Educate Yourself
Know the Law before you Buy
BODY ARMOUR REGULATIONS
We all have a right to
protect ourselves and our families. As such, we have a legal right to
acquire and wear body Armour for personal and professional protection. In turn,
it is also legal to sell bulletproof vests and other types of body Armour to
anyone in the US.
It is the responsibility of the buyer to ascertain whether he is legally able
to purchase and use body Armour. This responsibility does not fall on the
shoulders of the retailer.
It is perfectly safe and legal for retailers to sell bulletproof vests to the
general public. People who purchase bulletproof vests and other types of body Armour
are upstanding citizens who simply wish to protect themselves, their employees
and their families from harm.
Convicted felons of a violent crime surrender their right to own body Armour.
The US has a federal ban on the possession of body Armour by convicted
felons of a violent crime (
18 U.S.C. 931
). Felons of a violent crime can only purchase
bulletproof vests if their employer requires it and they get written permission
to do so. Still, it is the responsibility of the felon to refrain from buying
body Armour. Only he can be prosecuted if he makes an illegal purchase.
Retailers are not liable for what happens to body Armour after it is
sold.
This information is current to the best of our knowledge. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE NOR SHALL BE INTERPRETED AS LEGAL ADVICE. For legal advice contact a licensed attorney in your state. Contact your local government and/or law enforcement for the most current regulations in your area.
Check this website for updated information: More Info
BY STATE (Alphabetical Order)
Alabama
Alabama does not have any additional body Armour laws. In Alabama, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Alaska
In Alaska, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Arizona
Like many states, Arizona has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body Armour during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body Armour retailers.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, it is a
Class A Misdemeanor to possess body Armour if you have been convicted of
murder, manslaughter, aggravated robbery, assault, or battery. This law does
not affect body Armour retailers.
In Arkansas, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she
has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can
be purchased online or face-to-face.
California
In California, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Colorado
In Colorado, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Connecticut
Of all the states,
Connecticut has the toughest law on body Armour, prohibiting residents from
buying or selling body Armour except through a face-to-face sale. This means
that if you choose to sell body Armour online, you cannot sell to Connecticut
residents.
In Connecticut, it is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up
to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, to sell or deliver body Armour
unless the transferee meets in person with the transferor to accomplish the
sale or delivery. The law exempts sales or deliveries to:
1. authorized officials or sworn members of local police departments, the State
Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Department of Correction, or the
Board or Pardons or Parole;
2. authorized municipal or Department of Administrative Services' officials who
buy body Armour for the above agencies;
3. authorized Judicial Branch officials who buy body Armour for probation
officers; and
4. members of the National Guard or armed forces (CGS § 53-341b).
Delaware
Like many states, Delaware has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body Armour during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body Armour retailers.
Florida
Like many states,
Florida has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body Armour during the
commission of a crime. This does not affect body Armour retailers.
In Florida, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that
adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour
can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Georgia
Like many states,
Georgia has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body Armour during the
commission of a violent crime, or while trafficking drugs. This does not affect
body Armour retailers.
In Georgia, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that
adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour
can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Idaho
In Idaho, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Illinois
Illinois does not have
any additional body Armour laws pertaining to retailers. In Illinois, any adult
can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted
of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased
online or face-to-face.
However, it is illegal to for individuals to wear body Armour while in
possession of a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm, during the commission
or attempted commission of any offense. Unlawful use of body Armour is a Class
A misdemeanor.
Indiana
In Indiana, any adult
can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted
of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased
online or face-to-face.
A person who knowingly or intentionally uses body Armour while committing a
felony commits unlawful use of body Armour, a Class D felony (up until July
2014, when a new law takes effect). The new law states that a person who
knowingly or intentionally uses body Armour while committing a felony commits
unlawful use of body Armour, a Level 6 felony. Again, this law effects
criminals, not retailers.
Iowa
In Iowa, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Kansas
In the city of Topeka,
Kansas, it is illegal to possess, carry or wear a bulletproof vest during
protests, parades, rallies, assemblies, and demonstrations. This statute does
not affect retailers.
In Kansas, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has
been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be
purchased online or face-to-face.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Louisiana
Like many states,
Louisiana has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body Armour during
the commission of a crime or on school property. This does not affect body Armour
retailers.
In Louisiana, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that
adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour
can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Maine
In Maine, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Maryland
Maryland law mandates
that all persons with a prior conviction for a crime of violence, or a drug
trafficking crime, are prohibited from using, possessing, or purchasing
bulletproof body Armour without a permit issued by the Secretary of the
Maryland State Police.
A person with a prior conviction for a crime of violence or a drug trafficking
crime may file, for good cause shown, a petition with the Secretary for a
permit to use, possess, and purchase bulletproof body Armour.
Massachusetts
Like many states,
Massachusetts has a law in place that makes it a felony to wear body Armour
during the commission of a crime. This does
In Massachusetts, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or
she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour
can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Michigan
In Michigan, any adult
can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted
of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased
online or face-to-face.
Michigan Laws Regarding Committing a Crime While Wearing Body Armour:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an individual who commits or attempts
to commit a crime that involves a violent act or a threat of a violent act
against another person while wearing body Armour is guilty of a felony,
punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more
than $2,000.00, or both. A term of imprisonment imposed for violating this
section may be served consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed for the
crime committed or attempted.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to either of the following:
(a) A peace officer of this state or another state, or of a local unit of
government of this state or another state, or of the United States, performing
his or her duties as a peace officer while on or off a scheduled work shift as
a peace officer.
