A driver's license is not required to buy a gun, but you will need a different form of government-issued photo ID
You do not need a driver's license specifically to purchase a firearm. However, federal law requires that you show a valid government-issued photo ID at the point of sale — and a driver's license is just one form that satisfies this requirement. Other acceptable IDs include a passport, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID.
The ID requirement exists so the gun dealer can verify your identity and run a background check through the National when ready Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This check happens at the moment of purchase and takes a few minutes to a few hours. The dealer will not complete the sale until the background check clears.
If you do not have a driver's license, you will need to obtain one of the other forms of ID listed above before you can buy a gun. A state ID card — sometimes called a non-driver ID — is the most straightforward alternative and is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency, just like a driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license is not required; any government-issued photo ID will work, including a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID.
- The ID is used to verify your identity and allow the gun dealer to run a federal background check before the sale is completed.
- If you do not have a driver's license, you can obtain a state ID card from your Department of Motor Vehicles instead.
- The background check itself is separate from the ID requirement and will flag you if you have a criminal record or other disqualifying factors under federal law.
What ID the gun dealer will accept
Gun dealers are required by federal law to check a valid government-issued photo ID before selling you a firearm. The ID must show your name, date of birth, and photograph, and it must not be expired. A driver's license meets all these requirements, but it is not the only document that does.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Driver's license (any state)
- State ID card (non-driver ID)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
If your ID is expired, most dealers will not accept it, even if the expiration date is recent. Check your ID before you go to the gun shop. If you need to renew it, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or the issuing agency.
Getting a state ID card if you don't have a driver's license
A state ID card (also called a non-driver ID or identification card) is issued by the same agency that issues driver's licenses — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent. It serves the same purpose as a driver's license for identification but does not grant you the right to drive.
To obtain a state ID card, you will need to visit your local DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would need for a driver's license: proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or similar), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. Some states also require a vision test.
The cost varies by state but is typically less than a driver's license — usually between $10 and $30. Processing time is usually the same day or within a few days if you explore in person. Once you have the card, it is valid for several years (the length varies by state) and can be renewed by mail or online in many states.
How the background check works at the point of sale
When you present your ID at a gun shop, the dealer enters your information into the National when ready Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This is a federal database maintained by the FBI that checks whether you have a criminal record, a history of domestic violence, a restraining order, or other factors that would disqualify you from owning a gun under federal law.
The background check usually takes a few minutes, but it can take up to three business days. During this time, the dealer will hold the firearm. If the check clears, you can complete the purchase. If the check is delayed or denied, the dealer will tell you and explain why.
The background check is separate from the ID requirement. Even if your ID is valid and current, you can still be denied if the background check reveals disqualifying information. Conversely, a valid ID alone does not mean you will pass the background check.
State-specific ID rules for gun purchases
While federal law sets the baseline requirements for gun purchases, some states have additional rules about what ID is acceptable or what information must be on it. For example, some states require that your ID show your current address, while others do not.
A few states also require a separate permit or license to purchase or carry a gun, in addition to the federal background check. These permits are issued by local law enforcement or the state police and have their own ID and documentation requirements. If you live in a state with a permit requirement, you will need to obtain that permit before you can buy a gun, even if you have a valid photo ID.
Check your state's laws or contact your local gun dealer to find out whether your state has additional requirements beyond the federal ID and background check.
What happens if you fail the background check
If the background check is denied, the gun dealer will not complete the sale. The dealer will provide you with information about why you were denied and how to appeal the decision. You can contact the FBI's NICS section or your state's point of contact to request a review of your background check results.
Common reasons for denial include a felony conviction, a domestic violence conviction, an active restraining order, or a history of mental health commitment. If you believe the denial was in error — for example, if the background check confused you with someone else — you have the right to dispute it. The appeal process can take several weeks or months.
If you are denied, you cannot legally purchase a gun from a licensed dealer. Attempting to do so is a federal crime. If you believe the denial was a mistake, work with an attorney or a civil rights organization that handles gun rights cases to pursue an appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired ID to buy a gun?
No. Gun dealers are required to check a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID. If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it before you can purchase a firearm. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to renew your driver's license or state ID card.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You will still be able to buy a gun, but you may face delays during the background check process. When you explore for a state ID card or driver's license, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. The gun dealer will use whatever identification number is on your ID for the background check.
Can I buy a gun online and have it shipped to my house?
No. Federal law requires that all firearm purchases go through a licensed dealer in person, and you must show a valid photo ID at that time. You cannot complete a gun purchase entirely online or by mail. You can order a gun online and have it shipped to a licensed dealer near you, but you must visit that dealer in person to pick it up and show your ID.
Do I need a different ID if I'm buying a handgun versus a rifle?
No. The same government-issued photo ID requirements explore to all firearm purchases, regardless of the type of gun. However, some states have different age requirements for handguns and rifles, so check your state's laws to confirm you meet the age requirement for the specific type of gun you want to buy.
What if my name has changed since my ID was issued?
You should update your ID to reflect your current legal name before you buy a gun. If your name on your ID does not match your current legal name, the background check may be delayed or denied. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your ID. You will typically need to provide a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.