
Should you invest in body armor?
If you have reason to handle relatively large sums of cash, even once in a while, body armor can help get you and your stash out of a sticky situation. Maybe you’re a small business owner taking your earnings to the bank. If you get held up and shot, body armor gives you an excellent chance to pull through.
Is it legal to make your own heavy artillery?
Is it legal to own artillery? In general, yes! While state laws vary, it’s generally legal to own a anything that does not use “fixed ammunition”. (Note: This is a bit complex, do your own research), including old style cannons without anything special. They are legally nothing more than toasters. Can RPG-7 destroy a tank?
Can a felon own body armor?
In the US, body armor can be bought, owned, and worn by adult individuals, as long as they aren’t felons. Felons, however, can neither purchase, own, nor wear body armor. In this case, the only exception is having a job that warrants and requires wearing protective gear.
Is it legal for civilians to have body armor?
The quick answer is yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase body armor like bullet proof vests and plate carriers. Provided that you are not a convicted felon, you can easily buy your vest online although there can be exceptions that vary from state to state depending on local laws or regulations.

Can civilians own armor?
While most states abide strictly by the federal law regarding body armor, there are a few that add their own bit of flair to it. However, the purchase and use of body armor, by civilians in general, is legal. Again, if you're convicted of a violent felony, it's illegal unless you fall into the exception.
Do you have to be 18 to buy body armor?
Who can buy body armor? Per Section 931 of title 18, United States Code, any US citizen who is 18 or older and has not been convicted of a felony that constitutes a crime of violence can purchase and wear body armor in the USA.
Is body armor illegal in the US?
Few laws restrict civilians' rights to buy or own body armor. Federal law prohibits people with violent felony records from owning it, and in many states, people who wear body armor while committing certain crimes can receive longer prison terms or lose the opportunity for parole.
Why can't civilians buy body armor?
Misconception #1: Civilians Buying/Owning Body Armor Is Illegal. This is FALSE. Law-abiding civilians are 100% welcome to buy bulletproof vests. Many wrongly believe that purchasing body armor is illegal largely because many manufacturers and sellers prefer to limit their sales to law enforcement.
Can civilians own Level 4 body armor?
Body armor is a safety product. It is legal in all 50 states for law abiding civilians to purchase body armor. You have the right to protect yourself and your family from harm.
What is Level 4 body armor?
Level IV is the highest armor rating under NIJ standards. Armor plates in this level are tested to take a single hit from an armor-piercing rifle up to . 30-06 M2AP with a mass of 166 grains and velocity of 2880 ft/s and large-caliber rounds.
Can soldiers wear their own body armor?
U.S. Army soldiers will no longer be allowed to wear body armor other than the protective gear officially issued by the military, Army officials said on Thursday.
Is it illegal to have a bullet proof vest?
It is perfectly safe and legal for retailers to sell bulletproof vests to the general public. People who purchase bulletproof vests and other types of body armor are upstanding citizens who simply wish to protect themselves, their employees and their families from harm.
Who owns the rights to body armor?
Coca-ColaCoca-Cola buys full control of Bodyarmor for $5.6 billion in its largest-ever brand acquisition. Coca-Cola announced Monday it has bought full control of sports drink maker Bodyarmor for $5.6 billion, making it the company's largest brand acquisition to date.
Can a bullet proof vest stop an AK 47?
Normally a NIJ Level IIIA bullet proof vest in combination with Level IV hard armor panels can stop AK-47 rounds including armor piercing. Level IV hard armor panels can be purchased by officers and are not restricted to military personel.
Can civilians own level 5 plates?
A civilian may purchase any level of body armor they wish, from level IIA to level IV. There is no level 5 body armor. If you are a resident of Connecticut, you are not allowed to purchase body armor outside of a face-to-face transaction, but all body armor is still legal for civilians to own.
Can US soldiers buy their own gear?
Since 9/11, the market for tactical war gear has grown to $150 million annually. Packing list: Officers are given a list of items the need to buy before they deploy. Gearing up: Lt.
Do you have to be 18 to buy a bullet proof vest?
If you are under the age of 18 or a convicted felon you are required by law to get written permission from your local police department and your employer so that you have proof that you've received permission before you can buy body armor.
Can normal people buy bullet proof vests?
Yes, civilians are legally able to buy body armor such as bulletproof vests. As long as you haven't had a felony conviction, you are able to purchase a bulletproof vest online.
