How to Sell a Machine Gun - Complete 2026 Legal Guide

U.S. Machine Gun Regulations

The National Firearms Act of 1934 established the federal framework for regulating machine guns. Under the NFA, all machine gun transfers must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Additionally, the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 closed the machine gun registry to civilian ownership.

This transferable machine gun law means only machine guns manufactured and registered before May 19, 1986 can be legally transferred to non-licensed individuals.

Understanding current machine gun laws is essential before initiating any sale. For official NFA regulations and guidance, visit the ATF's NFA webpage.

Steps - How to Sell Your Machine Gun

Before selling your machine gun, complete these steps for a legal transaction.

Step 1: Verify Your Machine Gun's Legal Status

• Confirm registration status - Verify your machine gun is properly registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). Do this by contacting them through (304) 616-4500.
• Gather all documentation - Locate your approved ATF Form 4 or Form 3, original tax stamp, and any supporting paperwork.
• Check serial numbers - Ensure the serial number on the firearm matches your registration documents.

Step 2: Determine Your Machine Gun’s Value

Before listing your machine gun for sale, find its current market value. You can get an expert valuation from local stores, though some of them may charge you a fee.

Lucky for you, you can get a free gun appraisal from us as well as an offer with a best price guarantee. From H&K 416 rifles to Riley Defense AK47 ones, we know how to value them.

Note that machine gun values can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Rarity and historical significance - Pre-1986 transferables command premium prices due to limited supply
• Condition and originality - Well-maintained firearms with matching numbers are worth more
• Manufacturer and model - Certain brands and variants are more desirable to collectors
• Documentation completeness - Original paperwork and provenance increase value
• Market demand - Popular models like the M16 or Thompson typically sell faster

Step 3: Complete a New ATF Form 4

The ATF Form 4 (5320.4) is required for all machine gun transfers. This form documents the transfer of ownership from seller to buyer.

Required Information:

• Transferor (seller) information
• Transferee (buyer) information
• Firearm description (make, model, caliber, serial number, registration number)
• Transfer tax payment ($200)

Additional Requirements for Individual Buyers:

• Two passport-style photographs
• FBI-compliant fingerprint cards (FD-258)
• Responsible Person Questionnaire (ATF Form 5320.23) if transferring to a trust

Step 4: Submit the Form and Pay Transfer Tax

There are two submission methods for Form 4:

• ATF eForms - Electronic submission (faster processing, immediate confirmation). You can upload all required documents through the ATF eForms portal at eforms.atf.gov.
• Paper submission - Mail to ATF National Firearms Act Branch at Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Firearms Act Division 244 Needy Road Martinsburg, WV 25405

A $200 transfer tax must accompany every Form 4 submission. This is a federal tax required by the NFA for each transfer of a machine gun, regardless of the sale price.

Payment methods vary by submission type:

• eForms: Pay electronically via Pay.gov (as part of the eForms process).
• Paper forms: Include check or money order payable to ATF.

Important: The approved Form 4 and tax stamp must accompany the firearm. The buyer should always keep these documents with the machine gun.

Note: waiting periods vary depending on whether it is transferred to individual or an FFL.

Sell a Machine Gun to Cash for Arms: Easy, Legal Process

Cash for Arms is a nationally operating, federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) that purchases machine guns and NFA firearms. We offer a fast, professional, and hassle-free experience with a best price guarantee.

If you want a fast way to sell your machine gun, try this:

1. Submit your gun details on this website.
2. Accept our offer and ship your guns (we pay for it).
3. Get paid through your preferred payment channel.

Why Choose CashforArms:

• Competitive offers based on real market data (see our best price guarantee)
• Zero selling costs—we cover shipping and sales fees
• Professional, personalized service from start to finish
• Fast processing with established ATF relationships
• Payment within 24 hours of gun validation
• Expert NFA knowledge and experience
• Transparent process with no surprises

State-Specific Considerations

While the NFA is federal law, state regulations also apply. Machine guns are prohibited in several states, including these:

• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Washington

If selling privately, always verify that machine gun ownership is legal in the buyer's state of residence. If selling to us, there's no worry: you can sell machine guns to Cash for Arms safely from any state, as we’re based on Florida.

Tax and Legal Considerations

Capital Gains Tax

Machine gun sales may be subject to capital gains tax if you sell for more than your purchase price. Consult a tax professional to understand your obligations.

Record Keeping

Keep proper records of the transfer documents just in case legal complications arise. That includes these:

• Original purchase documentation
• Approved transfer paperwork
• Sales agreement
• Payment records
• All ATF correspondence

Sell Your Machine Gun Online

By following this guide and using the provided checklist, you can ensure a legal, smooth transfer of your NFA item.

Whether you choose to sell a gun collection of machine guns or an individual machine gun, we're interested. Reach out to us here or at (904) 977-5477 for a safe, hassle free, and reliable experience.