Michigan, New York and North Carolina also require background checks, but only for handgun licenses). Safety training (Connecticut, D.C., Massachusetts — all firearms; Hawaii, Maryland, and Rhode Island also require safety training, but only for handgun licenses). Hands-on testing, including firing testing, to demonstrate safe use of firearms. Written testing to demonstrate knowledge of applicable firearm laws (California requires testing on firearms laws).

License has finite duration (California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts — all firearms; Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey and North Carolina also have licenses of finite duration, but only for handguns).

Renewal process includes background check and testing as described above (Massachusetts).

Licensee is required to report theft or loss of license and firearms.

License is subject to revocation in cases where licensee becomes a prohibited purchaser (Connecticut, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey — all firearms; Iowa also provides for revocation under these circumstances, but only for handgun licenses), or fails to comply with applicable federal, state and local firearms laws.

Fee for license is set at a level sufficient to cover administrative costs associated with licensing system.

Firearm seller or transferor must obtain a copy of the purchaser’s license, record a description of the firearm purchased, and forward this record to law enforcement.

Additional requirements are imposed for handgun permit to purchase: Short duration applies to handgun permit to purchase (Hawaii, ten days; Massachusetts, ten days; Michigan, 30 days; New Jersey, 90 days). Permit to purchase is limited to one handgun per permit (Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina).

