Can you register a gun in your name if purchased by someone else?

In the United States, gun registration laws vary by state. Generally, a firearm must be purchased by the individual who intends to own it, as federal law prohibits the transfer of a firearm to someone who is prohibited from owning one. If someone else purchases a gun for you, it could be considered a "straw purchase," which is illegal. To register a gun in your name, you typically need to be the direct purchaser.