How to Sell a Gun in Illinois

Sell My Gun - Key Points

• Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, which significantly impact private sales.
• All gun buyers in Illinois must possess a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card.
• You have to verify a gun buyer’s FOID card with state police when selling a gun.
• There is a waiting period of 72 hours before transferring your gun to an Illinois private buyer.
• If you want a hassle-free experience of selling your gun in Illinois, get a quote right now with Cash for Arms.

Gun Sale Laws in Illinois

Does Illinois have state preemption laws?

Illinois has state preemption laws. State regulations override local gun laws, creating uniform rules across the state.

This simplifies gun sales, no matter where you are in Illinois.

Are private gun sales legal in Illinois?

Yes, private gun sales are legal in Illinois. However, they come with strict requirements.

The most important of these is that buyers must have a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card.

As a seller, it's your responsibility to verify the validity of the buyer's FOID card before proceeding with the sale.

Do you need a purchase permit to buy a gun in Illinois?

Yes, you need a purchase permit to buy a gun in Illinois. The FOID card is basically the purchase permit in the state. No additional permit is required to purchase guns if you have a valid FOID card.

Is a background check required for private gun sales in Illinois?

For private sales, the background check technically happens when a seller verifies the buyer's FOID card. This indirectly checks the buyer's background, as buyers can only get that card by passing a background check.

For sales through FFL dealers, a separate background check may be needed, per federal law. This shows that background checks are de facto requirements for all gun buyers in Illinois.

How do you verify a buyer’s FOID card?

To verify a buyer's FOID card, you must use the Illinois State Police online portal. Wait for their approval before proceeding with the sale.

Once acquired, the approval is valid for 30 days.

Does Illinois have a gun registry?

Illinois doesn’t technically have a comprehensive gun registry. However, the FOID system does keep track of gun purchases.

Do I need to report the sale of my gun to the authorities?

No, you don’t have to if you’re the seller. The buyer should report the sale. All sellers have to do is keep a transaction record for 10 years.

After a gun sale, the buyer is required to report the purchase to a licensed gun dealer within 10 days. The gun dealer will then report to the authorities.

That’s why some prefer to conduct the whole private sale via gun dealers for convenience.

Does Illinois have a Red Flag law?

Illinois has implemented a "Red Flag" law, officially known as the Firearms Restraining Order Act. This allows for the temporary removal of guns from individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others.

As a seller, you don’t have to do anything here since individuals flagged under this law can’t pass a background check. Thus, they can’t get a FOID card.

Does Illinois have a waiting period when buying a gun?

Illinois law mandates a 72-hour waiting period for private gun sales. This "cooling-off" period begins when you and the buyer agree on the sale and must be observed before you can transfer the gun.

Is there a transaction limit when buying guns in Illinois?

There are no specific limits on the number of guns that can be bought in one transaction. However, multiple purchases within a short period might trigger additional scrutiny.

If you are trying to sell a large amount of guns, contact our team today to learn more about liquidation services in Illinois. Cash for Arms offers help in selling large gun collections, estates, and even store inventory liquidation.

Does Illinois ban assault weapons?

Yes, Illinois bans assault weapons.

Illinois banned assault weapons and large magazines in January 2023. If you owned these items before the ban, you must file an affidavit through your FOID account by January 1, 2024.

However, even with this affidavit, these weapons can no longer be sold in the state.

Does Illinois ban NFA items?

Illinois generally bans the possession and sale of NFA weapons.

Some exceptions exist for law enforcement and specific licensed individuals.

Does Illinois have restrictions on magazine capacity?

Yes. Magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds for long guns or 15 rounds for handguns are prohibited.

Do I need to provide a safety device when selling a gun in Illinois?

If you sell guns privately without an FFL intermediary, you don’t have to provide a safety device. However, the dealer must provide a safety device if you conduct the sale through an FFL dealer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selling a Gun in Illinois

1. Review the Gun Sale Laws

Please take the time to review the rules we outlined in the previous section. Pay special attention to the requirements for FOID card verification and the mandatory waiting period.

