Ammunition Limits By State in 2024: How Much Ammo Can You Buy?

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Ammo.com strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding state and federal laws. Click HERE to view our sources.

Disclaimer: While some states may lack specific ammunition restrictions, certain jurisdictions may have ordinances limiting ammunition sales.

Methodology

Numerous state and federal laws govern ammunition and firearm sales. We utilized multiple sources and cross-referenced state laws with official state websites to ensure accuracy and provide the most up-to-date information.

Limit to How Much Ammo You Can Buy by State?

There are no state limits on how much ammunition an individual can purchase. ^{3, 4}

However, there are restrictions on purchasing various ammo types at the state and federal levels. For example, armor-piercing ammo is illegal federally. Other ammo types, such as hollow points, are banned in New Jersey, and “Dragon’s Breath” is banned in Florida, Illinois, and Iowa. ^{2, 4}

Note: According to the ATF, armor-piercing bullets are designed to penetrate ballistic armor and shields. These include fully-jacketed handgun ammunition or bullets primarily made from tungsten alloy, steel, iron, brass, bronze, depleted uranium, or beryllium copper ⁵. Additionally, Dragon’s Breath refers to incendiary shotgun shells.

What States Require Background Checks for Ammunition?

Only California and New York require background checks at the point of sale. New York also requires background checks for commercial ammunition sales.

Many other states, such as New Jersey, require a valid photo ID at the time of purchase.

Note: California’s background check requirement was overturned in February of 2024. However, the court’s order was stayed, and the state’s background check laws are still in effect as of November 2024. ¹

Where Do You Need a License to Buy Ammo in the US?

Four states – Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey – require a permit to purchase ammo. ^{3, 4}

Ammo Shipping Restrictions by State

Eight states and some cities restrict shipping ammo to some degree.

In Maryland, it is legal to ship ammo (except in Annapolis). In Hawaii, ammo shipments must be transported by boat. All ammo in California must first go to an FFL dealer, while all ammo shipped in Massachusetts must go to someone with a valid FOID card. Alaska prohibits all ammo shipments. Illinois and New Mexico prohibit drop shipments (ammunition delivered directly to the consumer). ^{3, 4}

Minimum Age to Purchase Ammo by State

The 1968 Gun Control Act prohibits handgun ammo sales to anyone under 21 and long gun ammo to anyone under 18.

Although some states may allow ammunition possession for those younger than 21 or 18, respectively, federal law prohibits the sale of ammo to minors. ^{3, 4}

Ammunition Limits: Wrap Up

Very few states restrict ammo purchases. Federal, state, and local restrictions vary widely across the United States.

Although federal limitations supersede state laws, some states have higher age requirements for purchasing ammunition. Similarly, some states and local jurisdictions restrict ammo shipments and types.

Sources

1. California Law Requiring Background Checks for Every Ammo Purchase Reinstated After Just Six Days
2. Bullet Control: What Types of Ammunition are Illegal?
3. Ammunition Limits by State
4. State Laws and Published Ordinances
5. ATF - Gun Control Act Definitions - Ammunition