Is Body Armor Legal in California? (2026)
Partially — Body Armor is legal with restrictions in California as of 2026.
Law changed in 2023: Assembly Bill 92, passed in 2023, significantly expanded the categories of individuals prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.
Quick Answer
Body Armor is legal with restrictions in California. However, California Penal Code Section 31360 makes it a felony for anyone convicted of a violent felony to own or possess body armor. Additionally, wearing body armor during the commission of a felony adds an additional sentencing enhancement under Penal Code Section 12022.
- Felony charge if used in commission of a crime
What the Law Says
California Penal Code § 31360 makes it a felony for persons convicted of a violent felony to possess body armor. Additionally, wearing body armor during a felony adds a sentencing enhancement under Penal Code § 12022.2.
— Cal. Pen. Code § 31360
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Legal for civilians without felony convictions. California Penal Code § 31360 prohibits any person convicted of a violent felony (as defined in PC § 667.5) from purchasing, owning, or possessing body armor. This is broader than federal law, which only covers violent felonies — California's list of qualifying offenses is more extensive. |
| Purchase | Legal to sell in-store and online to non-felons. No age restriction in statute, though some retailers voluntarily restrict sales to 18+. Retailers are not required to verify felon status. |
| Penalties | Felons possessing body armor face up to 3 years in state prison under PC § 31360, in addition to potential federal charges. Wearing body armor during the commission of a violent felony triggers enhanced sentencing under PC § 12022, adding 1-5 years to the underlying sentence. |
| Age Restriction | No state age restriction on purchase or possession. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
Assembly Bill 92, passed in 2023, significantly expanded the categories of individuals prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.
Enforcement Reality
California actively enforces its body armor laws, particularly against individuals with prior violent felony convictions. The state has also seen recent legislative efforts to further restrict access to body armor.
A common mistake is being unaware of the 2023 law (AB 92) that expanded the prohibition of body armor to all individuals prohibited from owning a firearm, not just those with violent felony convictions.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across California. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Body Armor is legal with restrictions in California. This product is permitted, but specific conditions apply. Violating those conditions can result in fines or criminal charges. Read the rules carefully and consult an attorney if unsure.
California vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, buying body armor is fully legal in 1 states, restricted in 49, and illegal in 0. California falls in the RESTRICTED category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Body Armor:
Body Armor Laws Guide
Understand the full picture of body armor law in California and across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy Body Armor in California?
What are the restrictions on buying body armor in California?
What mistakes do people make with buying body armor in California?
What is the age restriction for buying body armor in California?
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Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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