Highlights
- Private gun sales are legal in Virginia, but must be done through an FFL.
- Background checks are mandatory for all gun purchases in Virginia.
- Researching your gun's market value can help you negotiate a fair price.
- You can sell your gun in Virginia to licensed dealers like Cash for Arms, local gun shops, or pawn shops. When selling to a private buyer, always go through an FFL dealer.
- Cash for Arms offers a convenient option to sell your gun from home with 24/7 support.
How to Legally Sell a Gun in Virginia
1. Learn the Legal Framework
Do I need a license to sell a gun in Virginia?
Under federal law, you must need a license (Federal Firearms License) only if you are “engaged in the business” of selling firearms. This means that you keep buying and selling guns to earn a profit. If you only sell a gun once or occasionally, you don’t need an FFL.
However, when selling to a private buyer in Virginia, make sure you go through an FFL dealer. Direct private sales, which means without an FFL dealer present, are illegal.
What types of guns can I sell in Virginia?
Under federal law, it’s illegal to sell unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) guns and accessories. It’s unlikely you possess one, but it won’t hurt to identify if the gun you’re selling falls under the listed NFA items.
If your gun happens to be a registered NFA item, selling it requires extra steps. Virginia allows NFA items; however, plastic firearms and some destructive devices are prohibited outside of law enforcement.
If your gun happens to be an unregistered NFA item, you must contact your local ATF for the proper disposal of it. Selling an unregistered NFA item is illegal.
Are private sales legal in Virginia?
Private sales in Virginia are legal, but you must have an FFL facilitate the transaction. If you want to sell a gun in Virginia to a private buyer, pick an FFL dealer to help you and research the costs involved. You and the buyer must decide who will pay the transfer fees.
Are background checks mandatory in Virginia?
Yes, background checks are mandatory in Virginia when buying a gun. They are conducted on buyers to ensure they are not a prohibited person. Virginia will also require a determination from the Department of State Police to buy a gun.
What is the Virginia Firearms Transaction Program?
The Virginia Firearms Transaction Program (VFTP) was developed so that dealers could get timely approval/disapproval for gun transactions. The program checks the state’s database for criminal history maintained by the state police. This is part of the background check process when buying a gun in Virginia.
Do I need to register my gun to sell it in Virginia?
There’s no gun registration in Virginia. There are even no permits required to purchase a gun. The only exemption to this is machine guns; they must be registered with the Virginia State Police. So, you can directly sell your gun without registering it unless you’re selling a machine gun.
Is there a waiting period in Virginia?
No, there is no waiting period to buy a gun in Virginia once all forms and background checks are completed.
Does Virginia have Red Flag Laws for those buying a gun?
Yes, Virginia has a red flag law called Emergency Substantial Risk Order (ESRO), which prevents people who are showing signs of posing a threat to themselves or others from buying a gun.
2. Find a Reliable Buyer
There are two main buyers for your gun: FFL dealers and private buyers. FFL dealers can be Cash for Arms, local gun shops, or pawn shops.
Sell your gun to Cash for Arms in Virginia
Cash for Arms offers a convenient and efficient way to sell your gun in Virginia. Our unique selling point is the ability to sell your gun from the comfort of your own home. This eliminates the need to drive around town comparing offers, saving you time and potentially gas money.
We buy almost all used guns and gun accessories submitted, while other FFLs may or may not for a variety of reasons.
We also have 24/7 customer support, unlike local gun shops and pawn shops, which have closing times. With us, you can ask questions for assistance even in the middle of the night.
Pro Tip: If you're selling a large amount of guns, use our liquidation services that are available across Virginia!
Sell your gun to a Virginia gun shop
Local gun shops can be a good option for selling your gun in Virginia. Many also offer the opportunity to trade in your gun, which can be advantageous if you want to upgrade or switch to a different type of gun.
However, not all gun shops in Virginia buy used guns. Some may focus primarily on selling new guns or may only accept trade-ins rather than outright purchases. Sometimes, the time of year can also play a factor in the types of used guns a gun shop will buy.
Also, gun shop offers can vary widely. You may need to visit several gun stores to get the best price. This can be a slow and frustrating process.
Pro Tip: Research the market value of your gun before bringing it in. You can get a free appraisal from Cash for Arms to help!
Sell your gun to a Virginia pawn shop
Pawn shops are another option for selling your gun in Virginia, especially if you want quick cash. However, they have some significant drawbacks. One of the main issues with pawn shops is that they typically offer much lower prices (typically between 20-60% of your gun’s value). Also note, not all pawn shops buy used guns in Virginia. Call around and verify that the pawn shop has a Type 02 FFL before bringing your gun up there to sell.
Pro Tip: Like gun shops, call around to see if a pawn shop can buy guns and get an idea of who can offer the best deal before you waste time driving around to different ones.
Sell your gun to a private buyer in Virginia
In Virginia, you must go through a licensed firearms dealer to help with the transaction when selling to a private buyer. The dealer will conduct the required background check and handle the necessary paperwork for some fees. We recommend deciding ahead of time who will be covering the background and transfer fees to save time while you’re there.
Pro Tip: Even though background checks will be done by an FFL, it’s still a good idea to get to know your buyer! This will help bring you peace of mind when selling your gun to someone else.
3. Bring Your Unloaded Gun for Inspection
Before transporting your gun to the dealer where you’ll sell it, take these essential safety steps:
- Completely unload the gun.
- Remove all ammunition and store it separately.
- Use a secure gun case or lock for transportation.
If you’re selling your gun to a private buyer in Virginia, process the transaction at the FFL dealer. Ask for their fees, then get paid and go home.
If you’re selling your gun to the FFL dealer in Virginia, may it be gun shops or pawn shops, do the following:
- Immediately inform the staff that you have an unloaded gun for sale.
- Allow the dealer or pawnbroker to inspect your gun thoroughly. They will:
- Check its overall condition
- Test its functionality
- Be ready to provide information about your gun’s history, including:
- How long you've owned it
- Any modifications or repairs made
4. Negotiate the Price
After the inspection, the dealer will make an offer based on:
- The gun's make and model
- Its condition
- Current market value
Research your gun’s current market value before selling it. If the offer seems low, don't hesitate to negotiate.
If you're not satisfied with the offer:
- You can try other shops for comparison.
- Explore alternative selling options, like Cash for Arms.
5. Do the Necessary Paperwork and Close the Sale
The dealer will guide you through this process. You'll typically fill out a Firearms Transaction Record (Form 4473). You’ll need to provide identification (at least one government-issued ID).
Once the background check clears, you'll receive payment for your gun.
Conclusion
Selling a gun in Virginia isn’t that complicated. All you need to do is ensure legal compliance. Then, you must find the right buyer and negotiate a fair price. Follow the guidelines outlined in this article to navigate the process with confidence and peace of mind.
If you want to sell your gun hassle-free in Virginia, consider contacting Cash for Arms. Our service offers the convenience of selling your gun from home. We have competitive pricing and expert support throughout the process.
Ready to sell your gun? Contact us or give us a call at (904) 977-5477.