Can You Give a Gun as a Gift? Here's What the Law Says

The best gifts are fun, personalized, and heartfelt. And what checks these boxes better than a pew pew? 

Whether you’re thinking about passing down a family gun, buying a new sidepiece for a fellow enthusiast, or looking to share your hobby with a loved one, a firearm can be a meaningful gift. But there are some practical and legal factors that should be considered.

Gifting firearms is generally legal as long as you’re careful to follow both federal and state laws. It’s important to verify that the person on the receiving end of the gift is legally allowed to own the weapon, and that you go through the proper channels when transferring ownership. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps, rules, and best practices for how to buy a gun as a gift safely and legally as an unlicensed individual.

Please note that while our goal is to share factual information, this article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. We are not lawyers, and laws are subject to change. Before you gift a firearm, you should always reference federal and state laws directly to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

Can You Legally Gift Someone a Gun?

Federally speaking, it is okay to give a gun to someone as a gift, as long as the firearm in question is legal, and the recipient is authorized to own it. That said, there are some important considerations you should take into account before just slapping a bow on a Glock.

Is the Recipient Authorized to Own the Gun? 

Just because you’re allowed to buy and own a certain weapon does not mean the person you are giving it to is. There is nothing illegal about purchasing a firearm and giving it to someone legally allowed to own it. But knowingly buying a gun on behalf of someone who lawfully cannot do so on their own is known as “straw purchasing,” and is very much illegal. In fact, doing so can result in some hefty punishments, including up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This sentence increases to 25 years of imprisonment if the firearm in question is used to commit a serious crime. In short, it’s not worth it. 

So, who is prohibited from possessing a firearm? Federal law prevents the following groups of people from buying, possessing, shipping, or receiving firearms and ammunition: 

• Those convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment of more than one year.
• Fugitives from justice.
• Unlawful users or addicts of any controlled substance.
• Those who are adjudicated as mentally defective or who have been committed to a mental institution.
• Illegal aliens and nonimmigrant visa holders.
• Anyone who has been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces.
• Individuals who have renounced their U.S. citizenship.
• Those subject to a court order restraining them from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner.
• Individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Keep in mind that some states may have additional restrictions on who is authorized to own a gun. So, be sure to look into the regulations where the recipient lives to make sure you’re not breaking any local laws. 

Is the Recipient Old Enough to Own the Gun?

If you’re planning to gift a firearm to a young person, make sure they’re legally allowed to have it. The rules can be a bit confusing. While there are age restrictions on when a person can lawfully purchase a gun, that does not necessarily mean they are not allowed to own or possess a gun if they are given one. It all depends on the type of weapon and the state where they live. 

As of 2025, under the Gun Control Act of 1968, it is generally illegal to give anyone under the age of 18 a handgun. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. Those under 18 are allowed to possess a handgun to use for employment, ranching, farming, target practice, or hunting, as long as they receive written permission from their parent or guardian. If you plan to gift a handgun to someone under 18, it is extremely important that you understand and follow these rules, as violating them could result in a fine or imprisonment for both you and the juvenile (not quite the birthday present you had in mind). 

There is currently no federal law against giving long guns, including rifles and shotguns, to a person under 18.

Also, keep in mind that just because something may be legal at the federal level does not mean that it is legal in the state where the recipient lives. Before you gift a gun, be sure to check both state and federal laws to make sure you’re following the law. 

Is the Gun Legal in the Recipient’s State?

Every state has different laws regarding the types of firearms and firearm accessories that are legal. So, before giving someone a gun, make sure it’s okay to own where they live. 

For example, in California, firearms with a magazine capacity over 10 rounds are illegal. Things like silencers, pistol grips, and barrel lengths are regulated or restricted in some states. The laws vary widely, so be sure to double-check! 

How to Buy a Gun as a Gift: Steps to Take

Once you’ve confirmed that the gun you’re gifting, and the person you’re gifting it to, are legal, there’s one more thing to factor in: actually transferring ownership of the weapon. Although it’s a relatively simple process, it does vary depending on whether you’re giving it to someone close by or if the firearm will have to cross state lines. Whether you’re buying someone a brand-new pistol or are passing down grandpa’s hunting rifle, here are the steps to take: 

Same State

Giving a gun to someone within the same state is easy. In fact, there are no federal laws requiring any sort of paperwork at all, according to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association. As long as you have no reason to believe the person is restricted from owning the firearm, you can just box it up and hand it over. 

That said, the specific state you are in may have additional restrictions or steps to take when transferring ownership of a firearm. Be sure to look into your local laws first.

Other State

Gifting a firearm to someone who lives in a different state requires a few extra steps. You can’t legally just pack up the gun, drive across state lines, and hand it to the recipient like you’re Santa Claus. 

To do it by the book, the process requires you to ship the firearm to a federally licensed gun dealer (FFL) in the recipient’s state of residence. From there, your giftee must meet with the FFL, fill out an ATF Firearms Transaction Record, and pass an NICS background check to receive the gun, according to the ATF. It may not be the magical moment you were hoping for, but at least it’s on the up and up, federally speaking. 

Once again, some states may have additional hoops to jump through when transferring a gun to someone across state lines. Be sure to look into the process in the recipient’s state before dropping a firearm in the mail! 

Practical Tips for Gifting Firearms

Besides the legal considerations, there’s plenty to think about when gifting a gun. Here are a few suggestions for giving someone a firearm safely and easily. 

Consider a Gift Card

Although it doesn’t pack the same “wow” factor as a wrapped gun box, a gift card to Guns.com or their local firearm store is a much simpler solution to giving the gift of firepower — especially if the giftee lives out of state. Plus, a gift card allows the recipient to make more choices about the weapon they want. It’s a win for everyone. 

Safe Storage

Part of responsible gun ownership is having a secure place to store your weapon while it’s not in use. If you’re giving someone a firearm, especially if it’s their first one, it’s a good idea to also give them a way to lock it up. Whether that’s a simple and inexpensive cable lock or a sturdy gun case, a safe storage solution will help them keep their new firearm out of the hands of unauthorized users. 

Pair It With a Holster

If you’re giving someone a pistol, the gift really isn’t complete without a proper holster for them to carry it with. A durable and functional holster will not only provide them a safe way to conceal or open carry, but one designed for comfort will encourage them to actually use it on a regular basis. 

At Vedder Holsters, we offer a wide selection of IWB, OWB, pocket, and chest carry holsters made from durable Kydex, as well as Kydex-leather hybrid holsters. Featuring more adjustability and customization than most on the market, they’re easy to personalize for any handgun and any person. And, as a gifter, perhaps the best part is that every Vedder holster is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty. So you can rest easy knowing that if it isn’t exactly what they want, they can simply return or exchange it for one that better suits them. 

Summary

Gifting firearms can be a generous and meaningful way to show someone you care, but it’s important to approach the process responsibly. Understanding both federal and state laws, verifying eligibility, and ensuring the recipient has a proper holster are all crucial steps in the gifting process. 

Looking for a reliable, custom-fit holster? Visit our Holsters by Gun Model page to find Kydex holsters tailored to your firearm. Not sure which holster is right for you? Take a look at our interactive comparison tool to view holsters side-by-side and filter by feature. Plus, explore our Resources Page for gear recommendations, concealed carry guides, and exclusive content to elevate your carry system. 

This article is provided for informational purposes only. Any activity involving firearms is potentially dangerous and could result in property damage, serious injury, disabling injury or death. All firearms must be handled in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable law. The author disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, misuse of, or misinterpretation of information contained in this article.

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