Body Armor is Legal in Which States?

(Updated August 2024)

Ballistic protection is crucial if you're a recreational shooter, work in law enforcement or security, or want to be safe out in public in case of shootings. At Bulletproof Zone, we're proud to be the link between you and that life-saving gear. 

But is it legal to own body armor?

Buying and wearing body armor is legal on the federal level in the United States, but some states have specific laws concerning the buying and selling of these products.

In this article, we're looking at the legal status of buying and wearing body armor in every state in the USA. 

Basic Overview of Federal Body Armor Laws

Here are the basics of body armor federal legislation you should remember:

Who can buy body armor?

Per Section 931 of title 18, United States Code, any US citizen who is 18 or older and has not been convicted of a felony that constitutes a crime of violence can purchase and wear body armor in the USA. 

There are some cases where a convicted felon may be allowed body armor for work with permission from the appropriate authorities.

Where can you buy body armor?

• Body armor can be purchased by anyone in face-to-face transactions in all 50 states. However, some states have laws in place that only allow law enforcement officers, government officials, or other fields specified by the department state.
• Body armor can be bought at gun shows, stores, websites, through catalogs, or over the phone.

Where can you NOT buy or sell body armor?

• You cannot take, ship, send, or bring body armor outside the US without federal permission.
• Body armor cannot be shipped to addresses in Connecticut and New York.

Can you wear body armor at 17 years old?

If you're under 18, you must receive written permission from your local police department to purchase body armor. 

Can you wear body armor in public?

Generally, yes, you are within your rights if you wear body armor in public as long as you are an adult with no felony convictions.

Even though it’s legal on a federal level,  US states are allowed to handle body armor laws in their own way. That means, depending on what state (or even city) you're in, it may not be legal for you to wear bulletproof gear at certain times or situations.

If you’re in Topeka, Kansas, for instance, it’s not legal for citizens to wear a bulletproof vest during certain public gatherings like protests or parades.

Always know the laws of any state where you want to wear body armor! 

Specific Laws by State

Alabama

There are no extra body armor regulations in Alabama besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Alaska

There are no extra body armor regulations in Alaska besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Arizona

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Arizona has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn’t affect retailers of body armor. 

Arkansas

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Possessing body armor is a Class A misdemeanor in Arkansas if you are convicted of manslaughter, murder, assault, aggravated robbery, or battery. This law doesn’t affect retailers of body armor. 

California

There are no extra body armor regulations in California besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Colorado

There are no extra body armor regulations in Colorado besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Connecticut

Connecticut’s body armor laws are the strictest in the US. Body armor can only be bought and sold there in face-to-face transactions. This means any online seller of body armor is prohibited from selling to Connecticut residents. 

Delivering or selling body armor to a Connecticut resident without personally meeting to complete the delivery or sale constitutes a Class B misdemeanor punishable by 6-month imprisonment, a $1,000 fine, or both. 

People or entities exempt from this law include:

• Sworn members or authorized officials of the State Police, local police departments, Board of Parole or Pardons, and the Division of Criminal Justice;
• Authorized officials of the Department of Administrative Services or municipals who purchase body armor for agencies mentioned above;
• Armed forces or National Guard members;
• Authorized officials of the Judicial Branch who purchase body armor for probation officers.

Delaware

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Delaware has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.

Florida

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Florida has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.

Georgia

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Georgia, like most states, has a law in place that makes wearing body armor illegal while trafficking drugs or during commission of violent crimes. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.

Hawaii

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Hawaii has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.

Idaho

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Idaho has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.

Illinois

There are no additional body armor laws in Illinois in relation to retailers. Anyone can buy and use bulletproof vest in Illinois except those with a felony conviction. Bulletproof vests and other body armor can be bought face to face or online. However,  individuals are not allowed to wear body armor when in possession of dangerous weapons other than firearms during attempted commission or commission of any offense. Unlawful body armor use is a Class A misdemeanor.

Indiana

Anyone can buy and use body armor in Indiana except those with a felony conviction. Bulletproof vests and other body armor can be bought face to face or online. People who intentionally or knowingly use body armor when committing a felony are committing unlawful body armor use, which is a Class D felony. The new law states that people who intentionally or knowingly use body armor when committing a felony commit unlawful body armor use, which is a Level 6 felony. The law doesn’t affect retailers, only individuals.

Iowa

There are no extra body armor regulations in Iowa besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Kansas

Anyone can buy and use a bulletproof vest and other body armor in Kansas except those with a felony conviction. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. In Topeka City, Kansas, it is not legal to carry, wear, or possess bulletproof vests during parades, rallies, demonstrations, assemblies, and protests. The statute doesn’t affect retailers.

