Gunsmithing requires uniting technical mastery, precision machining, engineering insight, and legal responsibility.
Gunsmiths craft conversions and changes to a firearm that require a high level of skills, combining the gifts of a top-level machinist, a trained woodworker, and the precision of an engineer.
The job entails performing factory-level restorations and renovations to recharge (forgive the pun) well-used firearms to new condition.
Gunsmiths may renew metal finishes or add decorative engravings or carvings to weapons.
Whether repairing heirloom rifles, restoring historical firearms, or creating custom-fit handguns, gunsmiths work in one of the most tightly regulated industries in the U.S.
As a candidate exploring the profession, it’s natural to wonder about the difference between a gunsmith and an armorer.
A gunsmith has a broader range of skills for designing, customizing, and building firearms from scratch.
Their expertise includes advanced craft skills, such as using machinery to fabricate custom parts, which go beyond an armorer’s role of simply replacing worn parts.
While every gunsmith needs to meet federal standards, individual states add their own rules, approvals, and expectations.
An armorer, on the other hand, performs routine maintenance, parts replacement on a specific type of firearm, and repairs, often in a military or law enforcement environment.
Career Opportunities
A high demand for gunsmiths is predicted due to an aging population of skilled tradespeople.
And the gunsmithing industry as a whole is expected to continue expanding.
Beyond licensing, explore industry career prospects, growth opportunities, and emerging trends to help candidates understand the long-term potential of this profession.
According to the Economic Research Institute, the projected average annual salary for a gunsmith in 2021 is approximately $45,000, with an hourly wage of $22.
They also project a 16% increase over the next five years, with a 2026 salary of $52,459.
Gunsmiths can find employment in a range of settings, including gun shops, sporting goods stores, government positions, such as in police departments.
Beyond working in a set-up shop, one of the most significant paths to advancement for gunsmiths is entrepreneurship, opening an independent store.
States Requiring a Gunsmith License or State-Level Firearms Business License
California
In the Golden State, a license is required, and gunsmiths must hold a state firearm dealer license and a federal Type 01 or Type 02 FFL.
The governing body/board in the Golden State is the California Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Firearms.
A gunsmith in California needs to complete the DOJ Certificate of Eligibility (COE) background process.
There is no state exam; however, California requires mandatory fingerprinting and strict rules on firearm modifications.
Regular renewal of licenses and recordkeeping renewal of the Federal Firearms License (FFL) and a state-level firearm dealer license every two years.
Connecticut
Is a license required in the state known as The Land of Staid Habits?
Yes.
Indeed, Connecticut gunsmiths need a permit for any firearms repair or sale activity.
The Governing body/board in the Land of Steady Habits is the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
And Connecticut mandates the completion of state firearm safety training for specific categories of work.
While there are no exam or certification requirements, there are restrictions on certain semi-automatic firearms.
Gunsmiths will have to apply for license renewal every five years to keep current in The Land of Steady Habits.
Hawaii
Yes, a license is required in Hawaii. And beyond that, Hawaii maintains some of the strictest firearm business regulations, and a permit is required.
The Hawaii Police Department (county-level control) is the governing body/board.
Training varies by county in Hawaii and often includes safety certification, and registration of working inventory and client firearms is required.
The gunsmith working in Hawaii should shoot for a yearly renewal date for their license.
Illinois
Is a license required to work as a gunsmith?
The answer to that is simple: In Illinois, anyone handling firearms in a business capacity must hold a state Firearm Dealer License in addition to a federal FFL.
The Illinois State Police is the governing body.
Approved training requirements include a mandatory state-certified firearms safety course.
And while there’s no exam or certification, there are strict requirements for security measures and recordkeeping, and the license must be renewed every three years.
Maryland
Gunsmiths engaging in firearm transfer or repair must hold a regulated firearms dealer license in the Cockade State.
The Governing body/board is the Maryland State Police Licensing Division.
However, they need to be aware of the laws on modifying or transferring banned firearm types, including creating or altering an illegal firearm, changing the serial number, and bypassing magazine capacity limits, and breaking assault weapon restrictions:
Massachusetts
Is a license required to work in the gunsmith trade in Massachusetts?
The answer is that in the Bay State, those in the gunsmith trade must carry a state license to carry (LTC) and a gunsmith/dealer license.
The governing body/board is the local police departments, overseen by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety.
While the Bay State requires a compulsory firearms safety training course, there are no exams or certification requirements.
Yet, Massachusetts has one of the narrowest allowances for modification work in the U.S.
In the Bay State, a gunsmith must renew their license every 6 years.
New Jersey
All gunsmiths must hold the state retail firearms dealer license.
The New Jersey State Police is the governing body/board.
While there is no gunsmith-specific mandated training, there are background checks and fingerprinting.
