Highlights
- Michigan requires background checks on all gun transactions, including private sales.
- Handgun sales must be reported to law enforcement.
- Only Michigan residents can buy a handgun in Michigan.
- To avoid the hassle of finding an FFL to help with your transaction, sell your gun to Cash for Arms.
Key Guns Laws to Consider When Selling a Gun in Michigan
Universal Background Check Requirements
After the 2023 shooting at MSU, Michigan implemented universal background checks on all gun sales, including private sales. Even when gifting or selling a gun to a family member, they must get a background check with an FFL. This applies to both handguns and long guns. Exceptions to universal background checks include:
- Anyone with an FFL
- Law Enforcement
- If you’re selling an antique gun
ID Requirements
You must have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID to buy a gun in Michigan.
Residency Requirements to Buy a Gun in Michigan
If you are buying a handgun in Michigan, you must be a resident of the state. This also goes for short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns. Non-residents can purchase long guns.
Permit Requirements to Buy a Gun in Michigan
Anyone buying a gun in Michigan must have either a valid Firearms Purchase License or a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). This goes for both handguns and long guns, but not antiques. There are some exceptions to this law.
- The Firearms Purchase License is good for 30 days and ranges from $0 to $10.
- A CPL is good for 5 years and more complicated to get. It costs around $115, but this can also vary.
Pistol Sales in Michigan
Anyone buying a pistol in Michigan must fill out a Pistol Sales Record (PSR).
Gun Registration in Michigan
In Michigan, only handguns are registered in the state. The PSR must be submitted to law enforcement within 10 days of purchase. New residents with guns under 26” or when handguns are inherited, they must be licensed and reported to Michigan State Police, unless they have a CPL.
Long guns are not required to be registered or licensed.
Waiting Periods for Gun Sales in Michigan
Michigan does not currently impose a waiting period for gun sales.
Gun Ownership Restrictions in Michigan
Those prohibited from owning and buying a gun in Michigan include:
- Those convicted of a felony
- Those convicted on a domestic violence charge
- Those with pending felony charges
- Those with protective orders
- Those with mental illnesses that resulted in them being considered “legally incapacitated”
- Those with mental illnesses that resulted in involuntary commitment
- Those subjected to an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO)
- Those under the age of 18 (for long guns)
- Those under the age of 21 (for handguns)
- Those without a “Firearms Purchase License”
- Those with certain misdemeanor convictions
Key Steps for Private Gun Sales in Michigan
Recent statistics show that approximately 40% of Michigan residents own a gun, with gun sales continuing to rise. With Michigan’s recent gun law changes and the massive amount of gun owners, selling a gun privately can seem overwhelming. The most important thing to note for private gun sales in Michigan is that you must use an FFL to facilitate the sale. Here are some key steps to follow when selling your gun to a private party:
- List your gun for sale (see section below for best practices)
- Find a reputable FFL
- Verify your buyer has proper documents and ID’s before going to the FFL to complete the transaction.
- Verify your buyer is allowed to buy a gun in Michigan
- Complete all necessary forms and records to document the transaction
- Keep a bill of sale for your records
- Transfer ownership of the gun to your buyer with the FFL.
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Best Practices for Selling a Gun in Michigan
If you want the best value for your gun, we recommend following these guidelines:
Clean and maintain your gun
You’ll want to ensure your gun is working and thoroughly cleaned. Guns that have been properly cleaned tend to get better prices as they look more appealing than guns that show wear and tear.
Accurately describe your gun
Make sure to include all details about your gun. Include the make, model, caliber and any accessories on it.
Take well-lit pictures
Better-quality pictures can help you get higher prices for your gun by making the gun look more attractive to buyers.
Post on reputable sites
Advertise your gun on sites like Michigan Gun Exchange or Guns Michigan Classifieds. You cannot post guns for sale on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Get your gun appraised first
Before setting your price, do some research on the market value of your gun. You can take it to a local gun shop, or you can get a free appraisal from Cash for Arms.
Alternatives to Selling a Gun Privately in Michigan
If you don’t want the hassle of trying to find a buyer yourself, you have other options! These tend to be less risky legally speaking.
Cash for Arms
One of the easiest ways to sell your gun in Michigan is to sell it to Cash for Arms. As a national FFL, we are a legal option in all 50 states, including Michigan. Here’s how selling a gun to Cash for Arms works:
- Submit your gun’s details on our website
- Get a cash offer
- Ship your gun to us with a prepaid shipping label
- Get paid the day your gun arrives
Need to sell a large amount of guns? Cash for Arms can help with our specialized liquidation service in Michigan. We will buy large-scale gun collections, estates and store inventory. Contact a member of our team today for a free quote.
Michigan Gun Store
If you’re needing cash the same day, taking your gun to a local gun store in Michigan is a great option. Keep in mind, not all gun stores will buy used guns though, and typically they only offer 50-70% of the gun’s value. We recommend trying out several different shops to get the best deal. Here’s how selling your gun to a Michigan gun store works:
- Call around to different stores to see who will buy your gun
- The gun shop employee will appraise the gun
- Choose to accept the cash offer or trade for a different gun
Michigan Pawn Shop
Selling a gun to a pawn shop in Michigan should be a last resort. Pawn shops generally offer the lowest prices for guns, and very few pawn shops will buy guns. If you want to sell to one, ensure they have a Type 02 FFL. You also have the option of pawning it temporarily, but note that you will need to “re-buy” the gun again and go through the same process as if you were buying it normally.
Selling to a pawn shop:
- Call around to different pawn shops to see if they will buy your gun
- The pawn shop employee will appraise the gun
- Choose to accept the cash offer
Pawning a gun:
- Call around to see if the pawn shop accepts guns
- Negotiate the terms of the loan
- Pay back the loan and go through the same process as if you were buying a gun
Why Choose Cash for Arms to Sell Your Gun in Michigan?
Selling a gun to Cash for Arms offers several advantages for Michigan residents:
Convenience and Speed
Cash for Arms provides a simple online process, allowing sellers to submit their gun details, receive offers quickly, and ship guns using prepaid labels. Payments are made the same day the gun passes inspection, making it a fast and hassle-free option.
Legal Compliance
As a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), Cash for Arms ensures all transactions comply with federal and state laws, removing the legal complexities and risks associated with private gun sales.
Competitive Pricing
Cash for Arms offers some of the best prices in the industry, often surpassing local gun shops and pawn shops in Michigan. With no hidden fees and insured shipping covered, sellers receive a fair and transparent deal.
Security and Support
Selling to Cash for Arms eliminates the safety concerns of meeting unknown buyers. We provide 24/7 customer support and various secure payment options, enhancing the overall selling experience.
Reputation
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive customer reviews, Cash for Arms is a trusted and reliable choice for selling guns in Michigan.
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What Are You Waiting For?
Get the best price for you gun! Click ‘Get my Cash Offer’ now for a fair, no-obligation cash offer and enjoy the benefit of quick payment.
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Conclusion
Selling a gun in Michigan can be fairly straightforward as long as you follow the laws. While recent changes can be hard to keep up with, this guide can help you. If you want to skip the headache of finding a buyer on your own, Cash for Arms can be a great option for you!
Contact us or give us a call at 904-977-5477!