• In most U.S. jurisdictions, gun owners must meet certain requirements.gun image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizens the "right to bear arms," and citizens across the nation continue to take advantage of this right. However, before a U.S. resident may purchase, sell, have, or carry firearms, she must often first obtain a license, and she is subject to both federal and local restrictions.
  
  

Licensing Prohibitions

• The federal Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 has certain restrictions limiting who may purchase and possess firearms. Convicted felons, those who have been convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, known drug addicts, those with a history of mental instability, illegal aliens, and veterans who have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military are all prohibited from owning or obtaining firearms in the U.S.
  
  

Rifles and Shotguns

• There is no federal licensing requirement for ownership of shotguns and rifles.less lethal shotgun and shells. image by Kevin Chesson from Fotolia.com
  
  There is no federal law requiring a license for the use and possession of rifles and shotguns, though certain jurisdictions may have additional laws restricting the use of these guns. Additionally, rifle/shotgun owners must not be prohibited from possessing firearms, and must be at least 18 years of age unless with a non-prohibited adult.
  
  

Handguns

• Laws regarding handguns are more restrictive. Federal law requires non-prohibited gun users to be at least 21 years old to use handguns without supervision, and also requires handgun users to have licenses issued directly from state governments. Licenses can only be issued after the state has conducted a background check on handgun license applicants.
  
  

Carried and Concealed

• Most states require an additional permit to carry and conceal handguns.gun and holster 1 image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
  
  An additional permit is often required to be able to carry concealed firearms. The permit must be administered locally or by state government. In most states, the carrying and concealment of handguns requires such a permit, while the carrying or concealment of rifles/shotguns do not. Some states have very restrictive carrying permit requirements (such as New York and California). Most will issue permits as long as a person is licensed to have a handgun. A few states (including Alaska and Arizona) require no permit to carry concealed handguns.
  
  

Dealers

• Those wishing to deal firearms must obtain a Federal Firearms License to do so in the U.S., according to the Gun Control Act. GCA regulations require manufacturers, importers and dealers of firearms to be at least 21 years of age and to have a valid business location (a registered building or place of business where sales take place). These regulations are enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
  
  

Obtaining Licenses

• Sheriff departments may issue personal gun licenses.police car up close image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
  
  Personal gun licenses can usually be acquired through local sheriff departments, though this may vary according to locale. To obtain a Federal Firearms License to manufacture, import, and/or deal firearms, individuals may either contact the Federal Firearms Licensing Center or a local ATF office.