A graphic in the April 22 Outlook section on handgun-purchasing laws was unclear about the rules on registering firearms in Maryland. Individuals moving to Maryland who own firearms purchased elsewhere do not need to register them with the state.
To Keep and Bear (and Buy) Arms
Sunday, April 22, 2007; Page B02
Both the 9mm Glock and the Walther P22 handguns that Seung Hui Cho used last week were purchased legally in Virginia . In the majority of states, all you need to purchase a handgun is valid government-issued identification and the absence of a criminal record, as verified by the Brady Handgun Control Act's National Instant Criminal Background Check system. Some states perform their own background checks in addition to what's mandated by federal law. Below, a look at regulations on handgun sales across the region, and in some of the least restrictive states.
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VIRGINIA: The Virginia State Police perform both federal- and state-mandated background checks, serving as a "point of contact" for compliance with the Brady law. Purchasers must show one piece of government-issued photo ID and a secondary ID with matching name and in-state address. In keeping with federal law, non-U.S. citizens must also prove at least 90-day residency in the state. No one, except for licensed firearms dealers, can buy more than one handgun in a 30-day period and the minimum age to purchase handguns is 21. Private firearms sales are not subject to a background check. According to the state police, Virginia currently has approximately 1,700 active federally licensed firearms dealers.
MARYLAND: The Maryland State Police complete federal and state background checks. No one, except for licensed firearms dealers and registered gun collectors, can buy more than one handgun in a 30-day period. There is a seven-day waiting period, the minimum age to purchase handguns is 21, and all firearms must be registered. Maryland listed 1,482 federally licensed firearms dealers in 2001.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: It's still illegal to purchase or register a handgun in Washington, but residents can buy shotguns or rifles. At the firearms dealer, background checks are processed by the FBI. There is a 48-hour waiting period, and the minimum age to buy a firearm is 21. The District had 12 federally licensed firearms dealers in 2001.
According to the Brady Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, the following states have the least restrictive firearms policies:
IDAHO: The FBI processes the federally mandated background checks, and the minimum age, generally, to possess a handgun is 18. Though federally licensed dealers can't sell a handgun to anyone under 21, Idaho has no firearms registration policy or limitations on the private transfer of weapons. Handguns purchased privately are not subject to a background check. As of 2006, the state has 805 federally licensed firearms dealers.
ALASKA: Background checks are processed by the FBI and the minimum age to buy a firearm is 18. There are approximately 834 federally licensed firearms dealers in Alaska, according to information from 2006.
