Step 1 — Check Your State's Laws
Before anything else: look up your state. In most U.S. states, tasers are legal for civilians with no permit required. But there are important exceptions:
- !Hawaii: Legal as of Jan 1, 2022 for residents 21+. Requires authorized dealer purchase, background check, and state-approved safety training. Prohibited in schools, courthouses, and government buildings.
- XRhode Island, Washington D.C.: Prohibited for civilian ownership. Verify current local law before purchasing.
- !Illinois: Requires a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card to purchase or possess a taser.
- !New York, New Jersey, California: Legal statewide, but some cities or counties may have additional local ordinances. Verify locally.
- YMost other states: Legal with no permit required for adults 18+. No registration necessary.
Step 2 — Meet the Basic Requirements
In states where tasers are legal without a permit, buyers typically must:
- YBe 18 years of age or older (21+ in some states)
- YNot be a convicted felon or subject to a domestic violence restraining order
- YNot be adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
- YNot be under the influence at time of purchase (for in-person sales)
Online retailers like Amazon and Axon.com require age verification at checkout. When buying in person, a valid government-issued photo ID is typically required.
Step 3 — Decide Where to Buy
Direct from Axon
Axon.com is the manufacturer's official store. Best selection of TASER civilian models, guaranteed authentic, with the Protect and Replace guarantee intact. Ships to all legal states.
Amazon
Wide selection of TASER and third-party brands. Read reviews carefully. Verify you are buying from an authorized seller — counterfeit stun devices exist on marketplace platforms.
Authorized Dealers
Local taser dealers offer hands-on product demos, training resources, and accessories. Find a dealer near you. Best for first-time buyers who want expert guidance.
Sporting Goods Stores
Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and some Walmart locations carry TASER civilian models. Selection is limited but convenient. Staff knowledge varies widely.
Avoid Counterfeits
Cheap "tasers" sold on discount sites for $10–20 are almost never real probe-deployment devices. They are typically contact stun guns with inflated voltage marketing. Always buy from Axon.com, a verified Amazon listing, or an authorized dealer. Check our dealer directory.
Step 4 — Choose the Right Model
For most civilian buyers, the choice comes down to three options:
- YTASER Pulse+ ($399) — Best overall. 15-foot range, Bluetooth 911 integration, Protect and Replace guarantee.
- YTASER Bolt 2 ($249) — Best value. Same 15-foot range as Pulse+ without Bluetooth. Most budget-conscious choice for a real probe taser.
- YTASER StrikeLight 2 ($99) — Best for daily carry. Contact stun + 500-lumen flashlight. No cartridge cost. Ideal as a secondary device.
See our full comparison of the best tasers for self defense.
Step 5 — Buy Training Cartridges
If you purchase a probe-deployment TASER, buy at least two practice cartridges (available from Axon.com). Deploying a taser is a perishable skill — you need to practice the draw, safety disengage, and trigger press until it is muscle memory. Most ranges and firearms instructors who offer non-lethal courses recommend at least one live-fire cartridge practice session per year.
Step 6 — Understand the Protect and Replace Guarantee
TASER/Axon offers a "Protect and Replace" program: if you deploy your civilian TASER in a legitimate self-defense situation, Axon will replace the device free of charge. To qualify, you must file a police report and submit it to Axon along with the device. This eliminates the financial barrier to using the device when you actually need to.