📅 2026 Update: Changes in U.S. Gun Laws

Since the original article was written, several important changes have occurred in U.S. gun laws. These updates affect how individuals purchase and carry firearms in various states. The earlier article continues further down the page.

🔍 Recent Changes in State Laws

  • Michigan: As of early 2024, Michiganders must have a firearms purchase license or a concealed handgun license to buy firearms. For long guns, a background check by a licensed dealer is required within five days prior to purchase.
  • Alabama: In 2022, Alabama introduced "permitless carry." This change allows individuals to carry concealed handguns in public without a permit, which previously required a background check.
  • Kentucky: Kentucky repealed its requirement for a license and background check for carrying concealed firearms in public in 2019. This shift has simplified the process for gun owners.
  • Ohio: In 2022, Ohio removed the permit and background check requirements for individuals 21 years and older who want to carry concealed handguns in public.

💰 Current Fees and Costs

  • Michigan: The fees for firearms purchase licenses and concealed handgun licenses vary by county, impacting the overall cost of firearm ownership.
  • Alabama: Concealed handgun license fees are set by the county sheriff's office, leading to variations based on location.
  • Kentucky: The fee for a concealed carry license is determined by the Kentucky State Police and varies by county.
  • Ohio: Like Alabama, the concealed handgun license fee is determined by the county sheriff's office and varies across counties.

📝 Forms and Steps for Application

  • Michigan: Applicants must undergo a background check through the Department of State Police. This check includes in-state databases and contacts the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
  • Alabama: The application process involves applying through the county sheriff's office, which conducts a background check through NICS and reviews state firearms prohibited person databases.
  • Kentucky: Applicants must apply through the Kentucky State Police, which conducts background checks and reviews the firearms prohibited person database.
  • Ohio: Similar to Alabama, applicants apply through the county sheriff's office for their background check and database review.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 🔑 Michigan requires a purchase license or concealed carry license for firearm purchases.
  • 🔑 Alabama and Ohio have implemented permitless carry laws.
  • 🔑 Fees for licenses differ by county in Michigan, Alabama, Kentucky, and Ohio.
  • 🔑 Background checks are a critical part of the application process in all states mentioned.

💡 Tips for Navigating U.S. Gun Laws

Reviewing your specific situation with an attorney is crucial to understanding your rights and responsibilities.

🕵️‍♂️ Understand State-Specific Laws

Each state has unique gun laws. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements in your state for purchasing or carrying firearms.

📃 Complete Background Checks

Background checks are necessary before purchasing firearms in Michigan, Alabama, Kentucky, and Ohio. Ensure you complete this process to avoid issues.

📅 Keep Track of Deadlines

In all states, applicants must complete background checks before purchasing firearms. Pay attention to these deadlines to ensure compliance.

💵 Prepare for Variable Fees

Fees for obtaining concealed carry licenses differ by county. Research the costs in your area to budget appropriately.

💬 Seek Free Assistance

Utilize resources from state agencies like the Michigan State Police or Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. They offer information and assistance regarding firearm purchases and background checks.

🏆 Gun Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

The services listed below support firearm buyers and sellers, focusing on online marketplaces and transaction facilitation. These ratings are based on Trustpilot data collected in October 2026. Ratings can change over time, and star ratings are just one part of the overall picture, as unhappy customers tend to leave more reviews.

🥇 1. GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com has been rated 4.6 on Trustpilot. It is known for being an online marketplace for firearms and accessories, connecting buyers and sellers effectively. However, some reviewers note that customer service response times may be slow due to high sales volume.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

State agencies provide free help for firearm purchases and background checks. For example, the Michigan State Police, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Kentucky State Police, and Ohio Department of Public Safety offer resources to help navigate the process.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 📊 Trustpilot scores and review counts.
  • 🛠️ Range of services offered (e.g., buying, selling).
  • ⏳ Customer service response times.
  • 🌎 Geographic coverage and licensing in your state.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is required to purchase a firearm in Michigan?

In Michigan, you need a firearms purchase license or a concealed handgun license to buy a firearm. A background check must also be completed within five days before the purchase.

❓ Is a background check required in Alabama?

Yes, Alabama requires a background check through the county sheriff's office before purchasing a firearm. This is part of the application process for a concealed handgun license.

❓ Are there age restrictions for obtaining a concealed carry license in Ohio?

Yes, applicants in Ohio must be at least 21 years old to obtain a concealed handgun license. They must also be U.S. citizens or legal residents.

❓ Can I carry a concealed handgun without a permit in Kentucky?

Yes, Kentucky allows individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit. This law change simplifies the process for gun owners.

❓ How do I apply for a concealed carry license in Michigan?

To apply for a concealed carry license in Michigan, you must complete a background check through the Department of State Police and meet eligibility criteria.

❓ Where can I find help regarding firearm purchases?

You can seek help from state agencies like the Michigan State Police, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Kentucky State Police, and Ohio Department of Public Safety. They provide information and assistance on firearm purchases and background checks.

⚖️ Recent Cases Involving Gun Laws

Several recent court rulings have impacted gun laws across the United States, influencing how firearms can be purchased and carried.

For more recent rulings, please check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





The most important legal foundation for gun laws in the United States comes from the source of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as has been interpreted to allow wide latitude for gun ownership rights on the part of U.S. citizens and as such has been upheld in numerous Supreme Court decisions.

Gun law restrictions and allowances otherwise made throughout the country are made and enforced through both federal laws and state statutes, as may grant lesser ability to own and bear firearms than is provided by the traditional interpretation of the Second Amendment. 

In the broad context of the language contained in the Second Amendment, various federal laws have been passed which pertain to the ownership of guns, as include the 1934 National Firearms Act, the Gun Control Act of 1968, the Firearm Owner’s Protection Act of 1986, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994, and the Gun Free School Zone Act of 1995.

Gun Laws Made Easy

The 1968 gun laws named individuals who would not eligible for the ownership of firearms within the United States, as would include people who had been incarcerated for various kinds of offenses, who were known to suffer from specific kinds of substance abuse problems or dependencies, who had mental health problems, who were in the country illegally, and other kinds of disqualifying characteristics.

State and federal laws within the United States typically provide for the ability of people to acquire handguns past the age of 21, and for the ability to acquire a rifle or shotgun past the age of 18.