18 U.S.C. 922: Unlawful acts

2024

• Pub. L. 118–159 added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "the transferor has, prior to the shipment or delivery of the firearm, forwarded by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) a copy of the sworn statement, together with a description… (Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025) Law text · (c)

2022

• Pub. L. 117–159, §12004(b)(3), in concluding provisions, substituted "This subsection shall not apply with respect to the sale or disposition of a firearm or ammunition to a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector who pursuant to subsection (b) … (Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) Law text · (d)
• Pub. L. 117–159, §12001(a)(1)(A)(i), inserted ", including as a juvenile" after "such person" in introductory provisions. (Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) Law text · (d)
• Pub. L. 117–159, §12001(a)(1)(A)(ii), inserted "at 16 years of age or older" after "institution". (Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) Law text · (d)
• Pub. L. 117–159, §12004(b), added pars. (10) and (11). (Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) Law text · (d), (11)
• Pub. L. 117–159, §12001(a)(1)(B)(i)(I)(aa), (3), temporarily inserted "subject to subparagraph (C)," before "3 business days". See Effective and Termination Dates of 2022 Amendment note below. (Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) Law text · (t)
• Pub. L. 117–103, §1104(b)(1), inserted ", or State, local, or Tribal law" after "subsection (g) or (n) of this section". (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022) Law text · (t)
• Pub. L. 117–159, §12001(a)(1)(B)(i)(I)(bb)–(III), (3), temporarily added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D). See Effective and Termination Dates of 2022 Amendment note below. (Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) Law text · (t), (D)
• Pub. L. 117–159, §12001(a)(1)(B)(ii), (3), temporarily inserted "transfer or" before "receipt" and substituted "(d), (g), or (n) (as applicable)" for "(g) or (n)" in introductory provisions. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2022 Amendment note below. (Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) Law text · (t)
• Pub. L. 117–103, §1104(b)(2), inserted ", local or Tribal" after "State" in introductory provisions. (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022) Law text · (t)
• Pub. L. 117–159, §12001(a)(1)(B)(iii), (3), temporariy inserted "transfer of a firearm to or" before "receipt" and substituted "(d), (g), or (n) (as applicable)" for "(g) or (n)". See Effective and Termination Dates of 2022 Amendment note below. (Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) Law text · (t)
• Pub. L. 117–103, §1104(b)(3), inserted "local, or Tribal" after "State". (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022) Law text · (t)
• Pub. L. 117–159, §12001(a)(1)(B)(iv), (3), temporarily inserted "transfer of a firearm to or" before "receipt" and substituted "(d), (g), or (n) (as applicable)" for "(g) or (n)". See Effective and Termination Dates of 2022 Amendment note below. (Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) Law text · (t)
• Pub. L. 117–103, §1104(b)(4), inserted "local, or Tribal" after "State". (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022) Law text · (t)

2015

• Pub. L. 114–94 substituted "directly employed by or contracted by" for "employed by". (Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act" or the "FAST Act) Law text · (z)

2005

• Pub. L. 109–92, §6(a), added pars. (7) and (8) and struck out former pars. (7) and (8) which related to prohibitions on the manufacture, importation, sale, and delivery of armor piercing ammunition. (Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act) Law text · (a), (8)
• Pub. L. 109–92, §5(c)(1), added subsec. (z). (Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act) Law text · (z)

2002

• Pub. L. 107–296, §1112(f)(6), substituted "Attorney General" for "Secretary" wherever appearing. (Homeland Security Act of 2002) Law text · (a), (b), (c)
• Pub. L. 107–296, §1112(f)(4), substituted "after consultation with the Attorney General" for "after consultation with the Secretary". (Homeland Security Act of 2002) Law text · (p)
• Pub. L. 107–296, §1112(f)(6), substituted "Attorney General" for "Secretary" wherever appearing. (Homeland Security Act of 2002) Law text · (r), (s)
• Pub. L. 107–273 substituted "1028(d)" for "1028(d)(1)". (21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act) Law text · (t)
• Pub. L. 107–296, §1112(f)(6), substituted "Attorney General" for "Secretary" wherever appearing. (Homeland Security Act of 2002) Law text · (t), (5), (v), (w)

