How To Buy a Gun Online: 5 Easy Steps (2026)

Quick answer: To buy a gun online: check your state and local laws, choose a reputable online retailer, pick the firearm and pay, have it shipped to a local FFL dealer (federal law requires this — guns are not shipped to your home), then visit the dealer to fill out ATF Form 4473, pass the background check, pay the transfer fee and pick it up. You must be 21 to buy a handgun from a dealer and 18 for a rifle or shotgun.

Reviewed and updated October 31, 2026 by Daniel Guerra. General guidance; no new hands-on testing was done for this update.

Step	What happens
1. Check the law	State permits, waiting periods, magazine and model restrictions
2. Choose a seller	Established retailers with clear FFL shipping policies
3. Buy and pick an FFL	Select a local dealer at checkout; confirm they accept transfers
4. Background check	Form 4473 and NICS (or state) check at the dealer
5. Pick up	Pay the transfer fee and take the gun home after any waiting period

Compare retailers in best places to buy a gun online and models in best concealed carry guns.

Read Best Places To Buy A Gun Online

Know the Law First

Federal rules

• FFL shipping: a gun bought online must ship to a federally licensed dealer (FFL), not your home. You complete the transfer there.
• Background check: the dealer runs a NICS check (or a state check in some states) after you fill out ATF Form 4473.
• Age: 18 for rifles and shotguns, 21 for handguns from a dealer. Some states set 21 for all firearms.
• Residency: handguns must be transferred in your state of residence.

State and local rules

Many states add permits to purchase, waiting periods, registration, magazine limits or approved-model lists. Retailers usually block items that cannot ship to your state, but you are responsible for knowing the law. Your local FFL can tell you what applies.

Buying your first carry gun? Plan for the legal side too. A self-defense incident can bring legal costs even when you acted lawfully. Carry insurance and legal-defense memberships differ a lot in what they cover, when they pay, and whether they cover criminal and civil defense. Compare them in our concealed carry insurance guide before you choose.

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Seller

Buy from an established retailer with clear FFL shipping and return policies. Common choices include Palmetto State Armory (frequent sales and wide selection), Brownells (long-established retailer) and Guns.com (new and used guns). Compare them below and in our best places to buy a gun online guide.

• Online gun stores: dedicated retailers like PSA and Brownells.
• Manufacturer sites: some makers sell direct, still shipping to an FFL.
• Auction sites and marketplaces: GunBroker and similar sites list guns from dealers and individuals; check seller ratings.

Step 2: Pick Your Firearm

Read Best Concealed Carry Guns

For concealed carry, most people choose a compact or micro-compact 9mm. Consider caliber, size and weight, capacity (and any state magazine limits) and how the gun fits your hand. Try a similar model at a rental range if you can. See what to look for in a carry gun.

Step 3: Check Out and Choose an FFL

• Select an FFL at checkout: most retailers have a dealer locator. Call the dealer first to confirm they accept transfers and ask their fee.
• Payment: cards are most common; some retailers discount bank transfers, and some offer financing. Most do not accept PayPal for firearms.
• Confirmation: the retailer verifies the FFL’s license and ships once approved.

Step 4: Shipping and Transfer

The gun ships to your dealer, who logs it in and contacts you. Transfer fees vary by dealer and region, so confirm the amount before you order.

Step 5: Background Check and Pickup

Bring a government-issued photo ID (and any state permit). Complete ATF Form 4473, the dealer runs the background check, and once approved you pay the transfer fee and take the gun home, unless your state has a waiting period.

Waiting periods

About a dozen states and Washington, D.C. impose waiting periods, typically from 72 hours to 14 days. Some apply to all firearms and some only to handguns, some exempt permit holders, and several have been added or challenged in court in recent years. Check your state’s current rules or ask your FFL before you buy.

Related reading: Can You Buy Ammo Online? 2026 State-by-State Rules · How To Have a Suppressor Shipped to Your House (2026, $0 Tax Stamp)

Buying a Gun Online FAQ

Conclusion

Buying a gun online is simple: check your state law, pick a reputable retailer and firearm, choose a local FFL at checkout, then complete the background check and pickup. Confirm the transfer fee and any waiting period ahead of time.