How to Sell a Gun in Minnesota

Minnesota Key Points

• Background check is required for handguns and semiautomatic military-style rifles only. Other long guns are exempted.
• You need to report the sale of your gun to the local chief of police of your buyer.
• A permit to purchase or carry is required to buy a handgun or military-style rifle.
• You can quickly sell your gun and get a quote right now with Cash for Arms.

Minnesota Gun Laws

Are there preemption laws in Minnesota?

Minnesota has preemption laws. They prevent local governments from regulating stricter gun laws.

Are private sales legal in Minnesota?

Private sales of guns are legal in Minnesota. However, recent legislation has introduced new requirements for these transactions.

Are there background checks in private sales in Minnesota?

Universal background checks now apply to private handgun and semiautomatic military-style rifle transfers. Other long guns are exempt.

Is there a permit to buy a gun in Minnesota?

A permit is required for buying handguns and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. This permit involves a background check and can take up to 30 days to obtain.

Is there a gun registry in Minnesota?

There’s no gun registry in Minnesota. So, no need to register your gun when selling it.

Is there a waiting period in Minnesota?

Yes, Minnesota has a 30-day waiting period. However, the chief of police may waive it.

What are the ID requirements for buyers in Minnesota when buying a gun from a private seller?

Buyers must show a valid Minnesota driver's license or state ID. However, the FFL dealer can do this for you since you need to go through them for the background check.

Are there transaction limits when buying a gun in Minnesota?

Minnesota law doesn’t specify any limits on the number of guns that can be bought in a single transaction.

However, if you are looking to sell a large amount of guns, you may want to consider liquidation services. Contact a member of our team who can help Minnesota sellers with liquidating large gun collections, estates or even store inventories.

Does the buyer need a safety device to take possession of a gun?

Minnesota law doesn’t require buyers to have a safety device to take possession of a gun.

Do you have to report the sale of a gun in Minnesota?

Yes, private sellers must report the sale of handguns and semiautomatic military-style rifles. It must be reported to the chief of police of the place where the buyer resides. Other long guns are exempted.

Are there any restrictions on the types of guns in Minnesota?

Yes, there are restrictions on some types of guns. Machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and some destructive devices are banned. They’re only allowed if they’re considered Curios & Relics.

Is there a red flag law in Minnesota?

Yes, a new red flag law took effect last January 1, 2024.

Common Problems When Selling a Gun in Minnesota

Universal background check

Sellers may be uncertain about how to properly conduct these checks or where to go. Sell all handguns and semiautomatic military-style rifles through a licensed dealer. They’ll do the background check.

Permit and ID verification

Private sellers must accurately verify the buyer's permit to purchase or carry, as well as their valid Minnesota ID. The required background checks for handguns and semiautomatic military-style rifles can help you.

Reporting of the sale

Some sellers may forget to report sales of handguns and semiautomatic military-style rifles to the chief of police. This oversight can lead to legal complications and potential penalties. Don’t forget to report it after the sale.

Understanding exemptions

‍The law includes various exemptions for certain types of transfers (e.g., transfers between family members. Misunderstanding these exemptions can lead to unnecessary complications.

Waiting period compliance

The 30-day waiting period, with its potential for a waiver, can be confusing. Sellers might struggle to know when to legally transfer the gun, especially if a waiver is involved. Contact the buyer’s chief of police’s office if necessary.

Interstate sale regulations

‍Private sellers may be unclear about the rules regarding selling to out-of-state buyers. Per federal law, the transaction must be transferred through a licensed dealer in the buyer's state.

Keeping records

Keeping records of the sale is crucial but often overlooked. This includes buyer info and gun details. Not having proper records can cause issues if the sale is questioned or the gun is later used in a crime.

Red Flag Law considerations

With the new red flag law in effect, sellers may be unsure of their responsibilities if they worry about a buyer's mental state or intentions. Luckily, the background check will help you with this.

Pricing and valuation

‍Many private sellers struggle to price their guns. This can cause financial loss or slow sales. If you choose to sell to Cash for Arms, we can give you a free appraisal.

Other Alternatives to Selling a Gun in Minnesota

Cash for Arms

Cash for Arms offers a quick and convenient way to sell your gun. We provide same-day payment and handle all the necessary paperwork. We’re an FFL dealer, so you can rest easy that we follow all the applicable laws. No need to worry much about the law yourself!

Selling to us only takes three steps:

1. Submit your gun details via our website.
2. Accept our offer and ship your gun for free.
3. Get paid the same day your gun passes our evaluation.

Pro Tip: Include all the necessary details for your gun to get the best deal.

Minnesota Gun Shops

Some gun shops in Minnesota buy used guns. They are knowledgeable about state and federal regulations and ensure that all transactions comply with current laws.

Selling to a gun shop can provide peace of mind and potentially quicker sales, though prices may be lower than private party transactions. Some shops may also offer consignment services, allowing you to get a higher price while they handle the sale.

Pro Tip: If you get an offer from a gun shop, we can beat it! Just send it to us for verification.

Pawn Shops

Pawn shops are another option for selling guns, often providing quick cash for guns. They know local and federal firearms laws. They ensure legal compliance in transactions. Remember, though, that not all pawn shops are FFL dealers. So, ensure that the one you’re selling to is an FFL dealer.

However, pawn shops may offer lower prices compared to other selling methods. It can be between 40-60% of your gun’s value.

Pro Tip: Always put pawn shops at the bottom of your list. Only sell to them once you’ve exhausted all other methods.

Conclusion

Selling a gun in Minnesota requires careful attention to legal requirements and responsibilities. As a gun owner selling a gun, you must know the state's evolving gun laws. These include recent changes to background check requirements and new red flag laws.

If keeping track of the dynamic gun laws of Minnesota seems like a task to you, you can always choose to sell to Cash for Arms. Just click “Sell Your Gun Now” above or call us at (904) 977-5477.