1998

• Pub. L. 105–277, §101(b) [title I, §121(1)], added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5) which read as follows: "who, being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States;". (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999) Law text · (d)
• Pub. L. 105–277, §101(b) [title I, §121(2)], added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5) which read as follows: "who, being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States;". (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999) Law text · (g)
• Pub. L. 105–277, §101(b) [title I, §121(3)], added cl. (v) and struck out former cl. (v) which read as follows: "is not an alien who is illegally or unlawfully in the United States;". (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999) Law text · (s)
• Pub. L. 105–277, §101(b) [title I, §121(4)], added subsec. (y). (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999) Law text · (y)

1996

• Pub. L. 104–294, §603(g), amended Appendix A by substituting "Uberti 1866 Sporting Rifle" for "Uberti 1866 Sporting Rilfe" in category designated "Centerfire Rifles—Lever & Slide", "Sako FiberClass Sporter" for "Sako Fiberclass Sporter" in category designated "Centerfire Rifles—Bolt Action", "Remin… (Economic Espionage Act of 1996) Law text
• Pub. L. 104–208, §101(f) [§658(b)(1)], added par. (9). (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (d)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §101(f) [§658(b)(2)(A)], struck out "or" at end. (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (g)
• Pub. L. 104–294, §603(b), which directed the amendment of cl. (ii) by substituting a semicolon for the comma at end, could not be executed because of the prior amendment by Pub. L. 104–208, §101(f) [§658(b)(2)]. See below. (Economic Espionage Act of 1996) Law text · (g)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §101(f) [§658(b)(2)(B)], substituted "; or" for comma at end. (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (g)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §101(f) [§658(b)(2)(C)], added par. (9). (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (g)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §101(f) [title VI, §657], amended subsec. (q) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (q) made it unlawful, with certain exceptions, for an individual knowingly to possess a firearm at a place that the individual knew, or had reasonable cause to believe, was a school zo… (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (q)
• Pub. L. 104–294, §603(c)(1), amended directory language of Pub. L. 103–322, §320927. See 1994 Amendment note below. (Economic Espionage Act of 1996) Law text · (s)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §101(f) [title VI, §658(b)(3)], inserted ", and has not been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" before the semicolon. (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (s)
• Pub. L. 104–294, §603(d), substituted "subsection (g) or (n)" for "section 922(g) or (n)" in introductory provisions. (Economic Espionage Act of 1996) Law text · (t)
• Pub. L. 104–294, §603(e), substituted "section 923(i) of this title" for "section 923(i) of title 18, United States Code,". (Economic Espionage Act of 1996) Law text · (w)
• Pub. L. 104–294, §603(f)(1), amended directory language of Pub. L. 103–322, §110201(a). See 1994 Amendment note below. (Economic Espionage Act of 1996) Law text · (x)

1994

• Pub. L. 103–322, §110106, which added Appendix A specifying firearms that were not prohibited by subsec. (v)(1) at end of section, was repealed by Pub. L. 103–322, §110105(2). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1994 Amendment note below.
• Pub. L. 103–322, §110514, added par. (9). · (a)
• Pub. L. 103–322, §330011(i), amended directory language of Pub. L. 101–647, §3524. See 1990 Amendment note below. · (b)
• Pub. L. 103–322, §110401(b), added par. (8). · (d)
• Pub. L. 103–322, §110401(c), added par. (8). · (g)
• Pub. L. 103–322, §110511, amended subsec. (j) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (j) read as follows: "It shall be unlawful for any person to receive, conceal, store, barter, sell, or dispose of any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition, or pledge or accept as security for a loan any… · (j)
• Pub. L. 103–322, §320904, added par. (1) and redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as (2) to (4), respectively. · (q)
• Pub. L. 103–322, §320927, as amended by Pub. L. 104–294, §603(c)(1), inserted "(other than the return of a handgun to the person from whom it was received)" after "handgun" in introductory provisions. · (s)
• Pub. L. 103–322, §110102(a), which added subsec. (v) prohibiting the manufacture, transfer, or possession of automatic assault weapons, was repealed by Pub. L. 103–322, §110105(2). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1994 Amendment note below. · (v)
• Pub. L. 103–322, §110103(a), which added subsec. (w) prohibiting the transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, was repealed by Pub. L. 103–322, §110105(2). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1994 Amendment note below. · (w)
• Pub. L. 103–322, §110201(a), as amended by Pub. L. 104–294, §603(f)(1), added subsec. (x). · (x)

