Body armor laws, state by state.
Buying and owning body armor is legal for law abiding adults across the United States. What changes by state is who may not own it, whether wearing it during another offense adds a charge, and what a permit does. This is the record per state.
State law changes, and local ordinances can add restrictions that no state summary carries. Read the statute for your state before you buy, and speak to a lawyer if anything about your situation is not routine. Nothing on this page creates an attorney client relationship.
Federal law applies in every state: 18 U.S.C. § 931 bars anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. That is why every state reads Yes for felons. Each row says what the state adds, with the statute and the date it was checked.
| State | Prohibited for felons | Permit exception | Additional restrictions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Alabama statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Alaska | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Alaska statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Arizona | Yes | No | Yes | |
Wearing or using body armor while committing any felony is a separate class 4 felony in Arizona. Arizona has no separate state ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: A.R.S. § 13-3116 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Arkansas | Yes | No | No | |
In Arkansas it is a Class D felony to possess body armor after being found guilty of certain violent offenses, including murder, manslaughter, aggravated robbery, first degree battery and aggravated assault. There are no state restrictions on how body armor is sold. Citations: Ark. Code Ann. § 5-79-101 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| California | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
California prohibits anyone convicted of a violent felony from buying, owning or possessing body armor, and people barred from owning firearms are also barred from body armor. Wearing a body vest while committing a violent offense adds 1, 2 or 5 years to the sentence. A person whose job or safety depends on body armor may petition the local police chief or sheriff for an exception. Citations: Cal. Penal Code § 31360; Cal. Penal Code § 12022.2(b); Cal. Penal Code § 16288 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Colorado | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Colorado statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Connecticut | Yes | No | Yes | |
Connecticut requires body armor to be sold or delivered in person, and the buyer must hold a Connecticut firearm permit, eligibility certificate or ammunition certificate. Sales to police, corrections, military and certain other government personnel are exempt. Selling in violation is a class B misdemeanor. Citations: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-341b (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Delaware | Yes | No | Yes | |
Wearing body armor during the commission of any felony is a class B felony in Delaware, with a 3 year minimum sentence served consecutively. Delaware has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: 11 Del. C. § 1449 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Florida | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Florida, possessing a bulletproof vest while committing certain serious offenses, including murder, robbery, burglary, kidnapping and drug offenses, is a third degree felony. Florida has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: Fla. Stat. § 775.0846 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Georgia | Yes | No | Yes | |
Georgia makes it a felony to wear a bulletproof vest while committing certain violent felonies or drug trafficking offenses, with 1 to 5 years added consecutively. Georgia has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: O.C.G.A. § 16-11-160 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Hawaii | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Hawaii statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Idaho | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Idaho statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Illinois | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Illinois, wearing body armor while carrying a dangerous weapon other than a firearm during any offense is a Class A misdemeanor, and a Class 4 felony for a repeat offense. Illinois has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: 720 ILCS 5/33F-2 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Indiana | Yes | No | Yes | |
Using body armor while committing a felony is a separate Level 6 felony in Indiana. Indiana has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: Ind. Code § 35-47-5-13 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Iowa | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Iowa statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Kansas | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Kansas statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Kentucky | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Kentucky, a person convicted of certain felonies who wore body armor and was armed with a deadly weapon during the offense is not eligible for probation, parole or other early release. Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: KRS 533.065 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Louisiana | Yes | No | Yes | |
Louisiana prohibits people convicted of a felony crime of violence from possessing body armor, and makes it a crime to wear body armor while committing certain crimes. Wearing or possessing body armor on school property, at school events or in a firearm-free zone near a school is also prohibited, with exceptions for police, school staff and people who notify the principal in advance. Citations: La. R.S. 14:95.3; La. R.S. 14:95.9 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Maine | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Maine statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Maryland | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Maryland bars people previously convicted of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime from using, possessing or buying body armor unless they hold a permit from the Maryland State Police. Wearing body armor during a crime of violence, or during drug trafficking, is a separate offense punishable by up to 5 years. Citations: Md. Code, Crim. Law § 4-106; Md. Code, Crim. Law § 4-107 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Massachusetts | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Massachusetts, using or wearing body armor while committing or attempting a felony is a separate crime punishable by up to 5 years. Massachusetts has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: M.G.L. c. 269, § 10D (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Michigan bars anyone convicted of a violent felony from buying, owning, possessing or using body armor, unless the local police chief or sheriff grants written permission. Wearing body armor while committing a violent crime is a separate felony. Citations: MCL 750.227f; MCL 750.227g (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Minnesota | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Minnesota, committing or attempting a felony or gross misdemeanor while wearing or possessing a bullet-resistant vest is a separate felony punishable by up to 5 years. Minnesota has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: Minn. Stat. § 609.486 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Mississippi | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Mississippi statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Missouri | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Missouri statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Montana | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Montana statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Nebraska | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Nebraska statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Nevada | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Nevada statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| New Hampshire | Yes | No | Yes | |
