Who Can Buy
Body Armor?
Federal eligibility requirements, state restrictions, and buyer responsibilities — everything you need to know before purchasing body armor from Armor Exchange.
Who Can Buy Body Armor —
The Short Answer
Who can buy body armor in the United States is governed primarily by federal law, with some states imposing additional restrictions. In most cases, any law-abiding adult aged 18 or older may legally purchase, own, and possess body armor. The most significant restriction is the federal prohibition on purchase or possession by persons convicted of a violent felony. Understanding who can buy body armor — and the specific restrictions that apply in your state — is the buyer’s responsibility before placing any order.
Law Enforcement — Eligible
Security Professionals — Eligible
Responsible Civilians — Eligible in Most States
Federal Eligibility Requirements
By purchasing body armor from Armor Exchange, LLC, the buyer represents and warrants all of the following. These are not optional acknowledgments — they are conditions of purchase and reflect applicable federal law.
State and Local Body Armor Laws
There is no general federal prohibition on civilian ownership of body armor. However, certain states and local jurisdictions impose additional restrictions beyond federal law. Consequently, buyers must verify their specific state and local requirements before purchasing.
Known State Restrictions
State body armor laws vary significantly. The most notable restriction currently in effect is in Connecticut, which prohibits online sales of body armor to civilians — in-person purchase from a licensed dealer is required for Connecticut residents. As a result, Armor Exchange does not ship body armor to Connecticut civilian buyers.
Other states may impose restrictions that include, but are not limited to: prohibitions on purchase or possession by certain individuals beyond the federal felony prohibition; restrictions on purchase by minors; and requirements for specific professional eligibility in certain contexts. Furthermore, local jurisdictions within states may have their own ordinances affecting body armor possession or use.
Buyer Responsibility
Armor Exchange, LLC does not guarantee that body armor may be legally purchased or possessed in every jurisdiction. Specifically, it is the buyer’s sole responsibility to determine whether body armor may be lawfully purchased, possessed, and used in their jurisdiction before placing an order. Orders may be refused, restricted, or canceled if shipment to a particular location is prohibited or limited by applicable law.
If you have questions regarding your legal eligibility to purchase body armor in your state, consult a qualified attorney or your local authorities before placing an order. Our specialists can provide general guidance but cannot provide legal advice — call 972.885.9003 with questions.
Texas Body Armor Law
Texas does not restrict the purchase or possession of body armor for law-abiding citizens. There is no state permit, waiting period, or registration requirement for body armor in Texas. As a result, Texas residents who are not prohibited under federal law may purchase body armor freely — including online purchases from Armor Exchange.
For Texas law enforcement agencies, BuyBoard cooperative purchasing contracts are available through ROETAC for department-level procurement without a separate competitive bid process. Additionally, Texas DPS grant programs may fund body armor purchases for eligible agencies. See our agency procurement guide for details.
Order Review & Verification
Armor Exchange, LLC reserves the right at its sole discretion to request additional information or documentation to verify purchase eligibility, refuse or cancel any order believed to violate applicable laws or company policies, suspend or terminate transactions involving suspected misrepresentation or unlawful activity, and comply with lawful requests from regulatory or law enforcement authorities where required.
Export Control Notice
Certain body armor, ballistic materials, and related products may be subject to U.S. export control laws. All purchases from Armor Exchange are subject to the following export conditions.
Additional export control terms are set forth in the Terms of Use, which govern all purchases from Armor Exchange, LLC.
By Completing a Purchase,
You Acknowledge and Agree
The following acknowledgments apply to all purchases from Armor Exchange, LLC and are incorporated into the Terms of Use governing all transactions.
We’re here to help.
This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It is the buyer’s sole responsibility to verify eligibility under all applicable federal, state, and local laws before purchasing. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 931) prohibits purchase or possession by convicted felons.
