A state or federal law prohibiting the sale, transfer, or possession of semi-automatic firearms based on a banned-features list (pistol grip, flash hider, folding stock, etc.) or specific banned models. As of 2026, 10 states + DC have an active AWB.
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Gun Compliance Check
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Instantly verify firearm compliance by state. Scan a barcode, snap a photo, or type the model — and get a detailed compliance report with statute citations in seconds. Covers all 50 states + DC.
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How Firearm Compliance
Verification Works
No legal degree required. Get a plain-English compliance report in under 30 seconds.
01
Select Your State for Gun Law Check
Choose the state where the firearm will be purchased, transferred, or possessed. Laws vary dramatically — what is permitted in Texas may be prohibited in California.
02
Identify the Firearm Your Way
Type a UPC, MPN, or model name — or use our new AI image scanning to snap a photo of the box, scan the label with your camera, or upload a screenshot from any product page. Our AI extracts the make, model, and UPC automatically.
03
Get Your Compliance Report
Receive a detailed compliance verdict — compliant, non-compliant, or compliant with modifications — with specific issues, required changes, permits needed, and statute citations.
Real Results
State Gun Laws
Compliance Results
Not just a yes or no. Every result includes compliance issues, required modifications, permits needed, and the specific statutes that apply.
Sample Result — Non-Compliant · New Jersey
Radical Firearms FR-16 SOCOM
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO / .223 Rem
Action: Semi-Automatic
Magazine: Detachable — 30 rounds
Barrel: 16" · Stock: B5 BRAVO adjustable · Pistol grip · A2 flash hider
Action: Semi-Automatic
Magazine: Detachable — 30 rounds
Barrel: 16" · Stock: B5 BRAVO adjustable · Pistol grip · A2 flash hider
🚫 Not New Jersey Compliant
This semi-automatic rifle with detachable magazine is prohibited under New Jersey's assault weapon ban due to having both a pistol grip and flash suppressor. The 30-round magazine also exceeds New Jersey's 10-round limit.
Compliance Issues
- Pistol grip (B5 Type 23) — prohibited feature under AWB
- A2 Flash Hider — prohibited feature under AWB
- 30-round magazine exceeds 10-round limit
Required Modifications
- Remove pistol grip and install fixed/compliant grip
- Remove A2 flash hider and install thread protector or compliant muzzle device
- Replace 30-round magazine with 10-round or smaller capacity magazine
Permits Required
- NJ Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC)
RELEVANT STATUTES: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1w (assault weapon ban), N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1y (magazine capacity)
AI Image Scanning NEW
Snap a photo, scan a label, or upload a screenshot — our AI does the rest.
Snap a photo, scan a label, or upload a screenshot — our AI does the rest.
All 50 States + DC
Every AWB, mag limit, permit requirement, and dealer note.
Every AWB, mag limit, permit requirement, and dealer note.
Statute Citations
Every result links directly to the specific code section.
Every result links directly to the specific code section.
Modification Guidance
Exact mods required when a firearm can be made compliant.
Exact mods required when a firearm can be made compliant.
7,500+ Firearms
UPC and model lookup returns results instantly.
UPC and model lookup returns results instantly.
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⚠ For informational purposes only. Always verify compliance with current statutes or consult a licensed firearms attorney.
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State Laws at a Glance
Gun Law Quick Reference
by State
Key compliance facts for the most-searched states. For full per-firearm verification including required modifications and permit lookups, run a free compliance check.
