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Legal Information: Vermont

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
December 12, 2023

I do not have a relief from abuse order against the abuser, and s/he has not been convicted of a crime. Is there anything I can do?

Vermont law does restrict gun ownership in some situations where an abuser has criminal charges pending or has fled to avoid a court case. See I am the victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal?

If none of these situations apply, you can still make a plan for your safety. See our Safety Planning page for more information. You can also contact your local domestic violence organization for additional help. You may want to talk to them about whether leaving the area - either long term or for a little while - might help improve your safety. See our VT Advocates and Shelters page to find a local domestic violence organization near you.

Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun under other circumstances. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.

For additional information on gun laws in Vermont, you can go to the Giffords Law Center website.

I've read through all of this information, and I am still confused. What can I do?

Trying to understand both federal and state law can be confusing, but there are people out there who can help you better understand the law and your rights under the law.

  • You can contact the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit to get more information about the federal firearm law and how it applies to you: 1-800-903-0111, ext. 2
  • You can contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. See our VT Local Programs page.
  • You can write to our Email Hotline.