Stun Gun Laws by State 2026: Is It Legal Where You Live?

 

Most people assume that if pepper spray is legal in their state then stun guns are too. That is not always true. Stun gun laws vary more widely than almost any other self-defense product. Two states ban them entirely for civilians. Several require permits similar to firearms. And local city ordinances can be stricter than state law even in states where they are legal.

I have been selling stun guns and self-defense products since the early 90s. Here is what you need to know before you buy or carry one.

Where Stun Guns Are Illegal

Michigan bans civilian stun guns statewide. Rhode Island bans them statewide for civilians. The U.S. Virgin Islands also prohibits them entirely.

Even in legal states, some cities have their own bans. Chicago prohibits stun guns. Wilmington, Newark, and New Castle County in Delaware ban them. Denison and Crawford County in Iowa prohibit them. Portland Oregon has additional local rules. Ruston Washington prohibits them.

State law is only part of the picture. Always check your city and county rules too.

States With Extra Restrictions Worth Knowing

Connecticut requires buyers to be 21 and above and have a gun permit. Delaware requires buyers to be 21 with a background check. Hawaii requires buyers to be 21 with a background check, training, and a license. Illinois requires a FOID card or concealed carry permit and prohibits use on public transit and in public housing. Massachusetts requires a permit and regulates stun guns similarly to firearms. Wisconsin requires a concealed carry permit and the device must generally be carried in a closed case.

New York previously banned stun guns entirely but a federal court decision overturned that ban. They are now legal for adults 18 and above with restrictions.

Traveling With a Stun Gun

Stun guns are banned from both carry-on and checked baggage on commercial flights. TSA will confiscate any stun gun found during screening. When driving between states research the laws in every state on your route. Your home state rules do not carry over to other states.

Many countries prohibit stun guns entirely. Unless you have confirmed otherwise in writing, leave it at home when traveling internationally.

The Difference Between a Stun Gun and a TASER

These are not the same device and they do not always follow the same laws. A stun gun requires direct physical contact to deliver a charge. A TASER fires probes on wires reaching 15 to 25 feet and is often regulated more like a firearm in states that restrict it. Always confirm which device you are buying and check the specific laws for that device type in your area.

Read the Full State by State Guide

I put together a complete guide covering every state from Alabama to Wyoming with legal status, age requirements, permit rules, and local ordinance notes. Updated for 2026.

Read it here: Stun Gun Laws by State: 2026 Legal Guide

Browse stun guns we carry here: Shop All Stun Guns

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