Can You Buy Ammo Online? 2026 State-by-State Rules
Quick answer: Yes — in most states it is legal to buy ammunition online and have it shipped to your door. Federal law requires licensed dealers to sell handgun ammunition only to buyers 21 or older and long-gun ammunition to buyers 18 or older, and bars prohibited persons from buying any. A handful of states and cities add permits, background checks or dealer-pickup rules — notably California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, Hawaii, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C.
Reviewed and updated October 31, 2026 by Daniel Guerra. General guidance; no new hands-on testing was done for this update.
| Situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| Most states | Order online and ship to your home; adult signature often required |
| Permit or ID states | Illinois (FOID), Massachusetts (license), New Jersey (FID/permit for handgun ammo), Connecticut (credential) |
| Background check / vendor states | California and New York route sales through licensed vendors with checks |
| Ship-to-dealer | Hawaii and some localities |
| Generally not allowed | Washington, D.C. and some cities such as New York City |
Ready to order? Compare tracked retailers in our best places to buy ammo online guide and pick a load from our best self-defense ammo.
Is It Legal To Buy Ammo Online?
Yes, under federal law. There is no federal background check or license required to buy ammunition, and it can be shipped to your home. Federal law does set a few rules:
- Age: licensed dealers may sell rifle and shotgun ammunition only to buyers 18 or older and handgun ammunition only to buyers 21 or older (Gun Control Act of 1968). Retailers verify age at checkout, delivery or both.
- Prohibited persons: people barred from possessing firearms, such as those with felony or domestic-violence convictions, cannot buy or possess ammunition.
- Shipping: carriers have their own hazmat and packaging rules, and many retailers require an adult signature on delivery.
States and some cities add their own rules on top, and online retailers block addresses they cannot legally ship to.
State Rules
States with permit, background-check or vendor rules
| State | What applies |
|---|---|
| California | All ammunition sales go through a licensed ammunition vendor with a background check at purchase; online orders are shipped to a vendor for pickup |
| New York | Ammunition sales go through licensed dealers with a background check; online orders are shipped to a dealer |
| New Jersey | A Firearms Purchaser ID card or handgun permit is required for handgun ammunition |
| Massachusetts | A state firearms license is required to buy ammunition |
| Illinois | A FOID card is required; retailers verify it before shipping |
| Connecticut | A permit, eligibility certificate or ammunition certificate is required |
| Hawaii | Online orders must be shipped to a licensed dealer; many retailers do not ship there |
| Rhode Island | Buyers must present a firearms license or pass a background check |
| Washington, D.C. | Sales are limited to registered firearm owners through licensed dealers; direct home shipment is generally not available |
Some cities add stricter rules: New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Denver restrict or bar online ammunition delivery. Local rules or retailer policies may also affect orders to other parts of Colorado, Maryland and Washington State, and some U.S. territories have their own licensing rules. Check before you order.
States with no statewide ammo permit or background check
As of our October 2026 review, the following states had no statewide ammunition permit or background-check requirement, so online orders can generally be shipped to your door (retailer policies still apply): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Laws change often. Check your state’s official site and the retailer’s shipping restrictions page before ordering.
How To Buy Ammo Online
- Confirm your state and local rules using the tables above and your state’s official site.
- Pick the load. For carry, buy the same defensive load you have tested in your gun; see our best self-defense ammo. Buy cheaper full metal jacket ammunition for practice.
- Choose a reputable retailer that checks your address against state and local restrictions at checkout.
- Provide required ID or permits. In permit states, retailers ask you to upload or enter your card before shipping.
- Plan for delivery. Many orders require an adult signature; in vendor states, you will pick up at a dealer.
- Store it safely in a cool, dry place, locked away from children.
Established online retailers include MidwayUSA, Palmetto State Armory, Lucky Gunner and Brownells. Compare them in our best places to buy ammo online guide.
Related reading: How To Buy a Gun Online: 5 Easy Steps
Buying Ammo Online FAQ
Is it legal to buy ammo online?
Yes, in most states. Federal law allows it for adults who are not prohibited persons; some states add permit, background-check or dealer-pickup rules.
How old do you have to be to buy ammo online?
Licensed dealers must sell handgun ammunition only to buyers 21 or older and rifle or shotgun ammunition to buyers 18 or older. Retailers usually verify age at checkout or delivery.
Which states do not allow ammo shipped to your home?
California and New York require sales through licensed vendors with background checks, and Washington, D.C. and some cities effectively prohibit direct shipments. Several other states require a permit or ID.
Does ammo require a signature on delivery?
Many retailers ship with adult signature required. Check the retailer’s shipping policy.
Conclusion
In most states you can order ammunition online and have it shipped home, as long as you meet the federal age rules and are not a prohibited person. California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. add permits, background checks or dealer pickup. Check your state and the retailer’s restrictions, and buy from an established retailer.