Can you buy body armor NY?
Unlawful purchase of body armor is a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class E felony for any subsequent offense. New York State Penal Law Section 270.22: § 270.22 Unlawful sale of body armor.
Can civilians own level 5 plates?
A civilian may purchase any level of body armor they wish, from level IIA to level IV. There is no level 5 body armor. If you are a resident of Connecticut, you are not allowed to purchase body armor outside of a face-to-face transaction, but all body armor is still legal for civilians to own.
Can civilians own body armor?
Yes, civilians in all 50 states can purchase and possess body armor. The exception to this is individuals convicted of a violent felony. The only way a convicted felon may wear body armor is if it’s for lawful business activity and the individual has received written consent from their employer.
Why are bulletproof vests illegal?
Bulletproof vests are not illegal. They are only illegal for individuals that have previously been convicted of a violent felony. Previously convicted violent felons can wear body armor if it is for lawful business use and they have written consent from their employer.
Is it legal to own body armor in Rhode Island?
Is it legal to own body armor in Rhode Island? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Rhode Island. Rhode Island does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor.
Is it legal to own body armor in Pennsylvania?
Is it legal to own body armor in Pennsylvania? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor.
Is it legal to own body armor in North Carolina?
Is it legal to own body armor in North Carolina? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of North Carolina. North Carolina does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor.
Is it legal to own body armor in New Hampshire?
Is it legal to own body armor in New Hampshire? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of New Hampshire . New Hampshire does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor.
Is it legal to own body armor in Massachusetts?
Is it legal to own body armor in Massachusetts? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Massachusetts. Massachusetts does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor.
What is a felony for using body armor?
People who intentionally or knowingly use body armor when committing felony will commit unlawful body armor use, which is a Class D felony. The new law states that people who intentionally or knowingly use body armor when committing felony commit unlawful body armor use, which is a Level 6 felony.
How many states can you ship body armor to?
Body armor can be shipped to 49 states of the United States. Sales people looking to purchase body armor in Connecticut can do so only through face to face transactions.
Is it a felony to wear body armor in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma. Like numerous states, Oklahoma has laws in place that make them a felony to wear body armors during the crime was committed. It doesn’t affect the ones who sell the body armor. Anybody in Oklahoma can use and buy bulletproof vests unless they have been convicted of felony.
Can you wear bulletproof armor in Maryland?
Body armor laws in Maryland mandate that anyone with prior conviction for drug trafficking or crime of violence is not allowed from possessing , purchasing, or using bulletproof body armor with no permit issued by Secretary of the Maryland State Police.
Can you wear bulletproof vests in prison?
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests unless they have been convicted of felony. Bulletproof vests as well as some kinds of body armor can be bought in local stores or in online stores. However, in this state, donning bulletproof vests during felony conviction or a person attempted felony may result to addition felony conviction or add extra years to the prison sentence. This law basically affects particular individuals who could wear bulletproof vests, yet doesn’t affect the retailers.
Is it legal to wear bulletproof vests in Tennessee?
It has law in place, which makes it not legal to wear body armors during the crime committed. Unlawful wearing of the vests is class E felony. It doesn’t affect those who sell the body armors. In the state of Tennessee, adults can use and buy bulletproof vests unless they have been convicted of felony. Bulletproof vests and all kinds of body armors can be bought in the online or local market.
Can you buy bulletproof vests in New York?
Adults can use and buy a bulletproof vest unless adults have been convicted of felony. Buying body armor and bulletproof vests can be done face to face or over the internet. In accordance to the law of New York in unlawful wearing of bulletproof vests, people are guilty of unlawful wearing of body vests when acting either alone or with some people they commit violent felony offenses defined in the law while possessing firearms, shotguns or rifles and in furtherance and in the course of crimes they wear a body vest. Unlawful wearing of vests is class E felony.
What is the law on body armor?
Federal law. Body armor is discussed in one place in the United States Code: 18 U.S.C. § 931. Section 931 contains only one prohibition on the purchase, ownership, or possession of body armor. The law states that anyone who has been convicted of a violent felony (or its state equivalent) cannot purchase, own, or possess body armor.
Why was the Texas Law Shield member arrested?
Recently, a Texas Law Shield member was arrested for the possession of body armor. Ultimately, the member was released from custody and no charges were filed.
Is it illegal to own body armor?
