A Complete Resource of Bullet Proof Vest Laws by State


Body armor is an excellent way to stay safe when in dangerous situations. Because its use is so closely tied to violent crimes and dangerous situations, it is one of the few heavily controlled product ranges in the United States, with different restrictions and laws in each state depending on the type of armor and who is intending to buy it. 

If you are looking to buy, sell, or even just use bulletproof vests, or any body armor, it’s important to know what your state prohibits and requires.

Federal Laws Regarding Bullet Proof Vests

Legally speaking, a bulletproof vest is any vest worn over the torso that is specifically designed to reduce or stop the penetration of high-speed projectiles like bullets. These are frequently made of several layers of a tightly-woven fabric such as Kevlar, but can be made with ceramic or metal for larger caliber projectile protection.

Bulletproof vests fall under the category of “body armor”, which is controlled under statute 18 U.S.C.A. §931. It disallows the possession, purchase, or sale of a vest to anyone who was successfully convicted of a violent felony. If violated, penalties can include up to three years in prison unless it is in connection to a drug-trafficking charge, in which case the sentence may be longer.

The only exception to this is if the vest is required by an employer who has written a certification for them to use on for a specific business-related activity.

According to the United States Constitution, Congress retains the ability to control interstate commerce in regards to body armor, which may have components from several states. There have been arguments that this undermines the integrity of the statutes on body armor, but those arguments have yet to succeed, as have arguments about its alleged violation of the Second Amendment.

International transport of body armor is illegal without express permission from the federal government.

Bullet Proof Vest Laws Broken Down by State

While several states have very similar laws when it comes to body armor in general, it’s worth noting what the specific laws for your state and any state you plan to travel to, buy, or sell in are so that you are aware of any discrepancies that might cause issues over state lines. This list aims to provide you with a basic overview and understanding of these laws.

The information in this list is compiled from Bulletproof Zone, A Safe pack, and Defend and Pack Gear, as well as various government websites. Links to each state’s government webpage regarding body armor have been provided where available, and otherwise noted if unavailable. Please consult these resources before making any serious decisions regarding body armor.

Alabama

  • There are no specific body armor laws in Alabama.
  • Adults with felony convictions cannot buy or use a bulletproof vest.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

Alabama’s specific laws regarding body armor are not easily accessible online. As before, if you are planning to buy, sell, or own body armor of any kind in Alabama, you should check directly with your local law enforcement agency for specifics. You can contact the state legislature here.

Alaska

  • Adults with felony convictions can’t buy or use a bulletproof vest.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can find more information about the specifics of body armor laws in Alaska here.

Arizona

Arizona may have some of the least restrictions of all fifty states when it comes to body armor, in that its only official law regarding it is:

  • It is illegal to wear body armor when assisting or committing a crime.

You can find the specifics of this law here.

Arkansas

  • If you’ve been convicted with murder, assault, aggravated robbery, or other similar crimes, then it is illegal to own body armor. It is a Class A misdemeanor charge.
  • Adults with felony convictions can’t buy or use a bulletproof vest.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can find details of body armor law in Arkansas here.

California

  • Adults with felony convictions can’t buy or use a bulletproof vest.
  • Body armor can be sold or bought both in person and online.
  • If you are unable to get a bulletproof vest due to a restriction (such as a felony) but who needs one for their work may petition the local chief of police for the right to use one in those circumstances.

You can find the full transcript of California’s body armor laws here.

Colorado

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

More information about the ownership of bulletproof vests in Colorado can be found here, at the government site for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership.

Connecticut

On the opposite end of the spectrum from Arizona, Connecticut has the strictest and most particular set of body armor laws out of all fifty states.

  • Connecticut residents cannot buy or sell bulletproof vests or other body armor online. They must do so in person. 
  • If they do buy or sell online, both the buyer and the seller (even if the seller is out of state) may be subject to fines up to $1000 or six months in prison, or even both.
  • Exempt from this law are police officers, members of the Board of Parole or Pardons and the Division of Criminal Justice, officials from the Department of Administrative Services (and those who they choose to sell body armor to), members of the armed forces or National guard, and officials of the Judicial Branch.

If you are planning to touch any kind body armor in Connecticut, you should read the laws for the state in full before doing so. You can see them in full here.

Delaware

  • It is illegal to use body armor while committing a crime. In this state it is a Class B felony, with a minimum sentence of three years in prison.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Delaware’s body armor laws here.

Florida

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Florida’s body armor laws here.

Georgia

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Georgia’s body armor laws here.

Hawaii

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Hawaii’s body armor laws here.

Idaho

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

Idaho’s specific laws regarding body armor are not easily accessible online. If you are planning to buy, sell, or own body armor of any kind in Idaho, you should check directly with your local law enforcement agency for specifics. You can contact the state legislature here.

Illinois

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.
  • Individuals may not wear body armor when in possession of what is deemed a “dangerous weapon,” excluding firearms.
  • Unlawful body armor use is a Class A Misdemeanor.

You can read Illinois’ body armor laws here.

Indiana

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge. In this state it is considered a Class D Felony.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can find more details about Indiana’s body armor laws here.

Iowa

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read more about Iowa’s body armor laws, specifically those regarding bulletproof vests and their legal sale, here.

