Advancing the second amendment in Hawaii.

How to purchase a Firearm

While we dont agree with it, Hawaiʻi law requires a permit to acquire before purchasing any firearm. The process differs slightly for handguns versus rifles and shotguns and county to county.
Click the button below to select the type of firearm you are trying to purchase
Handguns
Rifles / Shotguns

Handguns

1. Training Requirement

Applicants must provide an original Handgun Safety Training Course Affidavit completed within four (4) years of the permit application.

2. Apply for a Permit to Acquire (Handgun)

Applications are submitted through the applicant’s county police department.

Identification & Eligibility

  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Original proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status, if born outside the United States (U.S. Passport, Naturalization Certificate, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)


Firearm & Seller Information (Handguns Only)

  • Make
  • Model
  • Caliber
  • Type (revolver or semiautomatic)
  • Serial number
  • Name, address, and telephone number of the seller

Required Forms & Waivers

  • Permit to Acquire application
  • Firearms Application / Questionnaire
  • Mental Health Waiver
  • Medical Information Waiver
  • HIPAA Authorization to Release Protected Health Information

Background Check & Fee

  • Background check conducted by the police department (includes warrant checks, local and national arrest history, criminal history, convictions, pending cases, and Temporary Restraining Orders)
  • One-time background check fee: $42.00
    • Cash (exact change) or Debit/Credit Card
    • $43.26 when paying by card (includes service fee)

This fee applies to all permit applicants, firearm registrations, out-of-state applicants, and law enforcement officers registering personal firearms.

3. Permit Processing

  • A permit to acquire may not be issued earlier than 14 days after application
  • Approved permits may be issued in person, by mail, or electronically, depending on the county

Handgun Permit Validity

  • A handgun permit is valid for one (1) specific firearm only

4. Acquire the Handgun

Once the permit is issued, the applicant may acquire the handgun listed on the permit from the identified seller.

5. Register the Handgun

  • The handgun must be registered with the county police department
  • Some counties allow online registration
  • Other counties require in-person registration

Rifles and Shotguns

1. Training Requirement

Applicants must provide one of the following:

  • Original Hunter Education Card, or
  • Original Handgun Safety Training Course Affidavit completed within four (4) years

Either document satisfies the training requirement for rifles and shotguns.

2. Apply for a Permit to Acquire (Rifle/Shotgun)

Applications are submitted through the applicant’s county police department.

Identification & Eligibility

  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Original proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status, if born outside the United States (U.S. Passport, Naturalization Certificate, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)

Required Forms & Waivers

  • Permit to Acquire application
  • Firearms Application / Questionnaire
  • Mental Health Waiver
  • Medical Information Waiver
  • HIPAA Authorization to Release Protected Health Information

Background Check & Fee

  • Background check conducted by the police department
  • One-time background check fee: $42.00
    • Cash (exact change) or Debit/Credit Card
    • $43.26 when paying by card (includes service fee)

3. Permit Processing

  • A permit to acquire may not be issued earlier than 14 days after application
  • Approved permits may be issued in person, by mail, or electronically, depending on the county

Rifle / Shotgun Permit Validity

  • A rifle or shotgun permit is valid for any number of rifles and/or shotguns for one (1) year

4. Acquire the Rifle or Shotgun

Once the permit is issued, the applicant may acquire one or more rifles and/or shotguns from a licensed dealer during the permit’s validity period.

5. Register the Rifle or Shotgun

  • The firearm must be registered with the county police department
  • Some counties allow online registration
  • Other counties require in-person registration

For more information please check the county websites

Honolulu Police Department – Firearms
Maui Police Department – Firearms
Kauaʻi Police Department – Firearms
Hawaiʻi County Police Department – Firearms

IMPORTANT NOTE

While most police officers intend well, they are not experts in firearms and firearms law. We often here stories about individuals being lied to or misled by those employed within the respective police departments.

PLEASE check the state and county laws for correct information.