Are bullet proof vests legal to buy?
Body Armor Laws by State 2023 - Know Your Rights
With all the talk of possible new restrictions being imposed on firearm ownership, we have been seeing increasingly more people asking the question, is it legal to own body armor? It's been a while since we've touched on this subject so we thought now would be a good time to look at the most up to date body armor laws in all 50 states. In general, yes, it is legal for normal civilians to buy and own body armor. Is it always legal to own body armor? Well... it depends. You have the right to protect yourself and your family from harm within bounds of the law. As a citizen of the United States, you have the legal right to purchase and wear body armor for personal or professional use if you don't have any prior history of committing a crime. You don't have to go through a background check or submit any special paperwork to buy a set of body armor plates, and it is legal to own in all 50 states of the United States. Sounds pretty cut and dry, right? Well, there are a few areas where the purchasing, & owning of body armor does have some legal barriers that you need to be aware of.
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Under federal law, a bulletproof vest is considered "body armor," which is regulated by statute, 18 U.S.C.A. Section 931. That law forbids anyone convicted of a violent felony to own or possess a vest, unless the person wearing the vest is an employee who is doing so in order to perform a lawful business activity and who has obtained prior written certification from the employer. A violation incurs a maximum of three years in prison. And using a vest during the commission of a federal crime of violence or a federal drug-trafficking crime will result in an enhanced sentence. (42 U.S.C. Section 3796ll-3(d)(1).) The basic idea behind this law is to help identify severities of crime. For example, if someone attempted to rob a bank, but wasn’t wearing body armor, they still committed a crime and would receive a prison sentence. However, if they had been wearing body armor, now there is clear evidence to the extent of their premeditated plan to violently engage with law enforcement and attempt escape. Think of it this way, if you got into a fight with someone, and punched the individual, that is a crime. However, if you specifically planned to physically assault someone, & took the time, and effort to involve a pair of brass knuckles, the crime is more severe. While owning body armor is legal federally, some states have specific rules that need to be adhered to, so it’s important to know what the laws are in the state you reside in. Some states increase the sentencing of crimes if body armor was used in the crime (or they may make the use of body armor in a crime a separate offense which would increase sentencing). For example, in California, judges may add one, two, or three years (Ca. Penal Code Section 12022.2). In some cases, states may elevate the level of the felony if body armor is involved. In Kentucky, use of body armor makes the defendant ineligible for parole. In a few states, mere possession (which is much broader than wearing the item) during a crime is a criminal act. For individuals with a criminal history, it’s important to know what your state laws are in the possession of body armor. As mentioned, those convicted of a violent felony are prohibited from owning body armor, but some states extend this restriction to those convicted of violent misdemeanors. However, even for those who have never committed a crime, there are some state regulations that restrict boy armor in certain situations. Louisiana, for example, does not allow wearing body armor on school property, or during school functions. Connecticut prohibits purchasing body armor online, or over the phone. The purchase must be made in person. Protecting yourself involves more than just which body armor you choose, but how you purchase it, so we encourage you to protect yourself by obeying the state laws where you reside. Below is a list of current body armor regulations by state. State laws are updated over time, so while we will update this periodically, please double check your state's most current regulations directly. In short, if you don’t break the law then you generally don’t have much to worry. However, some states do have specific requirements as listed below. Alabama Alabama does not have any additional laws for civilians to purchase body armor legally. In Alabama, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person. Alaska In Alaska, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face by civilians legally. Arizona Like many states, Arizona has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. Arkansas In Arkansas, it is a Class A Misdemeanor to possess body armor if you have been convicted of murder, manslaughter, aggravated robbery, assault, or battery, and this law does not affect body armor retailers. In any other case, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. California In California, lawmakers are in the process of passing Assembly Bill 92, which will restrict the purchase and use of body armor for certain professions. As of February 2023, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor 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 armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Connecticut Of all the states, Connecticut has some of the toughest laws on body armor, prohibiting residents from buying or selling body armor except through a face-to-face sale. Online retailers cannot market and 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 armor unless the transferee meets in person with the transferor to accomplish the sale or delivery. The law exempts sales or deliveries to: 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; authorized municipal or Department of Administrative Services’ officials who buy body armor for the above agencies; authorized Judicial Branch officials who buy body armor for probation officers; members of the National Guard or armed forces (CGS § 53-341b). Delaware Delaware has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. Florida Florida has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime, and, and this does not affect body armor retailers. In Florida, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Georgia Georgia has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a violent crime, or while trafficking drugs. