California - Body Armor Law

In California, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Body Armor Laws in the US

We all have a right to protect ourselves and our families.  As such, we have a legal right to acquire and wear body armor for personal and professional protection. In turn, it is also legal to sell bulletproof vests and other types of body armor to anyone in the US. 

It is the responsibility of the buyer to ascertain whether or not they are legally able to purchase and use body armor. This responsibility does not fall on the shoulders of the retailer. 

It is perfectly safe and legal for retailers to sell bulletproof vests to the general public. People who purchase bulletproof vests and other types of body armor are upstanding citizens who simply wish to protect themselves, their employees and their families from harm.  

Convicted felons surrender their right to own body armor.  The US has a federal ban on the possession of body armor by convicted felons (18 U.S.C. 931). Felons can only purchase bulletproof vests if their employer requires it and they get written permission to do so. Still, it is the responsibility of the felon to refrain from buying body armor. Only he can be prosecuted if he makes an illegal purchase. Retailers are not liable for what happens to body armor after it is sold. 

Who Can Benefit from Body Armor in California?

Here in the United States, you have a right to defend and protect yourself and your family. To better protect against ballistic weaponry, commonly found in the hands of convicted felons, you may wish to wear body armor, which proves most effective.

In California, you’re well within your rights to purchase and wear such body armor in public. But who would benefit most from wearing a bulletproof vest daily? Almost everyone, as it were. From police officers in the line of duty, to security guards protecting a jewelry store, to doctors, lawyers, Uber drivers, bank employees, repo workers, and hunters.

Where to Buy Body Armor in California?

When it comes to where you can buy body armor in California, your best option is to purchase protective body armor panels online or to source it from a local hunting supply store.

BulletSafe, as well as countless other service providers sell online and ship to your doorstep.

You can locate an Authorized BulletSafe Dealer here.

Where you can sell body armor:
1.  You can sell body armor to any person in a face-to-face transaction.  No ID or background check is required and no special record keeping is needed.
2.  You can ship body armor to 49 states.  Sales to customers in Connecticut can only be done via face-to-face transaction.
3. You can sell body armor in a store, at a gun show, on a website, over the phone, or through a catalog.  

Where you cannot sell body armor: 
1.  You cannot sell body armor to Connecticut via the mail.
2.  You cannot ship, take, bring, or send body armor outside the USA without Federal permission.

Body Armor in California FAQs

• Can you walk around with body armor in California?

It is entirely legal to purchase and wear body armor in California while out in public. The only caveat is if the individual is a convicted felon. A felon may not purchase or wear body armor in California.

• How old do you have to be to buy body armor in California?

According to Section 931 of Title 18, United States Code, any United States citizen age 18 or older, with no felony convictions, may purchase and wear body armor in California.

• Can you wear body armor in public in California?

Yes, it is fully legal to purchase and wear body armor in public in California. You have a right to protect yourself and your family. As previously mentioned, anyone convicted of a felony may not purchase or wear body armor in the state.

• Can I wear a tactical vest in public in California?

While you may receive a few strange or suspicious looks, it is not illegal to wear a tactical vest in public in California. That is unless you have a felony conviction.

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