Are Stun Guns Legal in All 50 States?
Stun guns are widely recognized as non-lethal, effective self-defense tools. As of the time of this posting, they are legal in 49 states, but the laws vary, sometimes drastically. While many states permit ownership, some place restrictions on age, background, location, and method of use. One state, Rhode Island, still prohibits them entirely.
Understanding your state’s laws isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Whether you’re adding a stun gun to your Pink Ops™ arsenal or traveling with one across state lines, this guide gives you the clarity you need.
Disclaimer: This list is based on the most up-to-date laws available at time of publishing. It is not legal advice. Laws change often. Always check your state or local regulations directly.
Key Reminders:
Stun guns ≠ TASERs. While often used interchangeably, they are regulated separately.
Most states allow possession for self-defense.
Most states require you to be 18 or older with no felony convictions.
Some states or cities require permits or background checks.
Local jurisdictions (like cities and parishes/counties) may have tighter laws than the state.
2025 Legal Status of Civilian Stun Guns by State:
ALABAMA
Legal to own and carry. No restrictions.
ALASKA
Legal. No restrictions for civilian self-defense.
ARIZONA
Legal to carry. No restrictions.
ARKANSAS
Legal. No age or permit restrictions.
CALIFORNIA
Legal for self-defense. Not allowed for felons, narcotics addicts, or those with prior stun gun misuse.
COLORADO
Legal. No restrictions.
CONNECTICUT
Legal. Must be 21+ and pass a background check.
DELAWARE
Legal. Must be 18+. No felonies.
FLORIDA
Legal. No permit required. Local restrictions may apply.
GEORGIA
Legal. No permit or registration required.
HAWAII
Legal as of 2022. Must be 21+ and complete a safety training course.
IDAHO
Legal. No restrictions.
ILLINOIS
Legal. FOID card required. Background check mandatory. Restricted in schools, parks, and other protected areas.
INDIANA
Legal. No restrictions.
IOWA
Legal. No restrictions.
KANSAS
Legal. No age or permit requirement.
KENTUCKY
Legal. No restrictions.
LOUISIANA
Legal. No restrictions.
MAINE
Legal. No age or background restrictions.
MARYLAND
Legal. Must be 18+. Certain counties may require a permit.
MASSACHUSETTS
Legal. Must be 18+ with no felony or domestic violence convictions. No permit needed as of 2018.
MICHIGAN
Legal with restrictions. Only allowed with a CPL (Concealed Pistol License).
MINNESOTA
Legal. Must be 18+.
MISSISSIPPI
Legal. No restrictions.
MISSOURI
Legal. No permit or license needed.
MONTANA
Legal. No restrictions.
NEBRASKA
Legal. Must be 18+.
NEVADA
Legal. Must be 18+ with no felony convictions.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Legal. No restrictions.
NEW JERSEY
Legal. Must be 18+ with no felony convictions. Permit not required since 2017.
NEW MEXICO
Legal. No restrictions.
NEW YORK
Legal as of 2019 following a federal court ruling. Must be 18+ with no felony convictions.
NORTH CAROLINA
Legal. Must be 18+ with no felony record.
NORTH DAKOTA
Legal. No restrictions.
OHIO
Legal. No restrictions.
OKLAHOMA
Legal. No restrictions.
OREGON
Legal. No permit required.
PENNSYLVANIA
Legal. Must be 18+. Felons prohibited.
RHODE ISLAND
Illegal. Civilian possession of stun guns is prohibited.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Legal. No restrictions.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Legal. No restrictions.
TENNESSEE
Legal. No restrictions.
TEXAS
Legal. No restrictions.
UTAH
Legal. No restrictions.
VERMONT
Legal. No restrictions.
VIRGINIA
Legal. No restrictions.
WASHINGTON
Legal. No permit required.
WEST VIRGINIA
Legal. No restrictions.
WISCONSIN
Legal with restrictions. Must be 18+. Must obtain a concealed carry license to carry a stun gun in public.
WYOMING
Legal. No restrictions.
Final Word from Pink Ops™
Your protection is personal. That’s why staying informed is just as important as staying ready. Every Pink Ops™ product is designed to pair smart self-defense with bold, tactical beauty but the law always comes first.
Always check your local and state laws before purchasing or carrying a stun gun or TASER device.