State guides for selling firearms Connecticut
Published: June 25, 2024 | Updated: January 26, 2026
Sell Your Gun in Connecticut - Fast, Legal & Hassle Free.
We buy used firearms statewide — Hartford to New Haven — and provide a fair market offer through a fully licensed, online process. Instead of navigating local shops or private buyers, we handle the shipping, paperwork, and support so you can sell with confidence from anywhere in Connecticut.
Whether you are looking to sell a modern handgun, a WWII collectible, a pre-ban rifle, or a full estate collection, our Connecticut-compliant process ensures a safe and high-value transaction.
Trusted by 39,500+ sellers · 830+ Google reviews · Over $4.4M paid out to users
Sell a gun in Connecticut without the pawn shop, gun store or private buyer headaches
We Buy Guns purchases firearms from private sellers using a federally licensed, online process. Get a documented offer based on current market demand and ship with clear compliance guidance.
Our 100% U.S. based team handles intake, verification and payment end-to-end so you can complete a legal, tracked transaction.
We specialize in assessing and buying high-value collections and estates from Connecticut residents, including WWII Collectibles, Machine Guns and Pre-Ban Firearms.
No matter where you are located in Connecticut, all of our customers have access to a dedicated support team for any questions about the process, shipping guidance, intake updates or payment status.
No surprises, no hassle and no hidden fees.
Major Connecticut metros we serve
If you can ship a package within Connecticut, you can sell directly to us.
- Hartford
- New Haven
- Stamford
- Bridgeport
- Waterbury
- Norwalk
- Danbury
- New Britain
- West Hartford
- Bristol
- Meriden
- Milford
- Torrington
- West Haven
- Greenwich
- Hamden
We service all of Connecticut. If you need cash for guns in Hartford, a fast firearm valuation in New Haven, or are looking to sell an estate collection in Bridgeport, we will handle the entire process for you, legally and safely.
How to legally sell a firearm in Connecticut
Learn how to legally sell a gun in Connecticut — what options you have, when an FFL is required, and how to do it safely and compliant with state and federal rules.
Most private and estate sales route through a licensed dealer to ensure background checks and paperwork are handled correctly. This is required in interstate sales and highly recommended for documented compliance in state-to-state deals.
You may sell a firearm directly to another individual in Connecticut so long as you confirm eligibility and both parties understand federal and state compliance rules. This option suits sellers who already know the buyer and can complete the transaction safely.
Selling to a federally licensed online buyer offers a streamlined process with documented offers, insured shipping, and clear compliance steps. We handle the majority of process steps for you — from offer to payment.
Many Connecticut sellers choose an online, licensed buyer when they want a convenient process, a documented transaction, clear compliance guidance and quick payment.
Our process for Connecticut firearm sellers
WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer. Our process is designed to help Connecticut sellers complete a legal, documented sale with clear steps from valuation to payment.
If anything is complicated about the firearm or transfer requirements, our team will guide you through the entire process.
- Tell us what you have
- Use our offer submission form. Share the make, model and condition. Photos help, especially for optics, accessories and any markings that affect value.
- Get an offer
- Our team reviews the details and provides a written offer based on the firearm, configuration and current demand.
- Ship legally
- If you accept our offer, we’ll generate prepaid shipping labels and provide clear instructions for securely packaging and shipping your firearms.
- Get paid
- Once received and inspected, we issue payment using the method selected during checkout and finalize the documented transfer.
Have questions about the process, how to get started, or your specific firearms?
Call us at (317) 804-8713
Secure, compliant and trackable from start to finish
Our track record
We are trusted by firearm sellers nationwide
Sell with confidence — no hassle and no hidden fees. Our streamlined process has facilitated thousands of firearms transactions nationwide, paying out over $4.4 million to users on our platform.
