Handgun laws in the United States, differ in each state. However, there are federal handgun laws which dictate some regulations, such as the required registration of weapons and a gun licence. In fact, no individual may purchase a gun without the required background check, which must be free of felony convictions, in order for the individual to be allowed to own a handgun.
In addition to the background check, individuals must submit photos, proof of identification and fingerprints, according to the Federal gun laws. Those individuals must also pay a transfer fee, once they have been approved for gun ownership. That transfer fee is a form of an excise tax which is applied to the manufacture and transfer of guns in the United States. The process of being approved for gun ownership, can take several months and be rather expensive.
Each state also has unique laws which govern gun ownership. For example, residents in Florida that have been approved for gun ownership, may carry a concealed weapon on their person. Each state, may allow or forbid weapons, independent of the Federal governments laws. For instance, residents of a state may not be allowed to own a gun that the Federal government allows. Yet, no state can allow ownership of a weapon which has been banned by the Federal government.
Individuals that wish to own a gun, must be sure that they follow federal and local regulations, before making the purchase. In addition, traveling across state lines with gun may be prohibited.