1993

• Pub. L. 103–159, §302(a), inserted at end "No common or contract carrier shall require or cause any label, tag, or other written notice to be placed on the outside of any package, luggage, or other container that such package, luggage, or other container contains a firearm." · (e)
• Pub. L. 103–159, §302(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2). · (f)
• Pub. L. 103–159, §102(a)(1), added subsec. (s). · (s)
• Pub. L. 103–159, §102(b), added subsec. (t). · (t)
• Pub. L. 103–159, §302(c), added subsec. (u). · (u)

1990

• Pub. L. 101–647, §2201, substituted "does not reside in (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, does not maintain a place of business in) the State in which the transferor resides;" for "resides in any State other than that in which the transferor resides (or ot… · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–647, §3524, as amended by Pub. L. 103–322, §330011(i), substituted semicolon for period at end. · (b)
• Pub. L. 101–647, §2202(a), substituted "which constitutes, or which has been shipped or transported in" for "or which constitutes". · (j)
• Pub. L. 101–647, §2202(b), inserted before period at end "or to possess or receive any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce". · (k)
• Pub. L. 101–647, §1702(b)(1), added subsec. (q). · (q)
• Pub. L. 101–647, §2204(b), added subsec. (r). · (r)

1988

• Pub. L. 100–690 inserted "who" before "is". · (g)
• Pub. L. 100–649 added subsec. (p). · (p)

1986

• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(1), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "for any person, except a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer, to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms or ammunition, or … · (a)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(2)(A), in provision preceding subpar. (A) struck out "or ammunition" after "any firearm". · (a)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(2)(B), substituted "licensed dealer, or licensed collector" for "or licensed dealer for the sole purpose of repair or customizing". · (a)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(3), substituted "firearm" for "rifle or shotgun" and "with subsection (b)(3) of this section" for "with the provisions of subsection (b)(3) of this section". · (a)
• Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954". · (a)
• Pub. L. 99–408 added pars. (7) and (8). · (a), (8)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(4)(A), struck out "or ammunition" after "firearm" in two places. · (b)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(4)(B), inserted a new cl. (A) and struck out former cl. (A) which provided that par. (3) "shall not apply to the sale or delivery of a rifle or shotgun to a resident of a State contiguous to the State in which the licensee's place of business is located if th… · (b)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(4)(C), (D), inserted "and" before "(B)" and struck out cl. (C), which provided that par. (3) "shall not preclude any person who is participating in any organized rifle or shotgun match or contest, or is engaged in hunting, in a State other than his State… · (b), (C)
• Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954". · (b)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(4)(E), substituted "or armor-piercing ammunition" for "or ammunition except .22 caliber rimfire ammunition". · (b)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(5)(A), substituted "person" for "licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector" in provision preceding par. (1). · (d)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(5)(B), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "is an unlawful user of or addicted to marihuana or any depressant or stimulant drug (as defined in section 201(v) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) or narcotic drug (as … · (d)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(5)(C), (D), added pars. (5) to (7). · (d)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(6)(D), in concluding provision substituted "in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce" for "any … · (g)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(6)(A), struck out "is under indictment for, or who" after "who". · (g)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(6)(B), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "who is an unlawful user of or addicted to marihuana or any depressant or stimulant drug (as defined in section 201(v) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) or narcotic drug … · (g)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(6)(C), added pars. (5) to (7). · (g)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(7), amended subsec. (h) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (h) read as follows: "It shall be unlawful for any person— · (h)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(8), added subsec. (n). · (n)
• Pub. L. 99–308, §102(9), added subsec. (o). · (o)

