VT · checked October 18, 2026

Shotgun laws in Vermont

What Vermont adds on top of federal law: short-barreled shotguns, 14-inch "firearms," feature rules, magazine limits, permits and waiting periods.

Decorative editorial illustration for the state shotgun law referenceVerify the current state and federal rules with official sources
Federal update — Oct 9, 2026

ATF says it is no longer enforcing federal NFA approval or registration for short-barreled shotguns. That does not change state law: where a state only allows SBSs that are registered under the NFA, you still need that registration to be legal under state law. What changed.

Short-barreled shotgunsLegal with NFA registration

Vermont's weapons chapter (13 V.S.A. ch. 85) has no provision on short-barreled or sawed-off shotguns, so federal NFA rules govern ownership.[1]

13 V.S.A. ch. 85
14" 'firearms' (Shockwave / TAC-14)Legal

Vermont has no short-barreled-shotgun law, so a non-NFA 14 in. 'firearm' is not restricted by the state.[1]

Semi-auto / feature rulesNo state feature ban

Vermont has no assault weapon or feature law; Giffords' assault weapons page (updated Sept. 2026) doesn't list it.[2]

Magazine limitsLimit: 10 rounds (long guns)

Making, possessing, buying or importing a long-gun magazine over 10 rounds is banned. Devices for lever- or bolt-action guns and .22 rimfire tubes are excluded. Magazines owned on or before April 11, 2018 are grandfathered.[3]

Permit to buyNo state permit

No permit is needed. Private sales generally must go through a licensed dealer for a background check (13 V.S.A. § 4019).[1]

Waiting period3-day wait

The waiting period is 72 hours after the dealer gets a NICS transaction number, or 7 business days after the check was requested if that comes first. It applies to all firearms and took effect July 1, 2023.[4]

Where a state has no official guidance on a point, the summary says what the statute text appears to say, and marks it unclear when it can't be read either way.

Also know

The statute doesn't name shotguns in the magazine law, but shotguns are long guns, and pump-action devices aren't among the exclusions.

Not legal advice

This is a plain-English summary. Cities and counties can add rules, and laws change. Confirm with Vermont's official sources or a licensed attorney before you buy, build or travel.

Federal rules that apply everywhere

  • Under the National Firearms Act, a 'shotgun' is a weapon designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder that uses a fixed shotgun shell to fire shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore with each pull of the trigger. source
  • The Gun Control Act uses nearly the same definition: a shotgun is designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder and fires shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore for each pull of the trigger. source
  • Federal law defines a short-barreled shotgun as a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches, or any weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches. source
  • The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the law that cut the NFA tax, is Public Law 119-21 and was approved on July 4, 2025. source

Shotguns to consider

Use the 3-step quiz — it flags Vermont's rules on your matches — or compare every model.

Sources

  1. Vermont — Short-barreled shotguns
  2. Vermont — Semi-auto / feature rules (secondary source)
  3. Vermont — Magazine limits
  4. Vermont — Waiting period

Last checked October 18, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Send a correction.

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