2025 Body Armor Laws by State: Is it Legal for Civilians to Purchase Body Armor?
This guide provides an overview on state-by-state restrictions to keep you updated on current regulations regarding body armor laws. For most of us, it is perfectly legal to own body armor. If you are a law-abiding citizen over the age of 18 years old, you can purchase body armor and have it shipped to your home in 48 of 50 of the States. Convicted felons are not permitted to own body armor. This is enforced by national and state laws. If you live in New York or Connecticut, there are strict laws about who can purchase and how you can get deliveries of body armor.
In the United States, civilians purchase body armor as a practical choice for personal safety, job requirements, and peace of mind. For some, it’s an occupational necessity, and they rely on armor to reduce on-the-job risk. For others, it’s preparation. Before you buy, there’s an important legal caveat: armor sales and ownership are regulated differently across jurisdictions. If you’re considering a purchase, treat legality as part of your checklist. Use this guide and do your own research. Check federal and state rules, confirm any purchase restrictions, and consult local authorities or legal counsel if you’re unsure.
Civilians That Purchase Body Armor | Smart. Steady. Prepared
Many civilians want body armor for valid and important reasons:
- Occupational Safety: Security personnel, process servers, embedded journalists, forensic examiners, investigators, animal control officers, or other professions sometimes face risks that make body armor part of their safety toolkit.
- Personal Protection & Self-Defense: Particularly for those in high-risk environments—like late-night couriers or rideshare drivers.
- High-Profile Individuals: Celebrities, athletes, politicians, and high-level corporate executives may face increased risks and unwanted threats.
- Peace of Mind: In areas with rising crime or community unrest, wearing body armor can offer psychological reassurance.
- Emergency Preparedness: Preppers, survivalists, or individuals preparing for potential disasters may include body armor in their gear for added protection. Added to "go bags" or emergency kits, body armor provides defense in scenarios like mass violence or civil disruptions.
- Protection for Families or Against Targeted Threats: Individuals facing stalking, violent threats, or organized crime might seek body armor for self and loved ones’ safety.
2025 Body Armor Purchase Laws by State
In most states, law-abiding civilians (no felony convictions) may purchase and possess body armor, unless specified otherwise. New York and Connecticut have the most restrictions. Federally and in all states the general rule is that convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor unless required by their employer and with proper written permission. It is also illegal for anyone to wear body armor while committing a crime with fines and severity of charges increasing. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure they are legally allowed to purchase and use the item.
| State / Territory | Civilian Purchase Allowed? | Special Conditions or Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Alaska | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Arizona | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Arkansas | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| California | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban), disqualifying misdemeanor (domestic violence, criminal threats, battery, stalking and others), or those under a restraining order may not possess body armor. If you are prohibited from owning a firearm you are also prohibited from possessing body armor. |
| Colorado | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Connecticut | Yes | Must be sold in person; online sales prohibited. See special section on Body Armor: Connecticut |
| Delaware | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Florida | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Georgia | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Hawaii | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Idaho | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Illinois | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Indiana | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Iowa | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Kansas | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban). Additionally, you are prohibited from wearing body armor during protests, rallies, parades and other assemblies in the city of Topeka. |
| Kentucky | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Louisiana | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban). Body armor is prohibited on school property with exceptions for student backpack armor. View Law |
| Maine | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Maryland | Yes (with conditions) | General rule applies (felony ban). Special license for any exceptions. More Info |
| Massachusetts | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Michigan | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Minnesota | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Mississippi | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Missouri | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Montana | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Nebraska | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Nevada | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| New Hampshire | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| New Jersey | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| New Mexico | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| New York | No (restricted) | Only eligible professions can buy; in-person sales only; penalties: Class A misdemeanor, later Class E felony. See special section on Body Armor: New York |
| North Carolina | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| North Dakota | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Ohio | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Oklahoma | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Oregon | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Rhode Island | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| South Carolina | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| South Dakota | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Tennessee | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Texas | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Utah | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Vermont | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Virginia | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Washington | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| West Virginia | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Wisconsin | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| Wyoming | Yes | General rule applies (felony ban) |
| American Samoa | Yes | General federal rule applies (felony ban). Pending legislation to restrict civilian ownership of “enhanced body armor” (Level III and above) has been proposed. |
| Guam | Yes | General federal rule applies (felony ban) |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Yes | General federal rule applies (felony ban) |
| Puerto Rico | Yes | General federal rule applies (felony ban) |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Yes | General federal rule applies (felony ban) |
Significant Exceptions: New York and Connecticut
New York Body Armor Laws
Who Is Allowed to Purchase?
New York is one of the strictest states when it comes to civilian access to body armor. New York law prohibits the purchase, possession, or transfer of body armor by civilians—unless they work in an “eligible profession.” These include:
- Police officers, peace officers, active military service (state or federal)
- Armored car guards, security guards, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics
- Firearms dealers, retailers, instructors; private investigators
- School administrators, journalists, process servers, animal control officers, code enforcement, forensic techs, and more. Here is a link to the official List of Eligible Professions which is consistently adding more professions.
How is Body Armor Sold or Delivered in New York?
- All body armor transactions must be conducted in person. Online or remote deliveries without face-to-face verification are not allowed. If you are eligible, Caliber Armor will work with your local FFL to comply with this rule.
- Buyers must provide proof—such as a professional credential or notarized form approved by the Department of State—verifying they are engaged in an eligible profession; this must be confirmed before completion of sale. For more information, reference the NY Department of State website Link.
Connecticut Body Armor Laws
Who Is Allowed to Purchase?
Connecticut law has restrictions on the purchase of body armor. It requires the civilian purchaser to have a pistol or revolver (i.e., handgun) permit, eligibility certificate for a handgun or long gun, or ammunition certificate. The Local gun dealer must meet the civilian purchaser personally. In this case civilians are legally able to purchase body armor but must hold a special permit. The purchase must be face-to-face with a federal firearms dealer. *Sales and deliveries to certain law enforcement personnel, federal firearms licensees, armed forces reserve members and other professionals (e.g., paramedics) are exempt from these restrictions
How is Body Armor Sold or Delivered in Connecticut?
Generally, state law requires sales and deliveries of body armor be done in person and only to someone with a local gun dealer permit, handgun permit, eligibility certificate for a handgun or long gun, or ammunition certificate. The law exempts sales or deliveries to: Link
- Authorized officials or sworn members of local police departments, the State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Department of Correction, the Board or Pardons and Paroles, or the Department of Motor Vehicles
- Authorized municipal or Department of Administrative Services’ officials who buy body armor for the above agencies
- judicial marshals, probation officers, and authorized Judicial Branch officials who buy body armor for them
- National Guard or armed forces reserve members
- federal firearms licensees
- emergency medical service organization employees (i.e., ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics)
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Body armor laws vary by state, territory, and municipality, and may change without notice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, Caliber Armor does not guarantee that this information is current, complete, or applicable to your specific circumstances. Before purchasing or possessing body armor, you should consult the laws of your state or territory and seek advice from a qualified attorney or your local law enforcement agency. Caliber Armor is not responsible for any actions taken or not taken based on the information contained in this article.