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Georgia, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Hawaii In Hawaii, all civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor 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 armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Illinois Illinois, like California, is attempting to pass legislation that will prohibit the manufacturing, selling, importing, purchasing, and possessing of armor plate, body armor, and military helmets in the state with a few exceptions. House Bill 3238 has been proposed and would take effect on January 1, 2024. Until then, Illinois does not have any additional body armor laws pertaining to retailers. In Illinois, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. However, it is illegal for individuals to wear body armor while in possession of a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm, during the commission or attempted commission of any offense. Unlawful use of body armor is a Class A misdemeanor. Indiana In Indiana, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person. A person who knowingly or intentionally uses body armor while committing a felony commits unlawful use of body armor, 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 armor while committing a felony commits unlawful use of body armor, a Level 6 felony. Again, this law effects criminals, not retailers. Iowa In Iowa, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor 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, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person. Kentucky In Kentucky, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Louisiana Louisiana has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime or on school property. This does not affect body armor 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 armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. It is illegal to wear body armor on the premises of a school. Maine In Maine, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Maryland Maryland law mandates that all civilians with a prior conviction for a crime of violence, or a drug trafficking crime, are prohibited from using, possessing, or purchasing bulletproof body armor without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police. A civilian 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 armor. Massachusetts Massachusetts has a law in place that makes it a felony to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. In Massachusetts, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Michigan In Michigan, any civilian of age can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that civilian has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. In Michigan, 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 armor 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. This is not applying to state officers and security officers performing their duties while on or off a scheduled work shift. 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 armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Mississippi In Mississippi, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Missouri In Missouri, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor 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 armor 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 armor 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. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor 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. A person is guilty of a class B felony if he commits or attempts to commit any felony while using or wearing body armor. New Jersey In New Jersey, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Additionally, in New Jersey, a civilian 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 armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. New York Body armor cannot be purchased in the state of New York unless you work within a profession approved for ownership of body armor such as law enforcement. North Carolina North Carolina has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In North Carolina, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor 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 armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Ohio Ohio does not have any additional body armor laws. In Ohio, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Oklahoma Oklahoma has a law in place that makes it a felony to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Oklahoma, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor 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 armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Pennsylvania Pennsylvania does not have any additional body armor laws. In Pennsylvania, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Rhode Island In Rhode Island, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor and bulletproof vests, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor 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 armor. This does not affect retailers of bullet proof vests. With competitive price and timely delivery, longkui sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner. South Carolina South Carolina has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In South Carolina, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. South Dakota In South Dakota, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Tennessee Tennessee also has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. The unlawful wearing of a vest is a Class E felony. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Tennessee, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Texas In Texas, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Utah In Utah, civilians can purchase body armor legally and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Vermont Vermont does not have any additional body armor laws. In Vermont, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Virginia Virginia has one additional body armor 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 armor 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, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Washington State In Washington, civilians can purchase body armor legally, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. West Virginia In West Virginia, it is illegal for a civilian to wear body armor while committing a felony, 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. This does not affect body armor retailers. In West Virginia, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. Wisconsin In Wisconsin, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. In Wisconsin, regulations also state donning a bulletproof vest during a felony or attempted felony can lead to an additional felony conviction or added years to the final prison sentence. This law affects certain individuals who might purchase and wear bulletproof vests but does not affect retailers. Wyoming In Wyoming, any civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be legally purchased both online or face-to-face.Jump to State
Body Armor is Legal in Which States?
(Updated 07/01/22)
Ballistic protection is crucial if you're a recreational shooter, work in law enforcement or security, or want to be safe out in public in case of shootings. At Bulletproof Zone, we're proud to be the link between you and that life-saving gear.
But is it legal to own body armor?
Buying and wearing body armor is legal on the federal level in the United States, but some states have specific laws concerning the buying and selling of these products.
In this article, we're looking at the legal status of buying and wearing body armor in every state in the USA.
Basic Overview of Federal Body Armor Laws
Here are the basics of body armor federal legislation you should remember:
Who can buy body armor?
Per Section 931 of title 18, United States Code, any US citizen who is 18 or older and has not been convicted of a felony that constitutes a crime of violence can purchase and wear body armor in the USA.
There are some cases where a convicted felon may be allowed body armor for work with permission from the appropriate authorities.
Where can you buy body armor?
Body armor can be purchased by anyone in face-to-face transactions in all 50 states. However, some states have laws in place that only allow law enforcement officers, government officials, or other fields specified by the department state.
