A comprehensive guide
How to Sell a Gun in California
To legally sell a firearm in California, it's essential to be well-versed in both state and federal laws to guarantee a lawful and seamless sale. California has some of the strictest firearms legislation in the country and understanding your legal responsibilities and available options is key to ensuring a compliant transaction.
Options for selling a gun in California
There are numerous options available when considering the sale of firearms in the state of California.
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- Role
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Sell to WeBuyGuns.com
- Description
- WeBuyGuns.com is a trusted online platform for selling firearms. We offer a straightforward, secure and legally compliant way to sell your gun in California. Simply provide the make, model and condition of your firearm and we’ll give you an instant quote.
- Our Reviews
- Read our reviews
- Our Process
- Our process
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Sell to a local dealer
- Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.
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Sell through a private transaction
- Direct sales to individuals are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of California and federally.
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State Laws for Selling a Gun in California
This article provides an in-depth look at the regulations governing firearm sales in California, covering key areas such as the limits on the frequency of transactions, the role of licensed dealers, the Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) system, mandatory background checks, imposed waiting periods, the process for Firearm Ownership Report (FOR) submissions, and guidelines for private party transactions.
More information about California gun laws can also be obtained in the California Department of Justice Firearms FAQ
General Resources:
Licensed Dealers
In California, every firearm transaction, whether it involves buying or selling, must go through a licensed dealer like WeBuyGuns.com.
The buyer and seller must complete a required DROS document in person at the licensed firearms dealer and deliver the firearm to the dealer who will retain possession of the firearm during the mandatory 10-day waiting period and complete the Firearms Ownership Report.
Waiting Periods
There is a mandatory 10-day waiting period in California for all firearms transactions.
Age requirements
California has specific age requirements for purchasing firearms:
- 21 for handguns
- 18 for rifles, shotguns, and ammunition.
Background Checks in Private Sales
In California, background checks are required for all firearm transactions, including private transfers.
Ineligible Persons
in California, firearm ownership is prohibited for individuals with certain criminal convictions, restraining orders, and specific mental health conditions, including those committed for mental health disorders, chronic alcoholism, or adjudicated as mentally incompetent for certain crimes.
Detailed information can be found in the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms Firearms Prohibiting Categories
California residents must follow federal laws for private transactions
Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidelines for these transactions.
Trusted by firearm sellers nationwide
Sell with confidence — We have purchased firearms from users in all 50 states, including California, paying out over 2.9 million to customers on our platform.
- Sellers on our platform
- 23,000+
- Customer reviews
- Over 500
- Rating on Google
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- Paid out to sellers
- Over 2.9M
Selling your gun - our process
The first step is to start an offer.
Once your email is validated, you can submit a firearm or multiple firearms in your collection by answering a few brief questions and uploading photos. Within 24-36 business hours, we’ll send you an official offer for each item. You’ll have two weeks to decide if you’d like to move forward. If you accept, WeBuyGuns.com will provide pre-paid shipping labels so you can safely send us your collection. Once received, we’ll confirm delivery and issue payment via paper check or ACH—your choice. The entire process typically takes about a week, from submission to payment.
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Tell us about your gun
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Fill out a short form and upload a few photos to help us identify your firearms and their condition. We will be in touch with you throughout the entire process.
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We verify the make, model and condition
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We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.
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We make you an offer
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We will present you with an offer for sale. If you accept the offer, we will provide you with a shipping label and we pay for shipping!
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, reach out to customer support or view all FAQ's
- Is this legal in California and can WeBuyGuns.com purchase my firearm?
- Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.
We have completed 265 firearm purchases via our online platform from satisfied customers in the state of California.
- Does WeBuyGuns.com purchase firearm estates or gun collections?
- Yes. We are happy to work with you on a collection or estate. Please contact us directly rather than trying to upload multiple items through the offer form. .
- How long are offers good for?
- Offers are valid for 14 days.
- Can I sell multiple firearms?
- Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email. If you have a large number of firearms or an estate, it's best to contact us directly (just to save you a lot of time).
- How do I get paid?
- We will either send you a check, or we will issue the funds via a secure ACH direct deposit. During the offer approval process, you will tell us which method of payment you prefer.
Comprehensive guides for selling a firearm in every state
Understand the process of selling a firearm in your state with our in-depth guides. We break down local, state and federal regulations while providing the resources you need for a smooth, legal transaction.
Valuation guides by manufacturer
Curious about your firearm’s value or what current market pricing is? Our manufacturer specific valuation guides provide insights into pricing, demand and key factors that affect value—helping you sell with confidence.
The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment when using our website and consult appropriate legal resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.