Age and Legal Requirements to Buy Ammo
Short answer: You must be at least 21 to buy handgun ammunition and at least 18 for rifle, shotgun and rimfire ammunition, and you must not be legally prohibited from owning ammunition. Some states add rules. We check eligibility before every shipment.
Last updated: November 5, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Minimum age
| Ammunition type | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Handgun ammunition | 21 |
| Rifle, shotgun and rimfire ammunition | 18 |
| All ammunition in Colorado | 21 (since July 1, 2026) |
| Rhode Island | 21 |
Some states and cities set a higher age than the federal rule. You must follow the strictest rule that applies to you.
Who cannot buy ammunition
Under federal law, you may not buy or possess ammunition if you are, for example:
- convicted of, or under indictment for, a crime punishable by more than one year in prison,
- a fugitive from justice,
- an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance,
- found by a court to be mentally defective, or committed to a mental institution,
- in the country unlawfully or under certain visa types,
- dishonourably discharged from the armed forces,
- subject to certain protective orders, or convicted of a misdemeanour crime of domestic violence.
The full list is in 18 U.S.C. 922(g). Your state may have more categories.
States that require a permit or card
Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey and Rhode Island require documents before ammunition can be shipped. See Shipping Restrictions by State.
How we verify
- At checkout: you confirm your age and that you are legally allowed to buy.
- During order review: we compare your name and address with your order and may ask for ID or permit copies.
- At delivery: the carrier's driver delivers only to an adult aged 21 or older who signs.
We may decline or cancel any order if we cannot verify eligibility. We refund any payment in full.
Buying for someone else
You may not buy ammunition for a person who is prohibited from having it. Straw purchases are a federal crime.
Your responsibility
You are responsible for knowing the laws where you live, store and use ammunition. Follow local rules on carrying, transporting and storing it, and keep it secure and away from children.
Questions
Email contact@libertyammo.store or read our Terms and Conditions and FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be to buy ammo online?
You must be at least 21 for handgun ammunition and 18 for rifle, shotgun and rimfire ammunition. Some states, such as Colorado, require 21 for all ammunition.
Who is not allowed to buy ammunition?
Federal law prohibits people such as convicted felons, fugitives, unlawful users of controlled substances, people subject to certain court orders and others listed in 18 U.S.C. 922(g).
How does Liberty Ammo check my age?
You confirm your age when you order, we may ask for ID copies, and the carrier checks that an adult aged 21 or older signs for delivery.
Do I need a firearms license to buy ammunition?
In most states you do not. A few states, such as Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island, require a permit, card or certificate.
Can I buy ammo as a gift for someone else?
Only if that person is legally allowed to buy and own it. We cannot sell ammunition to anyone who is buying for a prohibited person.
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