Buying a gun in Oklahoma is simpler than in most states. There is no state permit to purchase, no gun registration and no state waiting period. You still go through the federal process when you buy from a licensed dealer. Here is what to expect, from PM Customs, a veteran-owned FFL/SOT in Yukon serving the Oklahoma City metro.
How old do you have to be?
Federal law sets the ages for buying from a licensed dealer (FFL):
- Rifles and shotguns: 18 or older.
- Handguns, and frames or receivers such as AR-15 lowers: 21 or older.
What to bring
Bring a current, valid government-issued photo ID, such as an Oklahoma driver license or ID card. If the address on your ID is not current, bring an additional government-issued document that shows your current address, such as a vehicle registration. If you are not sure your documents will work, call us before your appointment at 405-265-8955.
The paperwork and background check
- Form 4473. You fill out the ATF Form 4473 at the counter. Answer every question truthfully and carefully. Mistakes or false answers can stop the sale.
- Background check. We run your information through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Most checks come back in minutes.
- Take it home. Once you are approved and the sale is paid for, the firearm is yours. Oklahoma has no state waiting period.
Sometimes NICS returns a “delayed” response while it looks into a record. If that happens, we will keep you updated.
Have an Oklahoma handgun license? You can skip the NICS check
The ATF accepts an Oklahoma Self-Defense Act (SDA) handgun license in place of the NICS background check when you buy from a dealer in Oklahoma. The license must be unexpired and issued within the last five years. That covers the 5-year license for its full term, and the 10-year license for its first five years only. After that, a NICS check is required again.
Bring your handgun license along with your photo ID. You still fill out the Form 4473, but there is no wait on a background check. Out-of-state carry permits do not qualify for this in Oklahoma.
Buying a gun online in Oklahoma
A gun bought online cannot ship to your house. It ships to an FFL, where you complete the same 4473 and background check. You can shop our in-stock firearms and pick up in Yukon, or have a gun you bought elsewhere shipped to us for a $25 FFL transfer. See our step-by-step guide to buying a gun online.
Private sales
Oklahoma does not require a background check for a private sale between two Oklahoma residents. It is still illegal to sell to someone you know, or have reason to believe, cannot legally own a gun. Many buyers and sellers run a private sale through an FFL for peace of mind. Our private-party transfer is $25.
Carrying after you buy
Oklahoma has had permitless carry since November 1, 2019. Adults 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm can carry, concealed or open, without a license. Military members 18 and older can as well. Some places, such as government buildings and sporting events, remain off-limits. An optional Oklahoma handgun license is still useful if you want to carry in states that honor it, and it can stand in for the NICS check when you buy, as explained above.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Oklahoma?
No. Oklahoma has no permit to purchase and no gun registration. Buying from a dealer still requires the federal Form 4473 and a background check.
Does an Oklahoma carry license replace the background check?
Yes, when you buy from an Oklahoma dealer, if it is an unexpired Oklahoma SDA handgun license issued within the last five years. Bring it with your photo ID. You still complete the Form 4473.
Is there a waiting period in Oklahoma?
No. Once your background check is approved, you can take the firearm home the same day.
Can someone from another state buy a gun in Oklahoma?
A non-resident can generally buy a rifle or shotgun from an Oklahoma dealer if the sale is also legal in their home state. A handgun has to be shipped to a dealer in the buyer’s home state for the transfer.
How old do you have to be to buy a handgun in Oklahoma?
21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer. You must be 18 to buy a rifle or shotgun.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, so check current federal and Oklahoma law or call us with questions.
