In the United States, civilians can legally purchase and own bulletproof vests and other body armor in 49 of the 50 states, provided they do not have a violent felony conviction. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 931) serves as the baseline, prohibiting only those convicted of violent felonies from possession. Core Legal Requirements
: This is the primary federal restriction. Individuals with a history of violent felonies are barred from ownership unless they have written permission from an employer for work purposes. can civilians buy bullet proof vests
: It is illegal in many states to wear body armor during the commission of a crime, which can lead to significantly enhanced criminal penalties. State-Specific Restrictions In the United States, civilians can legally purchase
: Most retailers and state guidelines require purchasers to be at least 18 years old. Core Legal Requirements : This is the primary
While generally legal, two states have implemented more stringent regulations: Body Armor Laws by State - Know Your Rights