| State | Assault Weapons Ban | Magazine Limit | Suppressors | Permit / Wait | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | 10 rounds | Banned | 10-day wait + DROS | Cal. Penal Code § 30515, § 32310 |
| New Jersey | Yes | 10 rounds | Banned | FPID + Permit to Purchase | N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1w, 2C:39-1y |
| New York | Yes | 10 rounds | Banned | Permit to Purchase | N.Y. Penal Law § 265.00, § 265.36 |
| Massachusetts | Yes | 10 rounds | Banned | License to Carry (LTC) | M.G.L. c. 140 § 121, § 131M |
| Connecticut | Yes | 10 rounds | Permitted (NFA) | Eligibility Certificate | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-202a |
| Maryland | Yes | 10 rounds | Permitted (NFA + MSP) | Handgun Qual. License | Md. Code, Crim. Law § 4-301 |
| Illinois | Yes | 10/15 rounds | Banned | FOID Card required | 720 ILCS 5/24-1.10 |
| Washington | Yes | 10 rounds | Permitted (NFA) | 10-day wait (semi-auto) | RCW 9.41.190, 9.41.390 |
| Hawaii | Yes | 10 (handgun) | Banned | Permit required | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-8 |
| Texas | No | No limit | Permitted (NFA) | No state permit | No state-level AWB or magazine restriction |
| Florida | No | No limit | Permitted (NFA) | 3-day wait (handgun) | Fla. Stat. § 790.065 |
| Pennsylvania | No | No limit | Permitted (NFA) | License to Carry (handgun) | 18 Pa. C.S. § 6109 |
Reference data current as of 2026. Always verify with the current statute text or a licensed firearms attorney before any purchase or transfer.
Common Questions
Firearm Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to the most common questions about state gun laws, NFA items, FFL transfers, and federal firearm regulations.
How do I check if a gun is compliant in my state?
Enter the firearm's UPC barcode, manufacturer part number, or make and model into Gun Compliance Check, select your state, and you'll get a compliance verdict — compliant, non-compliant, or compliant with modifications — within seconds. Each result includes specific compliance issues, required modifications, permits needed, and links to the relevant state statutes. The free tier covers 3 checks per day across all 50 states + DC.
What is AI image scanning and how does it work?
AI image scanning lets you identify a firearm without typing anything. Pro members get three new input modes: Scan Barcode (point your phone camera at a UPC), Scan Text (point your camera at a product page on a screen, label, or shipping document), and Upload Image (pick a screenshot or photo from your device). Our AI extracts the make, model, and UPC automatically, then runs the full state-by-state compliance check. Pro plan includes 100 image scans per month; the free plan continues to support unlimited barcode scanning and manual lookup.
What is an assault weapons ban (AWB)?
An assault weapons ban is a state or federal law that prohibits the sale, transfer, manufacture, or possession of certain semi-automatic firearms based on either a list of specific models or a feature test. Feature-test bans typically prohibit semi-automatic rifles or pistols that have a detachable magazine plus one or more named features such as a pistol grip, folding/telescoping stock, flash hider, threaded barrel, or forward grip.
Which states have an assault weapons ban?
As of 2026, ten jurisdictions have an effective assault weapons ban: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington — plus the District of Columbia. Rhode Island enacted an AWB in June 2025 (Chapter 281) that takes effect July 1, 2026. Each ban defines 'assault weapon' differently and the list of prohibited features varies by state. There is currently no federal assault weapons ban; the 1994 federal AWB expired in 2004.
What's the magazine capacity limit in my state?
Magazine capacity limits vary by state. As of 2026: California, Colorado (some), Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Hawaii (handguns only), Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Rhode Island, Washington, and Hawaii have magazine capacity restrictions, generally capped at 10 or 15 rounds. The remaining states have no state-level magazine capacity limit. Federal law does not impose a magazine capacity limit.
What is an NFA item?
An NFA item is a firearm or accessory regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934 (26 U.S.C. Chapter 53). NFA items include suppressors (silencers), short-barreled rifles (SBRs) with a barrel under 16 inches, short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) with a barrel under 18 inches, machine guns, destructive devices, and 'any other weapons' (AOWs). Each NFA item requires ATF approval via a Form 4 transfer and a $200 federal tax stamp ($5 for AOWs).
Which states ban civilian ownership of suppressors?