Next, carefully examine your gun to ensure it's not classified as an assault weapon under the Protect Illinois Communities Act. Unfortunately, if your gun falls into this category, you won't be able to sell it in Illinois anymore.

2. Determine Where to Sell Your Gun

Once you're confident that your gun can be legally sold in Illinois, it's time to decide where and how you want to sell it. You have several options, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Cash for Arms

Cash for Arms is a specialized FFL dealer that buys used guns from individuals. We offer a streamlined process that can make selling your gun quick and hassle-free.

With us, you can expect competitive prices and same-day payment for your gun. We even provide some of the best offers price-wise, often beating private buyers!

We also provide prepaid shipping labels, making it convenient to send your gun to us securely. This option is particularly appealing if you value convenience and want to minimize the time and effort involved in selling your gun.

In short, you can sell your gun to us without visiting a physical shop or spending a lot of time dickering with someone.

Illinois Gun Shops

Many of these shops buy used guns, offering a convenient local option for your sale. Before visiting, it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm that they purchase used guns, as policies can vary between shops.

The staff at these shops are familiar with Illinois gun laws and will ensure that all legal requirements are met during the transaction since they have an FFL. This can provide peace of mind, especially if you're not confident navigating the legal aspects of a private sale.

Private Sales

If you choose this route, you'll need to verify the buyer's FOID card yourself and ensure all other legal requirements are met.

This option allows you to get flexible with pricing your gun, but it comes with more responsibility.

When conducting a private sale, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Consider meeting the buyer at a local FFL dealer to conduct the transaction.

Many dealers offer this service for a small fee, providing an added layer of security and legal compliance.

And finally, in a private sale, you must observe the 72-hour waiting period before transferring the gun. Make sure you consider this when choosing this route.

3. Sell Your Gun to Your Preferred Buyer

Once you’ve chosen a buyer, you can get on with the sale! Here are the steps for selling to each buyer.

Cash for Arms

1. Submit your gun details on our website to receive an initial offer.
2. Accept our offer and ship your gun to us using our free shipping label.
3. Receive payment, typically the same day we inspect your gun.

Illinois Gun Shops

1. Find local FFL dealers in your area that buy used guns.
2. Call ahead to confirm their purchasing policies and ask about their valuation process.
3. Clean and prepare your gun for inspection.
4. Gather all relevant documentation, including the gun's original paperwork, if available.
5. Visit the shop with your gun safely stored and unloaded.
6. Allow the shop to inspect and evaluate your gun.
7. If you agree to their offer, they will handle the paperwork and FOID verification.
8. Complete the transaction and receive payment.

Private Sales

1. Advertise your gun through appropriate channels, being careful not to violate any platform policies.
2. When you find a potential buyer, ask to see their FOID card before discussing the sale further.
3. Verify the FOID card's validity through the Illinois State Police online portal.
4. If the FOID is valid, agree on a price and arrange to meet at a safe location, preferably an FFL dealer.
5. Start the 72-hour waiting period.
6. Create a bill of sale including both parties' information and details about the gun.
7. Have both parties sign the bill of sale and keep a copy.
8. If you're not selling through a licensed gun dealer, remind the buyer to report the purchase to one within 10 days.
9. Keep your records of the sale for at least 10 years.

Conclusion

Selling a gun in Illinois can be a headache if you don’t know the law. As a matter of fact, you can end up in legal trouble easily, especially if you sell to someone without a valid FOID card. You surely don’t want that happening!

So, consider Cash for Arms for a hassle-free selling experience that ensures compliance with all regulations. Let us do the heavy lifting, the legal work, and all the stuff you don’t want to deal with.

If you’re ready to sell your gun to us for an easy experience, click “Sell Your Gun Now” at the upper right corner of our website or call us at (904) 977-5477.