Body armor can be bought at gun shows, stores, websites, through catalogs, or over the phone.
Where can you NOT buy or sell body armor?
You cannot take, ship, send, or bring body armor outside the US without federal permission.
Body armor cannot be shipped to addresses in Connecticut and New York.
Can you wear body armor at 17 years old?
If you're under 18, you must receive written permission from your local police department to purchase body armor.
Can you wear body armor in public?
Generally, yes, you are within your rights if you wear body armor in public as long as you are an adult with no felony convictions.
Even though it’s legal on a federal level, US states are allowed to handle body armor laws in their own way. That means, depending on what state (or even city) you're in, it may not be legal for you to wear bulletproof gear at certain times or situations.
If you’re in Topeka, Kansas, for instance, it’s not legal for citizens to wear a bulletproof vest during certain public gatherings like protests or parades.
Always know the laws of any state where you want to wear body armor!
Specific Laws by State
Alabama
There are no extra body armor regulations in Alabama besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Alaska
There are no extra body armor regulations in Alaska besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Arizona
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Arizona has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn’t affect retailers of body armor.
Arkansas
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Possessing body armor is a Class A misdemeanor in Arkansas if you are convicted of manslaughter, murder, assault, aggravated robbery, or battery. This law doesn’t affect retailers of body armor.
California
There are no extra body armor regulations in California besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Colorado
There are no extra body armor regulations in Colorado besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s body armor laws are the strictest in the US. Body armor can only be bought and sold there in face-to-face transactions. This means any online seller of body armor is prohibited from selling to Connecticut residents.
Delivering or selling body armor to a Connecticut resident without personally meeting to complete the delivery or sale constitutes a Class B misdemeanor punishable by 6-month imprisonment, a $1,000 fine, or both.
People or entities exempt from this law include:
Sworn members or authorized officials of the State Police, local police departments, Board of Parole or Pardons, and the Division of Criminal Justice;
Authorized officials of the Department of Administrative Services or municipals who purchase body armor for agencies mentioned above;
Armed forces or National Guard members;
Authorized officials of the Judicial Branch who purchase body armor for probation officers.
Delaware
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Delaware has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Florida
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Florida has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Georgia
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Georgia, like most states, has a law in place that makes wearing body armor illegal while trafficking drugs or during commission of violent crimes. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Hawaii
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Hawaii has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Idaho
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Idaho has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Illinois
There are no additional body armor laws in Illinois in relation to retailers. Anyone can buy and use bulletproof vest in Illinois except those with a felony conviction. Bulletproof vests and other body armor can be bought face to face or online. However, individuals are not allowed to wear body armor when in possession of dangerous weapons other than firearms during attempted commission or commission of any offense. Unlawful body armor use is a Class A misdemeanor.
Indiana
Anyone can buy and use body armor in Indiana except those with a felony conviction. Bulletproof vests and other body armor can be bought face to face or online. People who intentionally or knowingly use body armor when committing a felony are committing unlawful body armor use, which is a Class D felony. The new law states that people who intentionally or knowingly use body armor when committing a felony commit unlawful body armor use, which is a Level 6 felony. The law doesn’t affect retailers, only individuals.
Iowa
There are no extra body armor regulations in Iowa besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Kansas
Anyone can buy and use a bulletproof vest and other body armor in Kansas except those with a felony conviction. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. In Topeka City, Kansas, it is not legal to carry, wear, or possess bulletproof vests during parades, rallies, demonstrations, assemblies, and protests. The statute doesn’t affect retailers.
Kentucky
There are no extra body armor regulations in Kentucky besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Louisiana
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Body armor laws in Louisiana state that it is not legal to wear body armor on school property or a campus or during commission of a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Maine
There are no extra body armor regulations in Maine besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Maryland
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Body armor laws in Maryland mandate that anyone with a prior conviction for drug trafficking or a crime of violence is not allowed to possess, purchase, or use bulletproof body armor without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police.
People with a prior conviction for drug trafficking or a crime of violence may, with good cause shown, file a petition with the Secretary for permit to purchase, possess, and use bulletproof body armor.
Massachusetts
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Massachusetts, like most states, has body armor laws that make it a felony to wear body armor when committing a crime.
