Can You Buy a Bulletproof Vest? Body Armor Laws for Each State

As the demand for personal security rises, the question looms: Can you legally buy a bulletproof vest to protect yourself and your loved ones? While U.S. federal law generally allows the purchase of body armor, each state sets its own rules, and navigating this maze can feel like a matter of life and death.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the laws governing body armor ownership across all 50 states. Know your rights and arm yourself with knowledge as well as armor.

A Deep Dive into Federal Body Armor Laws

At the outset, one must discern who is legally allowed to purchase body armor. According to Section 931 of title 18 of the United States Code, any U.S. citizen who has reached the age of 18 and has not been convicted of a felony can buy and own body armor. 

Exceptions exist for felons who may seek and receive official authorization to use body armor for work-related purposes.

Where Can You Purchase Body Armor?

It is equally important to be acquainted with the avenues that legally sell body armor. Prospective buyers have various platforms at their disposal including physical stores, gun shows, protective gear sites like Bulletproof Zone, and over-the-phone purchases, with face-to-face transactions being permitted in all 50 states. 

However, some states have introduced regulations that restrict the sale of body armor to law enforcement officers, government officials, and other designated professionals.

Limitations on Buying and Shipping Body Armor

There are specific prohibitions in place concerning the shipment of body armor. It is not allowed to take, ship, send, or bring body armor outside the U.S. boundaries without federal permission. Moreover, restrictions apply to shipping body armor to personal addresses in Connecticut and New York.

Can Minors Own Body Armor?

Minors below the age of 18 can own body armor under particular circumstances; primarily, they must secure written permission from their local police department.

Legalities About Wearing Body Armor in Public

While the federal law authorizes adults without felony convictions to wear body armor in public, one must be cautious and adhere to specific state and city regulations. 

For instance, in Topeka, Kansas, wearing body armor during certain public gatherings is prohibited.

State-by-State Body Armor Laws

Alabama

In the state of Alabama, there exist no additional stipulations regarding body armor procurement, apart from the federal provisions. Residents, excluding those with a felony conviction history, can freely purchase and utilize bulletproof vests and other types of body armor through online platforms or via face-to-face transactions.

Alaska

Similarly to Alabama, Alaska abides strictly by the federal guidelines with no further restrictions on the purchase and use of body armor, provided the individual has not been involved in felony convictions.

Arizona

While Arizona essentially follows federal rules, it also imposes a restriction on the use of body armor for individuals engaged in criminal activity. Notwithstanding, this does not impinge on the rights of body armor retailers.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, while the general populace can own body armor, individuals with convictions in specific serious crimes encounter a prohibition, wherein possessing body armor is regarded as a Class A misdemeanor. Retailers, however, remain unaffected by this statute.

California

The Golden State permits the acquisition and usage of body armor in alignment with the federal standards, facilitating both online and face-to-face sales for individuals devoid of felony records.

Colorado

In Colorado, the legal framework mirrors the federal directive, endorsing the rights of adults, barring those with felony histories, to purchase and use body armor through various channels including online mediums.

Connecticut

Connecticut stands distinct with the most stringent regulations in the nation concerning body armor transactions. The state necessitates face-to-face dealings for all sales, banning online retailers from serving Connecticut residents. 

Non-adherence to this regulation is a criminal offense, attracting substantial penalties including incarceration and fines. Several officials and entities, detailed in the existing law, are granted exemption from this rule.

Delaware

Delaware maintains the federal baseline for body armor ownership, adding a clause that criminalizes the use of such protective gear during the commission of a crime, although this does not impact the operations of body armor retailers.

Florida

Florida, akin to several other states, upholds the federal norms while introducing a provision that forbids wearing body armor during the perpetration of a criminal act, a statute that does not extend to affect retailers. 

Georgia

Georgia stipulates that while the general populace can acquire and wear body armor, individuals are prohibited from donning such protective attire while trafficking drugs or committing violent crimes. This law, however, exempts body armor retailers from any restrictions. 

Hawaii

In Hawaii, the legality surrounding body armor follows the pattern observed in various other states, permitting adults without felony convictions to own such gear, while establishing a legal boundary that prevents its use during criminal activities. Retailers remain unaffected by this legislation. 

Idaho

Idaho's legal landscape echoes that of many states, approving the purchase and usage of body armor by law-abiding adults and introducing a prohibition on its use in the course of criminal endeavors. Retailers are not subjected to this prohibition.

Illinois

In Illinois, there are no retailer-specific rules governing body armor; the general populace, barring individuals with a felony record, can purchase and utilize bulletproof vests both online and through physical transactions. 

