3D-Printed Gun Laws by State: A 2025 Overview of State Laws and Ghost Gun Legislation

Date Published: March 8, 2025

Ammo.com provides reliable information from a variety of sources. You can view the sources used in this article HERE.

Methodology

Not all ghost guns are 3D-printed, but every unserialized 3D-printed firearm qualifies as a ghost gun.

The following sections outline state and federal laws that may result in prosecution for manufacturing, possessing, or transferring 3D-printed firearms. All information presented in this article is sourced from official state government statutes.

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. This information has not been reviewed by a legal professional and should not be interpreted as legal guidance.

Definitions

To better understand 3D-printed gun laws, it’s important to define key terms commonly used in state legislation.

• Ghost Guns: Unserialized and/or privately manufactured firearms
• 3D-Printed Firearms: Ghost guns produced using a three-dimensional printer
• Untraceable Firearms: Unserialized and unregistered firearms
• Undetectable Firearms: Firearms constructed entirely from materials that cannot be detected by a metal detector

How Many States Have Banned 3D-Printed Guns?

Seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Oregon, New York, and Washington – have laws that prohibit or regulate the manufacture and possession of 3D-printed firearms, allowing for prosecution in certain cases.

While state laws vary, each of these states restricts unlicensed civilians from possessing, manufacturing, or transferring unserialized firearms.

What Happens If You Get Caught With a Ghost Gun

Manufacturing, possessing, transferring, or transporting a ghost gun can lead to fines and imprisonment.

Violating federal laws and ATF regulations – such as manufacturing an undetectable firearm or transferring an unserialized firearm – can carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison.

State laws vary, but prosecutions often result in fines or prison sentences of up to eight years per offense.

3D-Printed Gun Laws by State

Federal Law – Restrictions on Selling and Manufacturing Certain Firearms

• Selling a 3D-printed, unserialized frame or receiver – whether finished or unfinished – is illegal.
• Manufacturing an undetectable firearm, meaning one that cannot be detected by a metal detector, is prohibited.

Connecticut – Ghost Gun, 3D-Printed Firearm, and Undetectable Firearm Ban

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• Possessing an unserialized firearm manufactured before 1968 is illegal. Privately manufactured firearms must be serialized.
• Violations are classified as a Class C felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Delaware – Ghost Gun, 3D-Printed Firearm, and Undetectable Firearm Ban

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Manufacturing or possessing an undetectable, 3D-printed, or unserialized firearm – including unfinished frames and receivers – is illegal.

Violations are classified as Class D or E felonies, carrying penalties of up to eight years in prison.

Note: In 2022, a federal judge issued an injunction stating that these provisions violate the Second Amendment.

Hawaii – Ghost Gun, 3D-Printed Firearm, and Undetectable Firearm Ban

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• Manufacturing, transferring, or possessing an unserialized firearm – including finished or unfinished frames and receivers – is illegal.
• Violations are classified as a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Rhode Island – Ghost Gun, 3D-Printed Firearm, and Undetectable Firearm Ban

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• Manufacturing, selling, possessing, or transferring an unserialized firearm is illegal.
• Violations are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Oregon – Ghost Gun and Undetectable Firearm Bans

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• Selling, transferring, or possessing any firearm – finished or unfinished – manufactured without a serial number after 1968 is illegal.
• Violations result in a $1,000 fine for the first offense, with penalties escalating to jail time for subsequent offenses.

New York – Ghost Gun Ban

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• Possessing an unserialized and unregistered firearm – whether a finished or unfinished frame or receiver – manufactured after 1968 is illegal.
• Violations are punishable by up to four years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.

Washington – Untraceable Firearms Prohibited (Unserialized)

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Manufacturing, purchasing, transporting, or transferring an untraceable (unserialized) firearm is illegal, except for FFL dealers.

Penalties:

• First offense: Up to a $500 fine
• Second offense: Classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine
• Third offense: Classified as a gross misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine – with one charge per firearm

Wrap-Up

Federal law restricts certain practices involving 3D-printed firearms nationwide, particularly regarding undetectable and unserialized guns. Additionally, seven states have enacted specific laws prohibiting manufacturing, selling, or possessing privately made firearms, including 3D-printed guns. These state-level restrictions vary in scope and penalties, with some imposing fines, felony charges, and significant prison sentences. As firearm regulations continue to evolve, individuals should stay informed about both federal and state laws to ensure compliance.

Sources:

1. Undetectable Firearms Act 1988
2. Privately Made Firearms (ATF)
3. Ghost Gun Laws: Connecticut
4. Ghost Gun Laws: Delaware
5. Ghost Gun Laws: Hawaii
6. Ghost Gun Laws: Rhode Island
7. Ghost Gun Laws: Oregon
8. Ghost Gun Laws: New York
9. Ghost Gun Laws: Washington