Buying a Gun in Alabama
The age to buy a gun in Alabama, background checks for dealer and private sales, any waiting period, and rules on ghost guns.
Short answer: Alabama law bars selling, giving or lending a pistol to any minor (fine of $50 to $500) and delivering a pistol to anyone the transferor has reasonable cause to believe is a minor; Ala. Code 1975 §§ 13A-11-57, 13A-11-76, 13A-11-72(b), 26-1-1
| Age to buy a gun | Alabama law bars selling, giving or lending a pistol to any minor (fine of $50 to $500) and delivering a pistol to anyone the transferor has reasonable cause to believe is a minor; a minor may not own or possess a pistol (Class A misdemeanor). These rules cover all transfers, including private ones. The firearm statutes do not define 'minor'; Alabama's general age of majority is 19. No separate state minimum age for long guns was found. Federal licensee age limits are not stated in these sections and are not included. |
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| Background checks and private sales | Alabama has no state law that requires a background check, permit or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales. Retail dealers who sell pistols must hold a local pistol dealer license (§§ 13A-11-78, 13A-11-79); the former section regulating pistol sales and purchase applications (§ 13A-11-77) was repealed effective August 1, 2000. Knowingly giving a licensed dealer or private seller materially false information about whether a transfer is legal is a Class C felony (§ 13A-11-58.1). Reviewed Ala. Code Title 13A, chapter 11 firearms sections (§§ 13A-11-50 to 13A-11-98, all headings on ALISON) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Waiting period | Alabama has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm. Reviewed Ala. Code Title 13A, chapter 11 firearms sections (§§ 13A-11-50 to 13A-11-98, all headings on ALISON) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Former § 13A-11-77 (sales regulated; application for purchase) was repealed by Act 2000-762 effective August 1, 2000. |
| Ghost guns and homemade firearms | Alabama has no state law that specifically regulates unserialized or homemade firearms or firearm kits. Changing, removing or obliterating a firearm's maker, model or manufacturer's number, or possessing, receiving or selling a firearm whose identification has been altered, is a Class C felony. Reviewed Ala. Code Title 13A, chapter 11 firearms sections (§§ 13A-11-50 to 13A-11-98) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
More Alabama gun laws
- Concealed Carry in Alabama
- Open Carry in Alabama
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in Alabama
- All Alabama gun laws rules
FAQ
How old do you have to be to buy a gun in Alabama?
Alabama law bars selling, giving or lending a pistol to any minor (fine of $50 to $500) and delivering a pistol to anyone the transferor has reasonable cause to believe is a minor; a minor may not own or possess a pistol (Class A misdemeanor). These rules cover all transfers, including private ones. The firearm statutes do not define 'minor'; Alabama's general age of majority is 19. No separate state minimum age for long guns was found.
Do private gun sales need a background check in Alabama?
Alabama has no state law that requires a background check, permit or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales. Retail dealers who sell pistols must hold a local pistol dealer license (§§ 13A-11-78, 13A-11-79); the former section regulating pistol sales and purchase applications (§ 13A-11-77) was repealed effective August 1, 2000. Knowingly giving a licensed dealer or private seller materially false information about whether a transfer is legal is a Class C felony (§ 13A-11-58.1).
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Alabama?
Alabama has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm.
Are ghost guns legal in Alabama?
Alabama has no state law that specifically regulates unserialized or homemade firearms or firearm kits. Changing, removing or obliterating a firearm's maker, model or manufacturer's number, or possessing, receiving or selling a firearm whose identification has been altered, is a Class C felony.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.