In New Hampshire, committing or attempting any felony while wearing body armor is a separate class B felony, served consecutively. New Hampshire has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: RSA 650-B:2 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| New Jersey | Yes | No | Yes | |
In New Jersey, using or wearing a body vest while committing or fleeing certain serious crimes, including murder, robbery, burglary and kidnapping, is a separate crime. New Jersey has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-13 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| New Mexico | Yes | No | No | |
We found no New Mexico statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| New York | Yes | No | Yes | |
Since July 2022, New York limits the sale and purchase of body armor to people in eligible professions, such as police officers, peace officers and military personnel, plus professions designated by the Department of State. Sales must be completed in person, except purchases by government agencies for their employees. Wearing body armor while committing a violent felony with a firearm is a class E felony. Citations: N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 396-eee; N.Y. Penal Law § 270.20; N.Y. Penal Law § 270.21; N.Y. Penal Law § 270.22; N.Y. Exec. Law § 144-a (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| North Carolina | Yes | No | Yes | |
North Carolina raises a felony by one class when the defendant wore or had a bullet-proof vest in immediate possession during the offense. North Carolina has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1340.16C (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| North Dakota | Yes | No | No | |
We found no North Dakota statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Ohio | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Ohio, a person who wore or carried body armor while committing a felony offense of violence receives an additional mandatory 2 year prison term. Ohio has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: Ohio Rev. Code § 2941.1411; Ohio Rev. Code § 2929.14(B)(1)(d) (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Oklahoma | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Oklahoma, wearing body armor while committing or attempting a felony is a separate felony punishable by up to 10 years, or up to 20 years for a repeat offense. Oklahoma has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: 21 O.S. § 1289.26 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Oregon | Yes | No | Yes | |
Oregon bars anyone convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence from possessing body armor. Wearing body armor while armed with a deadly weapon during a violent felony or misdemeanor is a separate Class B felony. Citations: ORS 166.642; ORS 166.643 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Pennsylvania | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Pennsylvania, using, wearing or possessing body armor while committing or attempting a felony is a separate third degree felony. Pennsylvania has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: 18 Pa.C.S. § 907(c) (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Rhode Island | Yes | No | No | |
Rhode Island prohibits people convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. It is a defense if the person had prior written certification from an employer that body armor was necessary for lawful work. Citations: R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-20.4 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
South Carolina bars people convicted of a violent crime from buying, owning, possessing or using body armor, unless the local police chief or sheriff grants written permission. Committing a violent crime while wearing body armor is a separate felony. Citations: S.C. Code § 16-3-1080; S.C. Code § 16-3-1085 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| South Dakota | Yes | No | No | |
We found no South Dakota statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Tennessee | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Tennessee, wearing a body vest while committing a violent felony, burglary, carjacking, arson or a drug felony is a separate Class E felony served consecutively. The statute expressly allows possession for lawful purposes; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1323 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Texas | Yes | No | Yes | |
Texas makes it a third degree felony for anyone convicted of a felony to possess metal or body armor. Since September 1, 2025, using body armor while committing certain violent felonies can raise the offense by one degree. Citations: Tex. Penal Code § 46.041; H.B. 108, 89th Leg. (Tex. 2025) (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Utah | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Utah, a violent felony committed with a dangerous weapon while wearing body armor carries increased minimum prison terms. Utah has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: Utah Code § 76-3-203.7 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Vermont | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Vermont statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Virginia | Yes | No | Yes | |
In Virginia, wearing body armor while committing a crime of violence or a felony drug distribution offense, while armed with a firearm or knife, is a Class 4 felony. Virginia has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: Va. Code § 18.2-287.2 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Washington | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Washington statute that bars people with prior convictions from possessing body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| West Virginia | Yes | No | Yes | |
In West Virginia, wearing body armor while committing a felony involving force, threats or a deadly weapon is a separate felony punishable by 2 to 10 years. West Virginia has no separate ban on possession by people with prior convictions; the federal ban on violent felons applies. Citations: W. Va. Code § 61-7-15 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Wisconsin | Yes | No | Yes | |
Wisconsin bars people convicted of a violent felony, and not pardoned, from possessing body armor. Committing a felony while wearing a bulletproof garment can add up to 10 years to the maximum sentence. Citations: Wis. Stat. § 941.291; Wis. Stat. § 939.64 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||
| Wyoming | Yes | No | No | |
We found no Wyoming statute that specifically regulates body armor (checked 26 September 2026). Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony crime of violence from buying, owning or possessing body armor. Citations: 18 U.S.C. § 931 (checked 26 September 2026) | ||||