To recap, if you’re a convicted felon, it’s illegal under state law to possess body armor. If you were convicted of a violent felony, it’s illegal to purchase, own, or possess body armor under federal law. If none of the above apply to you, then you are within your rights to possess whatever body armor you so choose.
Is it legal to own body armor in Texas?
The purchase, ownership, and possession of body armor generally is legal in Texas. However, Texas Penal Code § 46.041 prohibits the possession of body armor by anyone convicted of a felony (violent or non-violent).
CAN ANYONE, INCLUDING CIVILIANS, BUY BODY ARMOR IN THE UNITED STATES?
Not only in the US, but in many other parts of the world, firearms are among the most deadly dangers to both the public and law enforcement. This is why it is vital to consider body armor as a means of personal protection, and the laws surrounding its use based on where you live.
IN WHAT STATES IS BODY ARMOR LEGAL TO PURCHASE AND OWN?
Not only in the US, but in many other parts of the world, firearms are among the most deadly dangers to both the public and law enforcement. This is why it is vital to consider body armor as a means of personal protection, and the laws surrounding its use based on where you live.
Who Cannot Buy Body Armor Legally?
In addition to state-specific rules that apply to the general population, pursuant to federal penal code 18 U.S.C. 931, those individuals who have been convicted of a felony have lost their legal right to wear, buy, sell or be in possession of body armor.
STATES WITH CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR WEARING BODY ARMOR IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS
In some states, there are little-to-no extra laws prohibiting the purchase of body armor. However, there are states that do not allow some individuals to own or wear body armor in certain situations.
STATES WITH NO EXTRA BODY ARMOR LAWS
While some states have additional laws and regulations in place that restrict or prohibit the use of body armor or bulletproof clothing in certain situations, there are other states that are more relaxed on body armor policies.
YOUR GOD-GIVEN RIGHT TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
Whether for personal protection on the front lines (such as law enforcement or bounty hunters), or as part of your home security and safety plan, body armor can mean the literal difference between life and death.
What About Other Options?
Because of a perceived rise in school shootings, there has been an uptick in interest in items such as bullet-resistant backpacks and seat covers that have bullet-resistant inserts. Most of these, however, have inserts that are rated IIIA, meaning they stop penetration of pistol rounds, not rifle rounds. As rifle has been the weapon of choice for most recent mass shooters, these backpacks would have little, if any, effect.
Should You Buy Body Armor Now?
Body armor has played an unfortunate role in at least one of the recent mass shootings.
Is A Bullet-Resistant Vest Right For You?
As I said before, I originally dismissed the idea that any sort of body armor was right for me. I’m not a high-value target like a diplomat or wealthy businessman, and I live in the suburbs, not Somalia. I don’t kick in doors for a living, and I’m not going to go patrol the streets at night in a squad car. However, an increased level of potential violence in my immediate vicinity made me realize that I needed not only increased firepower, but increased protection as well.
How much does body armor weigh?
With a pair of soft body armor inserts weighing over 3 pounds by themselves, and hard plates weighing in at around four pounds apiece (and that’s for the “lightweight” model), wearing body armor means weighing yourself down even more than you already are.
What is body armor made of?
There are two kinds of body armor available for civilian use: soft armor usually made of advanced polymers like Kevlar® and similar materials, and hard plates made from hardened steel, ceramics, and other materials. In general, soft body armor is sufficient to stop most handgun calibers and buckshot loads. Soft armor is not up to the task of ...
How much does a Glock 19 weigh?
Body Armor is Hot and Heavy. A loaded Glock 19 weighs just under two pounds. Add in a spare magazine, holster, and the other items of your everyday carry gear, and you’re probably looking at carrying around five pounds more than the average unarmed person does.
What is hard plate?
Hard plates are rigid, inflexible, and heavier than soft armor. You’ll likely struggle to conceal them compared to soft body armor. Most civilians wear hard plates inside a plate carrier that sits outside their clothing.
Can You Wear Body Armor in Public? The Short Version
In this fast-paced world, we recognize the need for at-a-glance content, to satisfy your concerns. With that in mind, here’s the “too long, didn’t read” version:
Body Armor – What Is It Exactly?
The days of body armor being solely for the military and law enforcement are long gone, now that tactical and protective gear has become increasingly more popular with the public.
Why Wear Body Armor? The Pros and Cons
Although we’ve shown that law-abiding citizens are legally allowed to wear body armor, perhaps we should be asking ourselves if we actually should be wearing it?