1982

• Pub. L. 97–377 inserted "except .22 caliber rimfire ammunition" after "or ammunition". · (b)

1968

• Pub. L. 90–618 reenacted par. (1) without change. · (a)
• Pub. L. 90–618 added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of licensees subject to the provisions of this chapter, struck out exemption for the shipment or transportation in interstate or foreign commerce for rifles or shotguns, and inserted exemption authorizing an individual … · (a)
• Pub. L. 90–618 added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of licensees, struck out exemption for shotguns or rifles purchased or otherwise obtained outside the state of residence of the recipient, struck out provision making it unlawful for any person to purchase or otherwise … · (a)
• Pub. L. 90–618 added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of licensees, and provided that the transporting of the specified articles be authorized by the Secretary when consistent with public safety and necessity. · (a)
• Pub. L. 90–618 added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of exempted licensees, prohibited the transfer, etc., of any firearm when the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that the transferee resides in a State other than that in which the transferor resides, and substi… · (a)
• Pub. L. 90–618 added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of licensees, and extended the provisions to include the acquisition or attempted acquisition of ammunition. · (a)
• Pub. L. 90–618, in provision preceding par. (1), added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of licensees. · (b)
• Pub. L. 90–618 substituted provisions making it unlawful to sell or deliver any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than 18, and to sell or deliver any firearm, other than a rifle or shotgun, or ammunition, other … · (b)
• Pub. L. 90–618 extended the prohibition to include the sale or delivery of ammunition to any person where the purchase or possession by such person of such ammunition would be unlawful, and struck out "or in the locality in which such person resides" after "or other disposition,". · (b)
• Pub. L. 90–618 inserted the exemptions to the prohibition against the sale or delivery of any firearm to any person who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe does not reside in the state in which the licensee's place of business is located. · (b)
• Pub. L. 90–618 substituted provisions making it unlawful to sell or deliver any of the specified articles, except as specifically authorized by the Secretary as consistent with public safety and necessity, for provisions making it unlawful to sell or deliver any of the specified art… · (b)
• Pub. L. 90–618 extended the prohibition to include the sale or delivery of ammunition and, in the material following subsec. (b)(5), added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of licensees, and the provision that subsec. (b)(4) shall not apply to a sale or delivery to any rese… · (b)
• Pub. L. 90–618 added subsec. (c), redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d), added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of licensees, extended the prohibition against disposal of firearms or ammunition to include the disposal by any person who is an unlawful user of or addicte… · (c), (d)
• Pub. L. 90–618 added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (g). · (e)
• Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated former subsec. (d) as (f) and extended the prohibition against transportation or delivery to include ammunition. Former subsec. (f) redesignated (h). · (f)
• Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated former subsec. (e) as (g) and extended the prohibition against the shipment or transportation of firearms or ammunition to include the shipment or transportation by any persons who is an unlawful user of or addicted to marihuana or any depressant, stimulant,… · (g)
• Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated former subsec. (f) as (h) and extended the prohibition against the receipt of any firearms or ammunition to include the receipt by any person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to marihuana or any depressant, stimulant, or narcotic drug, or any person wh… · (h)
• Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated former subsec. (g) as (i) and substituted "that the firearm or ammunition was" for "the same to have been". Former subsec. (i) redesignated (k). · (i)
• Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated former subsec. (h) as (j) and substituted "which is moving as, which is a part of," for "moving as or which is a part of" and "that the firearm or ammunition was" for "the same to have been". Former subsec. (j) redesignated (l). · (j)
• Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated former subsec. (i) as (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (m). · (k)
• Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated former subsec. (j) as (l). · (l)
• Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated former subsec. (k) as (m) and added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of licensees. · (m)