Michigan
There are no extra body armor regulations in Michigan besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Minnesota
There are no extra body armor regulations in Minnesota besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Mississippi
There are no extra body armor regulations in Mississippi besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Missouri
There are no extra body armor regulations in Missouri besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Montana
There are no extra body armor regulations in Montana besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Nebraska
There are no extra body armor regulations in Nebraska besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Nevada
There are no extra body armor regulations in Nevada besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
New Hampshire
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
In New Hampshire, a person attempting to commit any felony while wearing or using body armor will be considered guilty of a Class B felony.
New Jersey
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Wearing body armor while carrying out a criminal act constitutes a crime in itself in New Jersey and will result in separate criminal charges such as more fines and time served.
New Mexico
There are no extra body armor regulations in New Mexico besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
New York
In response to the mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S9407B on June 6, 2022 which "relates to the unlawful purchase and sale or delivery of a body vest".
The law took full effect on July 5, 2022.
The purchase of body vests, which they described as "bullet-resistant soft body armor," as well as their illegal sale or delivery to people who are not in an eligible profession will be prohibited under the new law. The only exceptions would be for those who work in the military, law enforcement, or other fields specified by the department of state.
Body vest sales must be made in person in order to complete the sale and delivery; online transactions are not permitted.
The first offense would mean a class A misdemeanor and subsequent offenses will be constituted as class E felony.
Body armor vendors who engage in the illegal sale and delivery of body vests to anyone who is not employed in an eligible profession, will also face a civil penalty of $5,000 for the first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.
North Carolina
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. North Carolina, like most states, has body armor laws that make it a felony to wear body armor when committing a crime.
North Dakota
There are no extra body armor regulations in North Dakota besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Ohio
There are no extra body armor regulations in Ohio besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Oklahoma
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Oklahoma, like most states, has body armor laws that make it a felony to wear body armor when committing a crime.
Oregon
There are no extra body armor regulations in Oregon besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Pennsylvania
There are no extra body armor regulations in Pennsylvania besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Rhode Island
Adults in Rhode Island can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with violent felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
South Carolina
Adults in South Carolina can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with violent felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Like most states, South Carolina has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
South Dakota
There are no extra body armor regulations in South Dakota besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Tennessee
Adults in Tennessee can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with violent felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Like most states, Tennessee has body armor laws that make it illegal (a Class E felony in this case) to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Texas
There are no extra body armor regulations in Texas besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Utah
There are no extra body armor regulations in Utah besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Vermont
There are no extra body armor regulations in Vermont besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Virginia
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Anybody who commits a violent felony in Virginia and who has a knife or firearm in their possession while wearing body armor intended to minimize the effects of projectile or ballistic impacts will be guilty of a Class 4 felony. This law impacts individuals and not retailers.
Washington State
There are no extra body armor regulations in the state of Washington besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
West Virginia
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Anybody wearing or equipped with body armor while committing a violent felony offense that contains an element of force–either the threat of force, inflicting physical harm, or presenting or using firearms or other deadly weapons– are guilty of a felony. This law impacts individuals and not retailers.
Wisconsin
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Like most states, Wisconsin has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a felony. Doing so can constitute an additional felony conviction with extra time added to the resulting prison sentence. This law affects individuals and not retailers.
Wyoming
There are no extra body armor regulations in the state of Wyoming besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
*Washington, D.C.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Washington, D.C. besides the federal laws. Bulletproof vests and other body armor are legal for adults to purchase and wear, with certain specific exceptions, e.g. adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Body Armor Legality in Other Countries
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Australia
– Possession of body armor without authorization is prohibited in particular territories including New South Wales, Queensland, ACT, Northern Territory, Victoria, and South Australia.
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The UK
– There are no restrictions on buying or owning body armor in the UK at this time.
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The European Union
– Ballistic protection designated as
military armament
is forbidden to civilians. Generally, this means hard armor and not soft, flexible vests. However, each member nation of the EU sets its own body armor laws.
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Canada
– Body armor is legal in all Canadian provinces and territories except for Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. In these four places, you must possess either a Law Enforcement, Security Guard, Firearms License, or Body Armour Permit ID to use body armor.
Disclaimer
We do our best to update this article immediately as new laws are passed, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to make sure you’re following the law. Always check with your local regulatory departments for more information on specific body armor laws in your area.
Conclusion
For more information on the different types of body armor available and how they vary in performance, visit our blog on the different types of body armor.
When you're ready to buy, view our extensive catalog from many reputable manufacturers including plate carriers, armor plates, and even bulletproof clothing.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to contact us, and we can help you find the armor loadout best suited to you!
For more information, please visit Bulk Buy Ballistic Vests.
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