Kansas

  • Specifically in Topeka, Kansas, it is not illegal to have a bulletproof vest at parades, rallies, demonstrations, assemblies, and protests.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Kansas’ body armor laws here.

Kentucky

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read more about Kentucky’s body armor laws here.

Louisiana

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • It is illegal to use body armor on school property.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read more about Louisiana’s body armor laws here.

Maine

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

Maine’s specific laws regarding body armor are not easily accessible online. As with Idaho, if you are planning to buy, sell, or own body armor of any kind in Maine, you should check directly with your local law enforcement agency for specifics. You can contact the state legislature here.

Maryland

  • Those convicted of drug trafficking or violent crimes cannot buy or sell bulletproof vests or other body armor.
  • You need a permit from the Secretary or the Maryland State Police to sell body armor.
  • Anyone with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests unless they file a petition with the Secretary.

The application for bulletproof body armor, as well as more details about the specifics of the laws around it, can be found here.

Massachusetts

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Massachusetts’ body armor laws here.

Michigan

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge. It is a felony in this state, punishable with up to four years in prison or a fine of up to $2000, or both.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Michigan’s body armor laws here.

Minnesota

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Minnesota’s body armor laws here.

Mississippi

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

Once again, Mississippi’s specific laws regarding body armor are not easily accessible online. As before, if you are planning to buy, sell, or own body armor of any kind in Mississippi, you should check directly with your local law enforcement agency for specifics. You can contact the state legislature here.

Missouri

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Missouri’s body armor laws here.

Montana

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read more about Montana’s body armor laws here.

Nebraska

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read more about Nebraska’s body armor and firearm laws here.

Nevada

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge. In this state it is a Class B felony.
  • There are no specific laws about the sale of bulletproof vests.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.

You can read Nevada’s body armor laws here.

New Hampshire

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge. In this state it is a Class B felony.
  • There are no specific lays about the sale of bulletproof vests.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.

You can read more about New Hampshire’s body armor laws here.

New Jersey

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge. The exact penalties for this vary depending on the seriousness of the crim, but can include jail time and fines.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read more about New Jersey’s body armor laws here.

New Mexico

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

While the direct laws about body armor are not easily accessible online for New Mexico, there are several case studies that are publicly available. You can review them here.

New York

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge. In this state it is a Class E felony.
  • There are higher penalties for the use of body armor in the commission of a crime in conjunction with the use of a firearm.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read New York’s body armor laws here.

North Carolina

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person

You can read more about North Carolina’s body armor laws here.

North Dakota

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

Once again, North Dakota’s body armor laws are not easily accessible online, but a case study regarding the legality of body armor possession is publicly available. You can read it here.

Ohio

  • Ohio does not have many specific body armor laws.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person, although in this state in particular, online sales are more common and often preferable.

You can read more about Ohio’s body armor laws here.

Oklahoma

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Oklahoma’s body armor laws here.

Oregon

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Oregon’s body armor laws here.

Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania does not have many specific body armor laws.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Pennsylvania’s body armor laws here.

Rhode Island

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Rhode Island’s body armor laws here.

South Carolina

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read South Carolina’s body armor laws here.

South Dakota

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

South Dakota’s specific laws regarding body armor are not easily accessible online. As before, if you are planning to buy, sell, or own body armor of any kind in South Dakota, you should check directly with your local law enforcement agency for specifics. You can contact the state legislature here.

Tennessee

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read more about Tennessee’s body armor laws here.

Texas

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read more about Texas’ body armor laws here.

Utah

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Utah’s body armor laws here.

Vermont

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

Vermont’s specific laws regarding body armor are not easily accessible online. As before, if you are planning to buy, sell, or own body armor of any kind in Vermont, you should check directly with your local law enforcement agency for specifics. You can contact the state legislature here.

Virginia

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge. In this state it is a Class 4 felony.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person

You can read Virginia’s body armor laws here.

Washington

  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read more about Washington’s body armor laws here.

West Virginia

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge. In this state it is a felony, although the class is not specified.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read West Virginia’s body armor laws here.

Wisconsin

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

You can read Wisconsin’s body armor laws here.

Wyoming

  • Using body armor while committing a crime is an additional criminal charge.
  • Adults with a felony conviction can’t buy or use bulletproof vests.
  • You can buy or sell body armor both online and in person.

Wyoming’s specific laws regarding body armor are not easily accessible online. As before, if you are planning to buy, sell, or own body armor of any kind in Wyoming, you should check directly with your local law enforcement agency for specifics. You can contact the state legislature here.

Consider This Before Buying a Bullet Proof Vest

Other than the legal aspect, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before buying body armor. First, determine the threat level you expect to be dealing with. Personal armor will generally protect against lower calibers than professionally used armor (such as that for police or SWAT officers. 

You’ll also need to consider the fit of the vest, as ill-fitting armor is less effective. After that, you’ll want to consider the material. Again, a lighter Kevlar-type vest is usually preferred for personal use, while higher ballistic-resistant vests tend to be made of heavier-duty materials.

Once you’ve got all that sorted, and made sure it’s legal in your area, you’re all set to protect yourself with the best body armor on the market.


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Matthew Osborn

Matt is an entrepreneur who has created and successfully exited multiple companies and brands. Now, he dedicates his time to Legionary, where he produces content on guns, family, and freedom.

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