(b) A security officer performing his or her duties as a security officer while
on a scheduled work shift as a security officer.
(3) As used in this section:
(a) “Body Armour” means clothing or a device designed or intended to protect an
individual's body or a portion of an individual's body from injury caused by a
firearm.
(b) “Security officer” means an individual lawfully employed to physically
protect another individual or to physically protect the property of another
person.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Missouri
In Missouri, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Montana
In Montana, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Nevada
In Nevada, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony involving a deadly weapon (Ch. 202 of the NRS). Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has laws
in place that make committing a crime while wearing a bulletproof vest a
felony, but does not have laws in place that prohibit sales of bulletproof
vests by retailers.
650-B:2 Felonious Use of Body Armour. – I. A person is guilty of a class B
felony if he commits or attempts to commit any felony while using or wearing
body Armour.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, any adult
can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted
of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased
online or face-to-face.
Additionally, in New Jersey, a person can be charged separately for wearing a
bullet proof vest while carrying out criminal acts. The practical effect is
more jail time and fines. Separate penalties have a wide range depending on the
seriousness of the underlying crime.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
New York
New York prohibits the purchase or possession of a body vest; establishes that the purchase or possession of a body vest shall be a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class E felony for each subsequent offense.
Section 270.20 Unlawful Wearing of a Bullet Proof Vest
A person is guilty of the unlawful wearing of a body vest when acting either alone or with one or more other persons he commits any violent felony offense defined in section 70.02 while possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun and in the course of and in furtherance of such crime he wears a body vest. The unlawful wearing of a vest is a class E felony.
North Carolina
Like many states, North
Carolina has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body Armour during
the commission of a crime. This does not affect body Armour retailers.
In North Carolina, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless
that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body
Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Ohio
Ohio does not have any additional body Armour laws. In Ohio, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Oklahoma
Like many states,
Oklahoma has a law in place that makes it a felony to wear body Armour during
the commission of a crime. This does not affect body Armour retailers.
In Oklahoma, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she
has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can
be purchased online or face-to-face.
Oregon
In Oregon, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have any additional body Armour laws. In Pennsylvania, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, any
adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted
of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased
online or face-to-face.
In 2012, Rhode Island's General Assembly passed a bill that forbids anyone
convicted of a felony that is a crime of violence from buying or possessing
body Armour. This does not affect retailers of bullet proof vests.
South Carolina
Like many states, South
Carolina has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body Armour during
the commission of a crime. This does not affect body Armour retailers.
In South Carolina, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless
that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body
Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Tennessee
Tennessee has a law in
place that makes it illegal to wear body Armour during the commission of a
crime. The unlawful wearing of a vest is a Class E felony. This does not affect
body Armour retailers.
In Tennessee, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that
adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour
can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Texas
In Texas, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Utah
In Utah, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Vermont
Vermont does not have any additional body Armour laws. In Vermont, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Virginia
Virginia has one
additional body Armour law, like many states: Any person who, while committing
a crime of violence or a felony violation, has in his possession a firearm or
knife and is wearing body Armour designed to diminish the effect of the impact
of a bullet or projectile, shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. This law does
not affect retailers.
In Virginia, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that
adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour
can be purchased online or face-to-face
Washington State
In Washington, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, a
person who wears or is otherwise equipped with body Armour while committing a
felony offense, an element of which is force, the threat of force, physical
harm to another or the use or presentment of a firearm or other deadly weapon,
is guilty of a felony. This does not affect body Armour retailers.
In West Virginia, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless
that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body
Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, any adult
can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted
of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased
online or face-to-face.
In Wisconsin, donning a bulletproof vest during a felony or attempted felony
can lead to an additional felony conviction, or the adding of extra years to
the final prison sentence. Again, this law affects certain individuals who
might wear bulletproof vests but does not affect retailers.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body Armour can be purchased online or face-to-face.
Where can retailers sell body Armour:
1. You can sell body Armour to any person in a face-to-face transaction.
No ID or background check is required and no special record keeping is
needed.
2. You can ship body Armour to 49 states. Sales to customers in
Connecticut can only be done via face-to-face transactions.
3. You can sell body Armour via a store, gun show, website, via the phone
or catalog.
Where are retailers not allowed to sell body Armour:
1. You cannot sell body Armour to Connecticut via the mail.
2. You cannot ship, take, bring, or send body Armour outside the USA
without Federal permission.
International Purchases
Australia - it is illegal to possess body Armour without authorization in certain territories (South Australia, Victoria, Northern Territory, ACT, Queensland, and New South Wales).
Canadian provinces - (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia) a license is required to possess body Armour, though there are no such restrictions in the rest of the country.
European Union - ballistic protection that is considered ‘for main military usage’ is forbidden to civilians.
UK
-
There are currently no restrictions on purchasing and owning body Armour.
EXPORT REGULATIONS
Our products may contain technical data as defined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 CFR 120.10 or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR Parts 730 - 780. The export of this product/material may be controlled by these regulations and may not be exported or transferred to non-U.S. persons without prior written approval from the U.S. government.