TASER® Laws By State

TASER® is a brand of stun gun that has shooting prongs and can quickly protect you from an attacker, even at a distance. While TASER® law enforcement laws are nearly universal and lenient, personal TASER laws vary significantly from state to state. Before you buy a TASER, you should make sure they’re legal in your area and that you obtain all the necessary paperwork when required. Also keep in mind that sometimes a TASER® is legal in a state, such as Illinois, but a major city has outlawed them, like Chicago. With taser technology becoming more common across the nation, taser laws are changing to adapt to safety concerns.

Let’s take a look at which states have open TASER laws and which states have restrictions on the sale of TASERs and their use. 

TASER Gun Laws - By state! It's important to look up taser laws in your home before carrying them for self-defense. You should ask yourself these questions: "Am I allowed to carry a concealed TASER®? With so many states changing their own policies about personal defense weapons, it can get tricky knowing exactly what is legal where you live but this article is constantly updated to provide you with current information.*

Can I Own a TASER®? - Legal with No Major Restrictions

The majority of states let civilians use stun guns, including shooting a TASER®, without any major restrictions. That translates to no training requirements, background checks, or other red tape. Because TASER® is not classified as a firearm, most states permit residents to buy them pretty freely for the purpose of self-defense. States where TASER® is legal with no major restrictions are:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wyoming

Background Checks Required for TASERS's

In some states, you can own a TASER® only if you pass a background check. In Illinois, stun guns and TASER® are legal only if the operator has a valid FOID card and concealed weapons permit in addition to passing a background check. Stun guns (including a TASER®) are also not sold in Chicago, and residents must get permission from law enforcement to carry a TASER® purchased elsewhere in the city. Only three (3) states require a background check as of 2019:

• Illinois
• Maryland
• Minnesota

Required Permits for TASERS

If your state requires a permit for TASER® use, be sure to keep a copy of your paperwork on hand. Permits vary from a permit for ownership, such as in Wisconsin and Michigan, to permits for concealed carry, like in New Mexico. Permits help the state keep track of the number of stun weapons in use in their borders and allow them to regulate certain perimeters like age restrictions. There are currently six (6) states where you need a permit to carry a TASER®:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• New Mexico
• West Virginia
• Puerto Rico
• Wisconsin

Are Tasers Illegal? Where TASERS Are Illegal For Civilian Use:

There are currently two (2) states where TASER® and all stun guns are completely banned for use for anyone other than law enforcement:

• Hawaii
• Rhode Island

Until recently, New Jersey also banned the weapons but they legalized stun guns in late 2017. Some other major cities, like Baltimore and Philadelphia, also reversed previous bans on stun guns in 2017. New York legalized stun guns in 2019. If TASERs are illegal in your state, don’t look online for a TASER® Pulse for sale and have it shipped to another address. There could be serious penalties for deploying a shooting TASER gun in a state where they are banned. You can always turn to a TASER alternative like pepper spray or expandable batons when you can’t use stun guns in your home state. 

A taser gun for women can be a powerful self-defense weapon that can help you protect yourself from attackers. The Home Security Superstore has a wide array of these products, including the most popular brands of stun guns and TASER's. Browse our collection to find one for your budget and lifestyle needs, get it delivered quickly so it’s always at hand when needed, and contact us with any questions. Purchasing a TASER gun is an important step in ensuring your safety—contact us today!

In the state of New York TASERs are regularly used by members of law enforcement and authorized personnel. These tools are used as part of their official duties, and they have undergone proper training to meet the guidelines of their department.

*SALES PROHIBITED TO: Hawaii and Rhode Island. 
As of 01/01/2022, it is legal to own a stun gun in Hawaii provided the product is purchased locally in Hawaii and the purchaser attends a certified TASER training class.

SALES RESTRICTED TO: (These states require a concealed carry permit) Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, New Mexico, West Virginia and Wisconsin. 

STUN KNUCKLES & STUN BATONS PROHIBITED TO: California.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Taser Laws

Are tasers legal in PA?

Yes, tasers are legal to own and open carry in Pennsylvania if you are over the age of 18 and are not a convicted felon. To concealed carry your taser you must acquire a License to Carry issued by the state.

Are tasers legal in Texas?

Yes, tasers are legal to own and carry, concealed and open, in Texas if you are over the age of 18 per Texas Penal Code §§ 46.01 which excludes tasers and stun guns from firearm restrictions.

ARE TASERS LEGAL IN NEW JERSEY?

In New Jersey, tasers are legal to own, but there are restrictions on their use. The maximum size allowed for a taser is 3/4 of an ounce. Tasers in New Jersey can only be used for self-defense purposes. It's important to be aware of the specific regulations in place regarding taser possession and use within the state. 

ARE TASERS LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA?

Yes, tasers are legal in California, but there are certain regulations to keep in mind. There are restrictions on the size of taser containers and the concentration of the spray. Pepper spray cannot exceed 2.5 ounces in California. Being aware of these restrictions and following proper guidelines is crucial for staying compliant with California's taser laws.