FBI Gun Laws And NICS Information Center logo
FBI Gun Laws And NICs Information Center
Information and updates on U.S. Gun Laws, Ownership, and the FBI NICs Instant Criminal Background Check System.

chuxxxxxlim

  • Kansas Background Check and Gun Laws

    Despite having relatively nonrestrictive firearms laws, Kansas remained one of the few states with no provision for the concealed carry of firearms until March 2006, when the state legislature passed Senate Bill 418, "The Personal and Family Protection Act." This bill made Kansas the 47th state to permit concealed carry in some form and the…

    read more

  • Iowa Background Check and Gun Laws

    Iowa is a "may issue" state for concealed carry. A Permit to Carry Weapons may be issued or denied to qualified residents at the discretion of the county sheriff, or to non-residents at the discretion of the Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Applicants must successfully complete an approved training course and demonstrate…

    read more

  • New York Background Check and Gun Laws

    New York State, by many measures, is practically the strictest state in the nation as far as the procedure for obtaining a handgun (pistol) carry license is concerned. However, unlike many of the other extremely strict states (such as New Jersey or Maryland), once a New York State pistol license is obtained (with varying degrees…

    read more

  • Indiana Background Check and Gun Laws

    Indiana has enacted state preemption of firearm laws. However, local laws passed before 1994 or for certain narrowly defined emergency situations are valid. East Chicago, Gary and South Bend all have local laws that still apply. Governing units may restrict firearms possession on public property. Additionally, private businesses may also restrict (or forbid) firearms on…

    read more

  • New Mexico Background Check and Gun Laws

    New Mexico laws governing the possession and use of firearms include those in New Mexico Statutes Chapter 30, Article 7, "Weapons and Explosives".   New Mexico has state preemption of firearms laws, so local governments may not restrict the possession or use of firearms. In 1986, Article 2, Section 6 of the state constitution was…

    read more

  • New Jersey Background Check and Gun Laws

    In New Jersey, firearm owners are required to get a lifetime Firearm Purchaser card for the purchase of rifles, shotguns or handguns as well as ammunition. To purchase a handgun, a separate permit is needed from the local police department for each handgun to be purchased and expires after 90 days. These, like the initial…

    read more

  • New Hampshire Background Check and Gun Laws

    No license is required to openly carry a firearm while on foot, but carry of a loaded pistol or revolver in a motor vehicle, openly or concealed, does require a license. Note that the NH license is issued for carry of a "pistol or revolver," and is not a license to carry "weapons" as exists…

    read more

  • Nevada Background Check and Gun Laws

    Nevada law does not require the registration of firearms. However, handgun owners in Clark County must register their concealable firearms at a law enforcement agency within an incorporated city of Clark County.   Nevada is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry. The county sheriff shall issue a concealed firearms permit to qualified applicants. A…

    read more

  • Nebraska Background Check and Gun Laws

    In Nebraska, to purchase a handgun, a permit to purchase is required. Rifles and shotguns are not subject to gun laws more restrictive than those at the federal level. As of January 1, 2007, shall issue concealed handgun permits (CHPs) are being issued by the Nebraska State Patrol. NFA firearms (machine guns, short barreled shotguns,…

    read more

  • Montana Background Check and Gun Laws

    Montana has some of the most permissive gun laws in the United States. It is unique in having no state-level prohibited possessor statute, although the state preemption statute allows local governments to prohibit firearms possession among felons and mental incompetents.   Montana is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry. The county sheriff shall issue…

    read more