Buying a Gun in Wyoming
The age to buy a gun in Wyoming, background checks for dealer and private sales, any waiting period, and rules on ghost guns.
Short answer: Wyoming has no state law in its weapons chapter that sets a general minimum age to buy or possess handguns or long guns. W.S. 6-8-402(b), 6-8-404(d)(i); W.S. tit. 6, ch. 8 (reviewed)
| Age to buy a gun | Wyoming has no state law in its weapons chapter that sets a general minimum age to buy or possess handguns or long guns. The only state purchase-age rule found is in the Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, which applies only to firearms manufactured in Wyoming and kept exclusively in the state: a buyer must be at least 21 for a handgun and 18 for a shotgun or rifle. Reviewed W.S. Title 6, Chapter 8 (Weapons, §§ 6-8-101 to 6-8-406) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Other titles (e.g. Title 14 on children) were not searched. Federal dealer age limits are not covered here. |
|---|---|
| Background checks and private sales | Wyoming has no state law that requires a background check, permit-to-purchase or license for private (non-dealer) sales. Dealers, wholesalers, retailers and pawnbrokers must keep the records required by federal law at their place of business, open to inspection by peace officers. Per DCI, the ATF has determined that a Wyoming concealed firearm permit satisfies federal law in place of the instant background check when buying from a federal licensee. Local governments and agencies may not regulate the sale, transfer or purchase of firearms. Reviewed W.S. Title 6, Chapter 8 (Weapons, §§ 6-8-101 to 6-8-406) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. DCI FAQ (question 14): https://wyomingdci.wyo.gov/criminal-justice-information-services-cjis/concealed-firearm-permits/cfp-faq. Private-sale rule reported from the absence of a state requirement. |
| Waiting period | Wyoming has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm. Only the state may regulate the sale, transfer, purchase or delivery of firearms. Reviewed W.S. Title 6, Chapter 8 (Weapons, §§ 6-8-101 to 6-8-406) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Ghost guns and homemade firearms | Wyoming has no state law that regulates unserialized or homemade firearms, unfinished frames or receivers, or kits. Only the state may regulate the manufacture, sale or possession of firearms, components and accessories. Under the Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, a firearm made and sold in Wyoming under that act must be marked 'made in Wyoming' on a central part such as the receiver or frame. Reviewed W.S. Title 6, Chapter 8 (Weapons, §§ 6-8-101 to 6-8-406) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Federal rules are not covered. |
More Wyoming gun laws
- Concealed Carry in Wyoming
- Open Carry in Wyoming
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in Wyoming
- All Wyoming gun laws rules
FAQ
How old do you have to be to buy a gun in Wyoming?
Wyoming has no state law in its weapons chapter that sets a general minimum age to buy or possess handguns or long guns. The only state purchase-age rule found is in the Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, which applies only to firearms manufactured in Wyoming and kept exclusively in the state: a buyer must be at least 21 for a handgun and 18 for a shotgun or rifle.
Do private gun sales need a background check in Wyoming?
Wyoming has no state law that requires a background check, permit-to-purchase or license for private (non-dealer) sales. Dealers, wholesalers, retailers and pawnbrokers must keep the records required by federal law at their place of business, open to inspection by peace officers. Per DCI, the ATF has determined that a Wyoming concealed firearm permit satisfies federal law in place of the instant background check when buying from a federal licensee. Local governments and agencies may not regulate the sale, transfer or purchase of firearms.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Wyoming?
Wyoming has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm. Only the state may regulate the sale, transfer, purchase or delivery of firearms.
Are ghost guns legal in Wyoming?
Wyoming has no state law that regulates unserialized or homemade firearms, unfinished frames or receivers, or kits. Only the state may regulate the manufacture, sale or possession of firearms, components and accessories. Under the Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, a firearm made and sold in Wyoming under that act must be marked 'made in Wyoming' on a central part such as the receiver or frame.
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.