Eight states plus DC prohibit civilian suppressor ownership regardless of federal NFA approval: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. The remaining 42 states permit suppressor ownership with an approved ATF Form 4 and $200 tax stamp. State prohibitions override federal NFA approval — a federal tax stamp does not authorize possession in a banned state.
What is an FFL and do I need one?
An FFL is a Federal Firearms License issued by the ATF, required for anyone in the business of dealing, manufacturing, or importing firearms. Private individuals do not need an FFL to own firearms. To purchase a firearm online from an out-of-state seller, you must have it shipped to a local FFL holder who will run the NICS background check and complete the ATF Form 4473 before transferring the firearm to you.
Do I need a permit to buy a gun?
Permit requirements vary by state. Some states require a permit or license to purchase firearms (such as New Jersey's Firearms Purchaser Identification Card for long guns and Permit to Purchase for handguns, Massachusetts's License to Carry, Illinois's FOID card, and New York's permit system). Most states require only a federal NICS background check at the point of sale, with no separate state permit needed. Concealed carry is regulated separately.
What is a 'featureless build'?
A featureless build is a semi-automatic rifle configured to comply with a feature-test assault weapons ban by removing all prohibited features. In California, for example, a featureless AR-15 typically has a fixed stock with no pistol grip (such as a Thordsen FRS-15 or Hera CQR), no flash hider (replaced with a thread protector or muzzle brake), no forward grip, and a standard 10-round detachable magazine. Featureless builds are legal in CA, CT, MA, NJ, and NY where AWB feature tests apply.
Can I ship a firearm across state lines?
Long guns and handguns may be shipped between FFL holders in different states. As a private individual, you cannot ship a handgun across state lines except to an FFL — you must use a common carrier and disclose that the package contains a handgun. Long guns may be shipped between non-licensed individuals via the U.S. Postal Service in some cases. The receiving FFL must conduct the NICS background check and ATF Form 4473 before transferring the firearm to the recipient.
What's the difference between an AR-15 and an 'assault rifle'?
An AR-15 is a semi-automatic civilian rifle that fires one round per trigger pull. An 'assault rifle' as defined by the U.S. military and Department of Defense is a select-fire weapon capable of fully automatic or burst fire, which has been heavily restricted to civilians since 1986 under the Firearm Owners Protection Act. The term 'assault weapon' in state law is a separate, legally-defined category based on cosmetic features and is not equivalent to 'assault rifle'.
What is a 'high-capacity magazine'?
A 'high-capacity magazine' is a term used in state laws to define a detachable magazine that exceeds a specified round count. The threshold varies: 10 rounds in California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Hawaii (handguns), Maryland (handguns/centerfire rifles), Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington; 15 rounds in Illinois (handgun), Rhode Island, and some Maryland configurations. Federal law imposes no magazine capacity limit.
What is an SBR (short-barreled rifle)?
An SBR is a rifle with a barrel length under 16 inches or an overall length under 26 inches. SBRs are regulated as NFA items under federal law and require ATF approval via Form 1 (manufacture) or Form 4 (transfer) plus a $200 tax stamp. Several states prohibit civilian SBR ownership entirely, including California, Delaware, DC, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa (registration required), New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Do all states require background checks for firearm purchases?
All firearm purchases through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) require a NICS background check under federal law, regardless of state. Private (person-to-person) sales are regulated by state law: 22 states and DC require background checks for at least some private sales, while 28 states permit private sales without a background check. Some states require purchases to go through an FFL even between private parties.
What is the difference between state gun law and federal gun law?
Federal gun laws (such as the Gun Control Act of 1968, the National Firearms Act of 1934, and 18 U.S.C. § 922) apply nationwide and set a baseline. State gun laws may be more restrictive than federal law but cannot be less restrictive. When state and federal law conflict, the more restrictive provision typically applies. A firearm permitted under federal law may still be prohibited by a specific state — and ATF approval of an NFA item does not override state prohibition.
Can I take my legally-owned firearms to another state?