Is it Legal to Own a Bulletproof Vest?
In every state in the US, you can legally purchase, own, and wear body armor.
How many states can you ship body armor to?
2. You can ship body armor to 49 states. Sales to customers in Connecticut can only be done via face-to-face transaction. 3. You can sell body armor in a store, at a gun show, on a website, over the phone, or through a catalog. Where you cannot sell body armor: 1.
Is it legal to sell bulletproof vests?
It is perfectly safe and legal for retailers to sell bulletproof vests to the general public. People who purchase bulletproof vests and other types of body armor are upstanding citizens who simply wish to protect themselves, their employees and their families from harm.
Can a felon own body armor?
931). Felons can only purchase bulletproof vests if their employer requires it and they get written permission to do so. Still, it is the responsibility of the felon to refrain from buying body armor. Only he can be prosecuted if he makes an illegal purchase. Retailers are not liable for what happens to body armor after it is sold.
Is it legal to wear body armor?
Body Armor Law. We all have a right to protect ourselves and our families. As such, we have a legal right to acquire and wear body armor for personal and professional protection. In turn, it is also legal to sell bulletproof vests and other types of body armor to anyone in the US .
Can you be prosecuted for selling body armor?
Only he can be prosecuted if he makes an illegal purchase. Retailers are not liable for what happens to body armor after it is sold. Where you can sell body armor: 1. You can sell body armor to any person in a face-to-face transaction. No ID or background check is required and no special record keeping is needed. 2.
What is the class of felony for wearing a body vest?
The unlawful wearing of a vest is a class E felony.
How many states can you ship body armor to?
2. You can ship body armor to 49 states. Sales to customers in Connecticut can only be done via face-to-face transaction. 3. You can sell body armor in a store, at a gun show, on a website, over the phone, or through a catalog.
Is it legal to sell bulletproof vests?
It is perfectly safe and legal for retailers to sell bulletproof vests to the general public. People who purchase bulletproof vests and other types of body armor are upstanding citizens who simply wish to protect themselves, their employees and their families from harm.
Can you wear bulletproof vests in New York?
New York - Body Armor Law. In New York, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face. A person is guilty of the unlawful wearing of a body vest when acting either alone or with one or more other persons he ...
Can a felon own body armor?
931). Felons can only purchase bulletproof vests if their employer requires it and they get written permission to do so. Still, it is the responsibility of the felon to refrain from buying body armor. Only he can be prosecuted if he makes an illegal purchase. Retailers are not liable for what happens to body armor after it is sold.
Is it legal to wear body armor?
Body Armor Laws in the US. We all have a right to protect ourselves and our families. As such, we have a legal right to acquire and wear body armor for personal and professional protection. In turn, it is also legal to sell bulletproof vests and other types of body armor to anyone in the US.
Can you be prosecuted for selling body armor?
Only he can be prosecuted if he makes an illegal purchase. Retailers are not liable for what happens to body armor after it is sold. Where you can sell body armor: 1. You can sell body armor to any person in a face-to-face transaction. No ID or background check is required and no special record keeping is needed. 2.

Alabama
Alaska
- Is it legal to own body armor in Alaska? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Alaska. Alaska does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor. Body arm…
Arizona
- Is it legal to own body armor in Arizona? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Arizona. Arizona does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor. Body arm…
Arkansas
- Is it legal to own body armor in Arkansas? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Arkansas. Arkansas does state that wearing body armor while committing a felony is an additional Class A misdemeanor. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felo…
California
- Is it legal to own body armor in California? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of California. California does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted...
Colorado
- Is it legal to own body armor in Colorado? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Colorado. Colorado does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor. Body arm…
Connecticut
- Is it legal to own body armor in Connecticut? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Connecticut, except, the transaction MUST take place face to face (in person) and cannot be completed online. Selling or receiving body armor or bulletproof vests online in Connecticut can result in a $1,000 fine and u…
Delaware
- Is it legal to own body armor in Delaware? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Delaware. Delaware does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor. Body arm…
Florida
- Is it legal to own body armor in Florida? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Florida. Florida does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor. Body arm…
Georgia
- Is it legal to own body armor in Georgia? Yes, it is legal for a civilian to purchase and have in their possession body armor or bulletproof vests in the state of Georgia. Georgia does not have any laws about body armor in addition to the federal law. However, in accordance with federal law, it is illegal for anyone that has been convicted of a felony to purchase or own body armor. Body arm…