Stun Gun Laws by State: The Legal Guide

From the stun guns of law enforcement to the concealed carry weapons of civilians, self-defense comes in many shapes and sizes. But when using force, the rules are different for those sworn to protect and serve. Learn more about the various options available for self-defense and the unique considerations for law enforcement.

However, depending on your state, dangerous weapons have different restrictions. There are also state laws and local ordinances that might require a license or a permit required in the event you want to use something like a taser device or a stun gun that issues an electrical charge for personal protection. The reason for this is that some of these dangerous weapons can cause serious injury, and it is up to each state government to decide how to regulate the ownership and carrying of these items.

Almost all states define taser stun guns as devices powered by an electrical charging unit that emits an electrical charge or are otherwise capable of incapacitating someone with an electrical charge.

Different U.S. codes regulate the possession of firearms and dangerous weapons, which include those that rely on conducted energy like stun guns or tasers.

Almost all states have state codes designating stun guns as dangerous weapons, like Alabama Code 13A-1-2, which, like most other state codes, states something like: “‘Defensive weapon’ means an electric stun gun, or a device to dispense mace or a similar chemical agent that is not designed to cause death or serious physical injury.” Stun guns are legal in most states. However, it is not legal in Hawaii or Rhode Island.

There are many situations where the rules are different, depending on your circumstances.

For example, California will not issue a concealed carry permit for a regular gun. In California, the rules say you need to have a good reason:

However, stun guns and tasers are not firearms, which means they are not subject to the same laws.

They are, however, subject to the laws about dangerous weapons. There are specific situations that are outlined based on each state.

For example, Arizona Code 13-1213 states that no laser pointer, Taser, or similar device can be pointed at a peace officer. California states it is a criminal offense to use a stun gun or Taser on a peace officer. Cal. Penal § 244.5. states:

State laws dictate that stun guns or taser devices are legal for civilian self-defense in 48 of the 50 states as long as:

According to US law, you must prepare official paperwork to buy or sell stun guns. First, you will need a stun gun bill of sale to confirm the sale and purchase deal. Some US states may require the notarized bill of sale, which is published and regularly updated on the websites of state governments. 

Absolutely no states allow the ownership of stun guns or tasers by anyone underage, and it is illegal to sell, lease, give, rent, barter, or otherwise provide a Taser stun gun to anyone under the age of 18.

It is similarly unlawful for anyone to possess a dangerous weapon in specific locations like hospitals and schools.

Multiple states criminalize possessing a dangerous weapon like a stun gun or Taser if you are in a school, such as Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3302D.

In Michigan, it is illegal to carry a concealed stun gun not only at a school but also at

Laws like these are pretty common across multiple states. 

Almost all states criminalize stun guns for assault or situations other than self-defense. This means that if you own a stun gun or a taser, you cannot use it to harm someone else in anger or for no reason. You can only use it for self-defense; if you use it in any other capacity, you will face criminal charges.

For example, in California, Cal. Penal § 244.5. states: 

Many states allow police officers, peace officers, or other professionals to carry tasers or stun guns. However, they also require regular training and certification to ensure they know how to use it and in which circumstances.

In the state of Georgia, peace officers who are legally allowed to carry Tasers and other stun guns must undergo rigorous training and receive certification that they qualify to have and use such a weapon, according to Ga. Code Ann. § 35-8-26. TASER and electronic control weapons.

The illegality of Taser stun guns varies depending on your age, the state you are in, whether or not you have a permit, and where you possess the Taser stun gun in question.

Currently, having a stun gun or Taser is legal in all states except for Hawaii and Rhode Island. At the same time, special permission is required in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Carrying a stun gun is similar to having a gun because it is a special law. There are different laws for owning stun guns and moving them around in public where you could use them to hurt people. 

The law’s tonality of carrying a stun gun or Taser or putting it in your car is based on your location. Almost all states allow civilians to have and carry a stun gun or a Taser for personal protection. However, some states and local areas have different regulations that may or may not necessitate a permit.

When it comes to travel, this greatly depends on where you are going and your method of transportation.

For example, if you are traveling by car in your state, you may bring your Taser or stun gun with you, and you can have it in your hotel just the same as you would in your home because your hotel serves as your home during your trip. 

If you are flying, the TSA says you can keep self-defense sprays and stun guns in your checked baggage, but you cannot have them in your carry-on. If you are going from one state to another, you have to make sure that state isn’t one of the few that requires a permit to carry your stun gun or Taser, and if it is, make sure you get a permit ahead of time. 

Overall, most states are very lenient when it comes to ownership of a Taser stun gun.

In almost every state, it’s perfectly legal to own one for self-defense as a civilian. Some specifications prohibit use outside the home or you from pointing it at a peace officer or other personnel. These are not for use in any situation other than personal defense, and there can be criminal charges associated with those who violate any of these stun gun laws.