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Purchasing a firearm in Alabama

Steps to Register a Firearm in Alabama

Firearms are not required to be registered in Alabama

Requirements to hold a firearm license

Alabama has no law that requires gun owners to get a license for any type of firearm

More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.

Does Alabama Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?

Yes, Alabama has a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm.

Firearms dealers are required to perform background checks via NICS. Which means, they are required to reach out to the FBI before transferring the firearm to an individual. Alabama individually requires licensed firearm dealers to view the purchaser's identification before the transfer of a handgun. However, Alabama does not require its private sellers to conduct a background check before the transfer of the firearm.

Owning a firearm in Alabama

Does Alabama have a Gun Free Zone law?

Yes, Alabama has a defined list of gun free zones:

• Attending a demonstration at a public place
• On a private property owned by an individual
• In a Jail/Prison or any other correctional facility
• A facility providing care for mental/psychiatric patients
• A building where county commission or council have meetings
• School premises

Does Alabama Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?

You are not required to take a safety course in order to own a firearm in Alabama.

Common Firearm Offenses in Alabama

[Section 13A-6-20 Assault in the first degree] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-20.htm) [Section 13A-6-21 Assault in the second degree] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-21.htm) [Section 13A-6-22 Assault in the third degree] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-22.htm) [Section 13A-6-27 Use of pepper spray] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-27.htm) [Section 13A-6-130 Domestic violence * First degree] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-130.htm) [Section 13A-6-131 Domestic violence * Second degree] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-131.htm) [Section 13A-6-132 Domestic violence * Third degree] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-132.htm) [Section 13A-6-1 Definitions] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-1.htm) [Section 13A-6-2 Murder] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-2.htm) [Section 13A-6-3 Manslaughter] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-3.htm) [Section 13A-6-4 Criminally negligent homicide] (http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/13A-6-4.htm)

More on Alabama Firearm Laws

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