It should be noted that wearing body armor while carrying dangerous weapons, other than firearms, during criminal activities is deemed illegal and classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

Indiana

Indiana permits the use and purchase of body armor for everyone except convicted felons. The state has introduced a new regulation where unlawful use of body armor during a felony is classified as a Level 6 felony, a substantial legal infringement. Retailers remain unaffected by this law. 

Iowa

The state of Iowa adheres to federal norms regarding body armor, allowing adults, except those with felony charges, to purchase and use body armor. The acquisition can be made both online and in person.

Kansas

In Kansas, individuals, excluding those with felony convictions, are permitted to buy and use body armor. Notably, the city of Topeka has an exclusive provision prohibiting the use of body armor during specific public gatherings such as parades and protests. Retailers are not impacted by this law.

Kentucky

Kentucky follows the federal guidelines on body armor usage and purchase, endorsing the rights of individuals, devoid of felony convictions, to own body armor. Procurements can be made online or in face-to-face transactions.

Louisiana

Louisiana law permits adults, excluding those with felony records, to own and utilize body armor. Nevertheless, the law restricts wearing body armor on school premises, and during the perpetration of a crime. Retailers operate freely under this regulation.

Maine

Maine upholds the federal regulations without introducing any additional restrictions on body armor usage. Individuals with no felony convictions are free to purchase and use body armor, available both online and offline.

Maryland

In Maryland, while the acquisition of body armor is generally allowed, individuals with a history of violent crimes or drug trafficking must obtain a permit from the Secretary of the Maryland State Police to purchase, possess, or use bulletproof body armor. Applications showcasing good cause may be filed for the permit.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts aligns with several other states, abiding by the federal laws and introducing a clause criminalizing the use of body armor during criminal endeavors. Individuals with felony convictions are prohibited from using body armor.

Michigan

Michigan residents, with the exception of those having felony convictions, can legally purchase and use body armor as per the federal stipulations. The transaction avenues include online and face-to-face interactions.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, the body armor laws parallel the federal guidelines, allowing adults, excluding those with a criminal record involving felony convictions, to legally own body armor. Transactions can occur both online and offline.

Mississippi

Mississippi maintains a stance aligned with the federal regulations, endorsing the legal purchase and use of body armor by individuals without felony convictions, with transactions being facilitated both online and offline.

Missouri

In Missouri, the regulations adhere strictly to federal directives, permitting adults devoid of felony convictions to acquire and utilize body armor through various transaction methods including online.

Montana

Montana follows the federal blueprint for body armor laws, allowing individuals not involved in felony convictions to purchase and use body armor, available through various channels including online purchases.

Nebraska

The state of Nebraska abides by the federal regulations, permitting adults, who are not felony convicts, to buy and use body armor, accessible both online and through direct transactions.

Nevada

In Nevada, the federal guidelines on body armor are upheld, allowing residents, except those with felony histories, to legally own body armor. Sales are facilitated both online and offline.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire permits adults, excluding those with felony convictions, to purchase and use body armor. A notable legal stipulation is the classification of committing felonies while using body armor as a Class B felony, increasing the legal repercussions for offenders.

New Jersey

New Jersey follows a similar framework as most states, permitting the use and purchase of body armor by individuals, barring those with felony records. Furthermore, the state legislates that committing crimes while wearing body armor leads to additional criminal charges, augmenting the penalties involved.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, the regulations surrounding body armor are in alignment with the federal laws, which means there are no additional stipulations in place at the state level. Adults are permitted to purchase and wear bulletproof vests and other forms of body armor, unless they have a felony conviction. These protective items can be acquired both in person and online.

New York

Following the tragic events of mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, Governor Kathy Hochul took a decisive action signing the Senate Bill S9407B into law on June 6, 2022. 

This legislation, which became effective from July 5, 2022, imposes restrictions on the purchase, sale, or delivery of body vests labeled as "bullet-resistant soft body armor". The new legal framework limits the allowance to own such vests to individuals working in the military, law enforcement, or in roles specified by the state department. 

This means the general public can no longer buy or own body vests, and online sales are strictly prohibited. Violations of this law entail serious consequences including criminal charges ranging from a class A misdemeanor to a class E felony, alongside substantial civil penalties for vendors who break the rules.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, adults, excluding those with felony convictions, are allowed to buy and utilize bulletproof vests and other types of body armor. These items are available for purchase both online and in person. The state law dictates that wearing body armor while engaged in a criminal activity is considered a felony.

North Dakota

North Dakota adheres to federal regulations concerning body armor, permitting adults, except those with a felony record, to buy and use bulletproof vests and similar protective gear. These can be bought both in person or online. 