The federal Firearm Owners Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 926A) permits transporting an unloaded, locked firearm between two states where you can lawfully possess it, provided it is not readily accessible during transit. Some states (notably New Jersey, New York, and California) have stricter interpretations and have prosecuted travelers despite FOPA. Before traveling with firearms, verify the laws of every state along your route — including transit through prohibited states.
What is a 'ghost gun'?
A 'ghost gun' is a privately-manufactured firearm built from an unfinished receiver (often called an 80% lower) without a serial number. ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F (effective August 24, 2022) reclassified most unfinished receiver kits as firearms requiring serialization and FFL transfer. Several states — including California, Connecticut, DC, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington — separately prohibit unserialized firearms or require state-issued serial numbers.
How long does an ATF Form 4 take to approve?
ATF Form 4 (NFA transfer) approval times vary widely. Suppressor and SBR transfers typically take 6 to 12 months, though eForm filings can sometimes process in under 90 days. Machine gun and destructive device transfers may take longer. The transfer is not complete and the buyer cannot take possession until ATF approval is received. The $200 tax stamp ($5 for AOWs) is paid at filing.
What is a UPC barcode and how do I find it?
A UPC (Universal Product Code) is the 12-digit barcode printed on a firearm's original retail box. Gun Compliance Check uses UPC lookup to instantly identify the exact firearm configuration including caliber, action, magazine type, barrel length, and prohibited features. If you don't have the box, you can also search by manufacturer part number (often printed on the firearm itself) or full make and model.
Is Gun Compliance Check considered legal advice?
No. Gun Compliance Check is an informational tool operated by Highland Software LLC (New Jersey). Results are based on published statutes and regulations but do not constitute legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. State firearm laws change frequently. Always verify compliance with the current statute text or consult a licensed firearms attorney before completing a purchase or transfer.
Definitions
Firearm Compliance
Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the key terms used in U.S. firearm compliance, federal firearms law, and state gun regulations.
The 1934 federal law (26 U.S.C. Chapter 53) regulating suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, machine guns, destructive devices, and any other weapons (AOWs). Requires ATF approval and a tax stamp ($200 standard, $5 for AOWs).
An ATF-issued license required to engage in the business of dealing, manufacturing, or importing firearms. Private individuals do not need an FFL to own firearms but must have purchases shipped to an FFL holder for the background check and Form 4473.
A rifle with a barrel under 16 inches or overall length under 26 inches. Regulated as an NFA item under federal law; outright prohibited in CA, DE, DC, HI, IL, NJ, NY, RI, WA.
A shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches or overall length under 26 inches. Regulated as an NFA item; prohibited in several states.
A catch-all NFA category including pen guns, cane guns, smooth-bore pistols, and certain disguised firearms. Transfer requires a $5 tax stamp instead of the standard $200.
New Jersey's required permit for purchasing or transferring long guns. Issued by local police; does not authorize handgun purchases (which require a separate Permit to Purchase).
The FBI database queried for every firearm transfer through an FFL. Most checks complete in under 90 seconds; delayed responses can take up to 3 days for the FBI to clear the buyer or issue a denial.
California's mandatory firearm transfer record process. All firearm transfers — including private — must be processed through an FFL with a 10-day waiting period.
A factory slide cut allowing direct mounting of a red-dot sight without gunsmithing. Common in Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and Springfield modern handguns.
Illinois's required state-issued card for any firearm or ammunition purchase or possession. Must be obtained before any firearm transfer can be initiated in Illinois.
The federal form completed by every buyer at the FFL for every firearm transfer. Required by 18 U.S.C. § 923(g).
The application required to transfer an NFA item to an individual or entity. Approval typically takes 6 to 12 months and requires a $200 tax stamp.
A rifle configured to comply with a feature-test AWB by removing all prohibited features (pistol grip replaced with fixed stock, flash hider replaced with thread protector or muzzle brake, no forward grip, fixed or 10-round magazine).