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TASER Device Laws by State
Minimum age, permits and background checks, all in one spot. Find your state, then shop the same trusted tech used by law enforcement.
- Trusted by Law Enforcement
- Proven Less-Lethal Devices
- Legal in 49 States, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia
Important legal disclaimer
TASER devices are legal in 49 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, though laws can vary across states and municipalities. Always check state and local laws for the most up-to-date information. This is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.
What are the TASER device laws in each state?
Most states set the minimum purchase age at 18 and do not require a permit or background check to buy a TASER device. As of November 2026, six jurisdictions require buyers to be 21, seven require a permit or license, and nine require a background check. Find your state in the table below, and read the notes for Hawaii, Michigan, New York and Rhode Island.
Counts are based on the state table below and leave out New York, where restrictions are the subject of conflicting court decisions. Laws change, so check state and local rules.
Three things to check
Minimum purchase age
Most states start at 18. A few go higher, so check yours.
Permit and licensing
Some states ask for a credential to buy, possess or carry.
Background check
A handful of states require one at purchase or to get a permit.
State requirements, A to Z
50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Last reviewed November 2026.
| State | Minimum purchase age* | Permit/licensing requirements* | Background check required?* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 18 | No | No |
| Alaska | 18 | No | No |
| Arizona | 18 | No | No |
| Arkansas | 19 | No | No |
| California | 18 | No | No |
| Colorado | 18 | No | No |
| Connecticut | 21 | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware | 18 | No | No |
| District of Columbia | 18 | No | No |
| Florida | 18 | No | No |
| Georgia | 18 | No | No |
| Hawaii* | 21 | No | Yes |
| Idaho | 18 | No | No |
| Illinois | 21 | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | 18 | No | No |
| Iowa | 18 | No | No |
| Kansas | 18 | No | No |
| Kentucky | 18 | No | No |
| Louisiana | 18 | No | No |
| Maine | 18 | No | No |
| Maryland | 18 | No | Yes |
| Massachusetts | 21 | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan* | 21 | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | 18 | No | No |
| Mississippi | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| Missouri | 18 | No | No |
| Montana | 18 | No | No |
| Nebraska | 18 | No | No |
| Nevada | 18 | No | No |
| New Hampshire | 18 | No | No |
| New Jersey | 18 | No | No |
| New Mexico | 18 | No | No |
| New York* | See note | See note | See note |
| North Carolina | 18 | No | No |
| North Dakota | 18 | No | No |
| Ohio | 18 | No | No |
| Oklahoma | 18 | No | No |
| Oregon | 18 | No | No |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | No | No |
| Puerto Rico | 21 | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island* | 18 | No | No |
| South Carolina | 18 | No | No |
| South Dakota | 18 | No | No |
| Tennessee | 18 | No | No |
| Texas | 18 | No | No |
| Utah | 18 | No | No |
| Vermont | 18 | No | No |
| Virginia | 18 | No | No |
| Washington | 18 | No | No |
| West Virginia | 18 | No | No |
| Wisconsin | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| Wyoming | 18 | No | No |
Notes
General: This chart provides high-level informational guidance as of November 2026 and is not legal advice. Local laws and other restrictions may apply. Buyers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws.
* Age: Purchase age defaults to 18 unless state law requires a higher age. Some states, including California and Illinois, allow younger buyers to possess or acquire a device with parent or guardian consent. Age limits and conditions vary.
* Permit/licensing requirements: “Permit/Licensing Requirements” means a consumer credential may be required to purchase, possess, or carry a TASER energy weapon. A requirement may apply to one of these activities without applying to all three.
* Background check: “Background Check” means a check required either as part of the purchase or transfer of a TASER energy weapon or to obtain a required permit or license.
* Hawaii: Online sales are not offered to Hawaii residents. Hawaii residents may purchase in person from a licensed seller.
* Michigan: Stun devices like Strike Light 2 are not permitted in Michigan.
* New York: Statutory restrictions on possession and sale remain on the books, although their constitutionality has been the subject of conflicting court decisions. For additional info, see: https://askalawlibrarian.nycourts.gov/legalresearch/faq/360755; Avitabile v. Beach, 368 F. Supp. 3d 404 (N.D.N.Y. 2019); People v. Taylor, 87 Misc. 3d 856, 236 N.Y.S.3d 910 (N.Y. Crim. Ct. 2025); Calce v. City of New York, No. 25-861-cv (2d Cir. Apr. 13, 2026) (summary order), petition for cert. pending, No. 26-46.
* Rhode Island: O’Neil v. Neronha held Rhode Island’s stun-gun possession/use ban unconstitutional and enjoined its enforcement. State law still prohibits sales to persons under 18. O’Neil v. Neronha, 594 F. Supp. 3d 463, 479 (D.R.I. 2022).
Shipping and background checks
Shipping
Adult signature (21+) on every order
All orders ship via FedEx and require an adult signature upon delivery, no matter which state you call home.
Background checks
We email you the link after you order
If your state requires a background check, look for our email with the details once your order is placed.
Frequently asked questions about TASER device laws
Are TASER devices legal in every state?
TASER devices are legal in 49 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, though laws can vary across states and municipalities. Check state and local laws before you buy.
What is the minimum age to buy a TASER device?
Most states set the minimum purchase age at 18. Arkansas is 19. Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan and Puerto Rico are 21. Every order also needs an adult signature (21+) at delivery.
Which states require a permit or license?
Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and Wisconsin list permit or licensing requirements. A requirement may apply to buying, possessing or carrying, without applying to all three.
Which states require a background check?
Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and Wisconsin. The check may be part of the purchase or transfer, or part of getting a required permit or license.
What about New York and Rhode Island?
New York still has restrictions on possession and sale on the books, but courts have issued conflicting decisions on their constitutionality. In Rhode Island, a court held the stun-gun possession and use ban unconstitutional and blocked its enforcement, though sales to anyone under 18 remain prohibited.
How do TASER Self-Defense orders ship?
Orders ship via FedEx and require an adult signature (21+) at delivery. Orders of $100 or more ship free ($300 or more to Alaska). Puerto Rico orders of $300 or more can ship Express for $50.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is for educational purposes only. Local laws and other restrictions may apply, and buyers are responsible for following all applicable laws.
View all frequently asked questions
TASER devices are legal in 49 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, though laws can vary across states and municipalities. Always check state and local laws for the most up-to-date information. This is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.