Ohio

In Ohio, the legal landscape for body armor aligns with the federal laws, allowing adults who are not felony convicts to purchase and use bulletproof vests and other body armor. These protective garments can be purchased both face to face and online.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma permits adults, aside from those with felony convictions, to buy and wear bulletproof vests and other varieties of body armor. The purchase can be done both in person and online. Moreover, the state laws criminalize the use of body armor while committing a felony. 

Oregon

Oregon maintains adherence to federal laws regarding body armor, permitting adults without felony convictions to purchase and use bulletproof vests and other body armors. These items can be procured both online and in person. 

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the rules governing the purchase and use of body armor coincide with federal laws, permitting adults, except for those with felony convictions, to purchase and utilize bulletproof vests and other types of body armor. The purchases can be done both online and face to face. 

Rhode Island

Rhode Island permits adults to buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, with the exception being individuals with violent felony convictions. Purchases can be done both in person and online. 

South Carolina

In South Carolina, adults, except those with violent felony records, can purchase and use bulletproof vests and other kinds of body armor. These protective garments are available for purchase both online and face to face. The state has laws that criminalize the wearing of body armor while engaged in criminal activities, but these rules do not affect the retailers.

South Dakota

South Dakota’s regulations on body armor match the federal laws, allowing adults to purchase and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, excluding individuals with felony convictions. These items are available for acquisition both in person and online.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, adults excluding those with violent felony convictions are allowed to buy and use bulletproof vests and other forms of body armor. These can be purchased both in person and online. The state laws prohibit wearing body armor while committing a crime, labeling it as a Class E felony, without affecting the retailers. 

Texas

Texas follows the federal regulations on body armor, permitting adults, other than those with felony convictions, to purchase and wear bulletproof vests and other body armors. These purchases can be done both in person and online. 

Utah

In Utah, there are no additional rules apart from the federal laws on body armor. It allows adults, barring those with felony convictions, to purchase and use bulletproof vests and other body armors, available for sale both online and in person.

Vermont

In Vermont, the body armor regulations are in sync with the federal rules, enabling adults, except those with felony convictions, to buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor. These can be bought both face to face and online.

Virginia

In Virginia, adults, with the exception of those having felony convictions, are allowed to purchase and use bulletproof vests and other body armor. These can be bought both online and in person. 

The state law imposes a Class 4 felony charge on individuals who, while committing a violent felony, have in their possession a weapon and are wearing body armor designed to diminish the effect of ballistic impacts. Retailers are not affected by this law. 

Washington State

In Washington state, the regulations align with federal laws, permitting adults to purchase and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, with the exception of those having felony convictions. These protective garments can be acquired both online and in person. 

West Virginia

West Virginia permits adults to buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, with the exception being individuals with felony convictions. The purchasing can be done both online and in person. The state law stipulates that individuals wearing body armor while committing a violent felony, involving force or use of deadly weapons, will be charged with a felony. This law doesn't affect the retailers. 

Wisconsin

Wisconsin allows adults to buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, barring those with felony convictions. These can be bought both in person and online. The state’s laws regard the use of body armor while committing a felony as an illegal act, warranting an additional felony charge and an extended prison sentence. This law is directed at individuals and does not affect the retailers. 

Wyoming

In Wyoming, the regulations are in line with federal laws, permitting adults, barring those with felony convictions, to buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armors. These protective items can be purchased both in person and online.

*Washington D.C

In Washington, D.C., the guidelines adhere to the federal laws concerning body armor. It is legal for adults to purchase and wear bulletproof vests and other forms of body armor, with specific restrictions applied to those with felony convictions. The purchases can be done both online and in person.

BODY ARMOR LEGALITY IN OTHER COUNTRIES

• Australia – Possession of body armor without authorization is prohibited in particular territories including New South Wales, Queensland, ACT, Northern Territory, Victoria, and South Australia.
• United Kingdom – There are no restrictions on buying or owning body armor in the UK at this time.
• European Union – Ballistic protection designated as military armament is forbidden to civilians. Generally, this means hard armor and not soft, flexible vests. However, each member nation of the EU sets its own body armor laws.  
• Canada – Body armor is legal in all Canadian provinces and territories except for Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. In these four places, you must possess either a Law Enforcement, Security Guard, Firearms License, or Body Armour Permit ID to use body armor.

DISCLAIMER

We do our best to update this article immediately as new laws are passed, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to make sure you’re following the law. Always check with your local regulatory departments for more information on specific body armor laws in your area.