New Jersey demands strict limitations on magazines, semi-automatic features, and modifications.
And the license to work as a gunsmith must be renewed every 3 years.
New York
Yes, in New York, gunsmiths need to apply for a state gunsmith license in addition to the federal FFL.
Local licensing officers (county judges, sheriffs) are the governing body/board in New York, and training requirements vary by county.
However, there are no statewide exams or certification requirements.
Candidates should keep in mind that New York imposes significant restrictions on modifications and components for semi-automatic weapons.
And the renewal rules come around every three years in most counties.
Rhode Island
Is a license required in Rhode Island?
Yes.
A state license for gun sales or repairs is required in The Licentious Republic, also known as Rhode Island.
The governing body/board is the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office.
Firearm safety training is mandated for specific license categories, with heavy oversight on handgun transactions and parts installation.
However, there are no exams or certification requirements.
Gunsmiths in Rhode Island must follow renewal rules that require them to renew every 3 years.
Washington, D.C.
Yes, it’s true in Washington, D.C.: a license is required, and the district has rules among the strictest in the U.S.
In Washington, D.C., the governing body/board of the Metropolitan Police Department Firearms Registration Section approved training requirements for firearm safety and background processes, as well as testing requirements that may apply, depending on license type.
The scope of practice includes extremely limited gunsmithing allowed without direct police oversight.
And when gunsmithing in Washington, D. C, the renewal rule is every 3 years.
States That Do Not Require a License but Mandate Training, Certification, or Additional Conditions
These states don’t mandate a state gunsmith license, but do require some combination of:
- Specific firearms training
- Special conditions to modify certain weapon categories
- Firearm safety certifications
- State-level business permits that function like licensing
Colorado
In Colorado, no gunsmith license is required, but certain firearms (NFA items) require state-level compliance reviews.
And gunsmiths and their shops need to maintain ATF and state compliance logs.
Delaware
In Delaware, gunsmiths need to be aware that, while no license is required, all firearm transactions—including repair returns—must comply with state transfer rules.
Gunsmiths need to conduct mandatory background checks when transferring firearms back to clients.
Florida
In the Gunshine State (and yes, you read that right), candidates do not need a gunsmith license; however, certain counties require additional permits for firearm businesses.
How did Florida come to be called the Gunshine State?
It’s a play on the official nickname, the Sunshine State.
It’s also hit the mark thanks to the high number of gun permits in the state.
Florida frequently ranks at the top spot in the number of non-concealed carry permits, with millions of residents holding them.
It should be noted that candidates for the gunsmithing trade should bear in mind that working in the gunsmithing business in the Gunshine State does come with obligations, such as strict zoning rules for any business involving firearms — the very definition of the trade.
Minnesota
Minnesota doesn’t mandate a state gunsmith license, but puts restrictions on applying to modify “assault weapon” features in certain jurisdictions.
Moreover, employers need to document compliance when performing modifications.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, no license is required, but gunsmiths must comply with state pistol-permitting laws when transferring repaired handguns.
And when returning certain firearms, it may be necessary for gunsmiths to demand proof of the client’s permit.
Oregon
The Beaver State doesn’t demand a gunsmith license, but universal background checks apply to nearly every firearm transfer—including gunsmithing returns.
And bear in mind that employers need to keep detailed documentation of all firearms entering/exiting the shop.
Pennsylvania
No gunsmith license is required in Pennsylvania, but repair shops handling NFA-regulated items have met state guidelines.
Moreover, employers need to enforce strict inventory controls.
Virginia
There are no mandatory requirements for a gunsmith license in Virginia, but it should be noted that modifications to restricted firearms must comply with state guidelines.
And shops in the Old Dominion must maintain transaction logs and paperwork.
Washington State
Washington State doesn’t require a gunsmith license, but all firearm returns must go through background check procedures.
Moreover, gun shop owners need to stay in compliance with Initiative 1639 rules for certain weapons.
States With No License Requirement but Employer-Based Standards or Federal-Only Rules
These states do not impose gunsmith-specific licensing or mandatory training.
Gunsmiths must still obtain the federal FFL and meet all ATF requirements, but the state itself does not regulate gunsmithing as a separate occupation.
Yes, these are the states where candidates can work with minimal state-level oversight.
However, keep in mind that there may still be requirements for recommended certifications and limits.
Alabama
In Alabama, recommended certifications include NRA Gunsmithing Certificates and accredited trade school training.
The delegation rules include the one on apprentices, who may practice the trade under supervision.
Alaska
In the Land of the Midnight Sun, recommended certifications include machining and metalwork credentials; while not mandated, they are strongly recommended.
In keeping with that spirit of independence, the delegation rules are entirely employer-based.
Arizona
Arizona recommends certifications from the NRA or a gunsmith school.
