Which States Have Strict Online Firearm Sales Regulations?
- Summit Gun Auctions
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago

Firearm regulations are important to be aware of for anyone looking to purchase or utilize guns in any way, and online firearm sales regulations are a good example. In particular, which states in the US are known to have especially strict regulations for online firearm sales, and which specific elements might you need to be aware of if you're purchasing guns from or in these states?
At Summit Gun Auctions, we're proud to offer the very best online gun auctions and related firearm sale services to clients around the nation - and we regularly assist clients with understanding firearm regulations for online sales within their state. Here are a few examples of a few states that have special online gun purchase rules, plus a few of the specifics here and some important elements to remember.
California
California is one of the strictest states for online gun regulations, with all of the following regulations in place:
No exemption from federal dealer transfer requirements: California does not have an exemption from the federal requirement that all firearms dealers must conduct background checks on buyers.
California-compliant: Any guns shipped to California from another state must adhere to California's strict gun laws and regulations, such as the state's assault weapons ban.
Out-of-state: Guns cannot be purchased out-of-state and carried home, even if private sales are legal in that state.
Direct-to-door shipments are illegal: Like all other US states, it is prohibited in California to have a gun delivered directly to your front door. Instead, all firearms must be shipped to a licensed dealer or retailer where the buyer may pick it up in person.
If you're looking to buy or sell a gun in California, it's important to understand the laws and regulations surrounding firearms. This includes not only state laws, but also federal laws that apply to all states. If you're unsure, be sure to consult with a local attorney.
New York
The state of New York is not quite as strict as California when it comes to online firearm purchase regulations, but there are still some particulars here. One of the chief unique requirements for online gun purchases in New York is the fact that background checks are required not just for gun purchases, but for ammo purchases as well. This is in contrast to most other states where background checks are only required for gun purchases.
Importance of Consulting Attorney And/Or FFL
While we've gone over a few broad basics on firearm regulations for online sales in this blog, we want to re-emphasize the importance of consulting with an attorney and/or a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder when purchasing or selling firearms online. As we've mentioned, laws vary by state and are constantly changing, so it's crucial to stay up-to-date on any changes that may affect your ability to legally buy or sell firearms.
Consulting with an attorney can help ensure that you fully understand the laws in your state and can guide you through the legal process of buying or selling guns online. Additionally, working with an FFL holder can provide added assurance that all necessary background checks and paperwork are completed correctly.
Furthermore, if you're planning on starting a business selling guns online, it is highly recommended to work closely with both an attorney and an FFL holder to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. This can also help protect you from potential legal issues and liabilities.
Moreover, it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes in gun laws that may affect your online buying or selling activities. Staying informed can help avoid any unintentional violations of the law and keep your business running smoothly.
At Summit Gun Auctions, we're here to help with any firearm regulations required for our online gun auctions. Contact us today to learn more or get started with buying or selling guns from the convenience of your home!