Kentucky

There are no extra body armor regulations in Kentucky besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Louisiana

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Body armor laws in Louisiana state that it is not legal to wear body armor on school property or a campus or during commission of a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.

Maine

There are no extra body armor regulations in Maine besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Maryland

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Body armor laws in Maryland mandate that anyone with a prior conviction for drug trafficking or a crime of violence is not allowed to possess, purchase, or use bulletproof body armor without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police.

People with a prior conviction for drug trafficking or a crime of violence may, with good cause shown, file a petition with the Secretary for permit to purchase, possess, and use bulletproof body armor.

Massachusetts

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Massachusetts, like most states, has body armor laws that make it a felony to wear body armor when committing a crime. 

Michigan

There are no extra body armor regulations in Michigan besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Minnesota

There are no extra body armor regulations in Minnesota besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Mississippi

There are no extra body armor regulations in Mississippi besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Missouri

There are no extra body armor regulations in Missouri besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Montana

There are no extra body armor regulations in Montana besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Nebraska

There are no extra body armor regulations in Nebraska besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Nevada

There are no extra body armor regulations in Nevada besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

New Hampshire

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

In New Hampshire, a person attempting to commit any felony while wearing or using body armor will be considered guilty of a Class B felony.

New Jersey

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Wearing body armor while carrying out a criminal act constitutes a crime in itself in New Jersey and will result in separate criminal charges such as more fines and time served. 

New Mexico

There are no extra body armor regulations in New Mexico besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

New York

In response to the mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S9407B on June 6, 2022 which  "relates to the unlawful purchase and sale or delivery of a body vest".

The law took full effect on July 5, 2022.

The purchase of body vests, which they described as "bullet-resistant soft body armor," as well as their illegal sale or delivery to people who are not in an eligible profession will be prohibited under the new law. The only exceptions would be for those who work in the military, law enforcement, or other fields specified by the department of state.

Body vest sales must be made in person in order to complete the sale and delivery; online transactions are not permitted.

The first offense would mean a class A misdemeanor and subsequent offenses will be constituted as class E felony.

Body armor vendors who engage in the illegal sale and delivery of body vests to anyone who is not employed in an eligible profession, will also face a civil penalty of $5,000 for the first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.

North Carolina

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. North Carolina, like most states, has body armor laws that make it a felony to wear body armor when committing a crime. 

North Dakota

There are no extra body armor regulations in North Dakota besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Ohio

There are no extra body armor regulations in Ohio besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Oklahoma

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Oklahoma, like most states, has body armor laws that make it a felony to wear body armor when committing a crime. 

Oregon

There are no extra body armor regulations in Oregon besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Pennsylvania

There are no extra body armor regulations in Pennsylvania besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Rhode Island

Adults in Rhode Island can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with violent felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

South Carolina

Adults in South Carolina can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with violent felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Like most states, South Carolina has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.

South Dakota

There are no extra body armor regulations in South Dakota besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Tennessee

Adults in Tennessee can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with violent felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Like most states, Tennessee has body armor laws that make it illegal (a Class E felony in this case) to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.

Texas

There are no extra body armor regulations in Texas besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Utah

There are no extra body armor regulations in Utah besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Vermont

There are no extra body armor regulations in Vermont besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Virginia

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Anybody who commits a violent felony in Virginia and who has a knife or firearm in their possession while wearing body armor intended to minimize the effects of projectile or ballistic impacts will be guilty of a Class 4 felony. This law impacts individuals and not retailers. 

Washington State

There are no extra body armor regulations in the state of Washington besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

West Virginia

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Anybody wearing or equipped with body armor while committing a violent felony offense that contains an element of force–either the threat of force, inflicting physical harm, or presenting or using firearms or other deadly weapons– are guilty of a felony. This law impacts individuals and not retailers. 

Wisconsin

Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

Like most states, Wisconsin has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a felony. Doing so can constitute an additional felony conviction with extra time added to the resulting prison sentence. This law affects individuals and not retailers.

Wyoming

There are no extra body armor regulations in the state of Wyoming besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

*Washington, D.C.

There are no extra body armor regulations in Washington, D.C. besides the federal laws. Bulletproof vests and other body armor are legal for adults to purchase and wear, with certain specific exceptions, e.g. adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.

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.
• The UK – There are no restrictions on buying or owning body armor in the UK at this time.
• The 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.  

Conclusion

For more information on the different types of body armor available and how they vary in performance, visit our blog on the different types of body armor.  

When you're ready to buy, view our extensive catalog from many reputable manufacturers including plate carriers, armor plates, and even bulletproof clothing. 

Questions? Comments? Feel free to contact us, and we can help you find the armor loadout best suited to you!