And gunsmithing businesses in Arizona generally set internal machining safety competencies.
Arkansas
Recommended certifications in Arkansas include general gunsmithing training.
And as for the delegation rules in Arkansas, the general rule of thumb is that shop-based apprenticeships are common.
Georgia
Recommended certifications in Georgia include welding/machining certifications.
Informal apprenticeships are the delegation of rules.
And the limitations state that modifications must comply with the state’s firearm type restrictions.
Idaho
Recommended certifications in Idaho offer FFL-required safety training
And the delegation rules are up to the employer in their business.
Indiana
In Indiana, the recommended certifications include accredited gunsmithing programs.
Each gunsmith shop is responsible for setting the discretion rules for delegation.
Iowa
Machining certifications are advantageous under Iowa’s recommended certifications rule.
The delegation rule recommends supervision of apprentices.
Kansas
Recommended certifications in Kansas include any accredited gunsmithing certificates for the trade.
Employers may restrict hazardous work through the delegation rule.
Kentucky
While a recommended certificate is not legally required, it is considered beneficial in “The Dark and Bloody Ground.”
How did Kentucky get this nickname?
It came about as an allusion to battles between the Creek, Cherokee, Shawnee, and Chickasaw tribes.
John Filson, Kentucky’s “first historian” and author of The Discovery, Settlement, and Present State of Kentucke, published in 1784, is likely responsible for the widespread belief that the English meaning of the Indian word Kentucke is “Dark and Bloody Ground.”
In the Dark and Bloody Ground State, the delegation rules are controlled by the gunsmith shop.
The Limitations? ATF/NFA requirements only.
Louisiana
When working as a gunsmith in Louisiana, what certifications are required?
The lovely state of Louisiana suggests that any trade school gunsmithing credentials are the recommended certification.
Delegation rules vary by the individual gunsmith’s business. A limitation is that NFA items must comply with state rules.
Maine
In mighty Maine, the recommended certifications include NRA gunsmithing and machining programs.
Delegation rules show that apprenticeships are common.
And as for limitations, there are minimal state laws in Maine.
Michigan
FFL compliance training is the recommended certification in Michigan.
Delegation rules are employer-based.
Mississippi
General gunsmithing certificates are the recommended certification.
Delegation rules are at the gunsmithing shop’s discretion.
Missouri
Metalworking and firearm repair credentials are the recommended certifications in the Show-Me State.
Delegation rules are informal, employer-defined
Montana
Gunsmithing degree programs are the general guidelines for recommended certifications.
Flexible employer rules are the delegation rules.
As for limitations, there are none beyond ATF.
Nebraska
Recommended certifications in Nebraska include general gunsmithing or machining.
Employer sets delegation rules.
And gunsmiths in Nebraska need to comply with minimal state regulations.
Nevada
Recommended certifications include specialization certificates in repair/engraving.
Delegation rules are when the employer assigns tasks based on skill.
New Hampshire
Recommended certifications include gunsmithing trade programs.
Delegation rules are employer-defined.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, recommended certifications include machining and gunsmithing.
Delegation rules are shop standards only.
North Dakota
Recommended certifications include NRA certification or a trade school certificate.
Delegation rules are at the employer’s discretion.
Moreover, the limitations are only ATF/NFA restrictions.
Ohio
In Ohio, the recommended certifications are formal gunsmithing programs.
Delegation rules show that while not mandatory, employer supervision is common.
And as for limitations, there are only minimal state-level rules.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is okay with recommended certifications that include firearm repair credentials.
Delegation rules are gunsmith shop-defined.
South Carolina
Recommended certifications in South Carolina include training in machining and finishing.
Delegation rules are based on employer oversight.
South Dakota
Recommended certifications revolve around general gunsmithing coursework.
Each employer defines delegation rules revolving around apprenticeships.
Tennessee
Recommended certifications in Tennessee are optional — and recommended — certificates and machining training.
Delegation rules are employer oversight.
And the limitations are NFA compliance required.
Texas
Recommended certifications include gunsmithing schools and education; however, there is no state requirement.
Delegation rules include an employer-based skill evaluation.
Utah
In Utah, recommended certifications include NRA certification or machining programs.
Delegation rules are set at the gunsmithing shop’s discretion.
Vermont
Recommended certifications include trade/technical school training.
Delegation rules are employer-based.
West Virginia
Recommended certifications in the Almost Heaven State for achieving and firearms repair are strongly recommended.
Delegation rules are based on employer oversight.
Wisconsin
Recommended certifications in Wisconsin include gunsmithing or machining programs.
Delegation rules are employer-driven.
Wyoming
Recommended certifications include optional but beneficial gunsmithing credentials.
Delegation rules are flexible.
And the limitations include Federal ATF/NFA compliance.