- Sellers on the platform
- 39,500+
- Paid out to sellers
- $4.4 Million
- We purchase firearms and ensure compliance in every state, including Connecticut
- Fast nationwide service
- All transactions are handled by firearms professionals to ensure legal compliance
- Licensed FFL with a class 3 SOT
What our most recent customers have to say
State and federal laws for selling a gun in Connecticut
Connecticut has detailed legal requirements for selling and transferring firearms. This section highlights common state-level considerations when selling a firearm in Connecticut. It is not legal advice. Requirements depend on the type of firearm, the status of the buyer, and compliance with state and federal law.
If you are unsure how a rule applies to your situation, review the official resources below or contact our team for help navigating the process.
- ID: Buyer and seller should have valid government-issued identification
- Age: Minimum age depends on handgun vs long gun
- Waiting periods: May apply in some retail scenarios and some local jurisdictions
- Background checks: Requirements differ for private sales vs dealer transfers
- Prohibited persons: Federal law sets the baseline and states can add restrictions
State law details
Understanding Connecticut firearm sale rules
Expand for the full breakdown of common requirements in Connecticut.
Authorization & dealer involvement
In Connecticut, all firearm transfers — including private party transactions — require an authorization number from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Most private sales are processed through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) who facilitates the authorization and background check process.
- The seller or FFL must obtain an authorization number from DESPP before completing a transfer.
- Private sales between individuals generally involve the FFL conducting the necessary paperwork and verification.
Background checks on all transfers
Connecticut requires a background check for every firearm transfer. This background check is initiated by a licensed dealer or via state systems when processing private sales, and verifies that the buyer is eligible to receive the firearm under state and federal law.
- Background checks are required for both dealer sales and private transfers, including long guns and handguns.
- A valid authorization number must be obtained before the firearm may be delivered.
Age requirements & eligibility
Connecticut sets minimum age requirements and eligibility standards for firearm purchasers. Eligibility is confirmed as part of the transfer process.
- Buyers generally must be at least 21 to acquire a handgun and at least 18 for a long gun, subject to state permit and certificate requirements.
- Eligibility certificates or permits demonstrating lawful possession and eligibility are part of the authorization process.
Documentation & recordkeeping
Connecticut requires specific documentation for firearm transfers. Paperwork including the transfer authorization and receipt must be completed and maintained as part of the legal transfer process.
- The seller must retain copies of the transfer paperwork as required by law.
- Transfers are documented with DESPP and local law enforcement in compliance with state law.
Prohibited persons & legal compliance
Federal and Connecticut law prohibit certain individuals from possessing or receiving firearms. Selling or transferring a firearm to a prohibited person is unlawful and carries legal penalties.
- Do not transfer a firearm to anyone known to be prohibited from firearm ownership under state or federal law.
- Licensed dealers and authorization procedures include eligibility verification to ensure compliance.
Federal law details
Federal rules that apply in every state
Expand for ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements.
Connecticut 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.
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.
Connecticut firearm selling FAQs
These are the most common questions we hear from Connecticut sellers. If you don’t see your situation here, we’ll walk you through it before you ship anything.
Is it legal to sell a firearm online in Connecticut? +
How do you determine what my gun is worth? +
What firearms can you buy from Connecticut residents? +
Do I need an FFL in Connecticut to ship my firearm? +
Do you provide a shipping label and packing instructions? +
How long does the process take from Connecticut? +
What if I’m selling inherited firearms in Connecticut? +
What information should I send to get the most accurate offer? +
Resources & guides
If you’re still deciding or your situation is more specific, these resources and guides on specific firearms and situations can help you move forward with confidence.
Guides for selling firearms in every state
Browse detailed state guidance, then submit for a compliant offer process that works nationwide.
Value guides by manufacturer
Estimate value ranges by make and model, then submit for a real offer based on photos and details.
Guide to selling a gun collection
What to expect when valuing and selling a complete firearm collection, from start to finish.
Pre-ban firearms valuation guide
How originality, configuration and documentation affect value for pre-ban and collector firearms.
WWII Firearms valuation guide
How originality, configuration and documentation affect value for WWII collector firearms.
Machine gun valuation guide
Transferability basics, pricing drivers and how compliant sale workflows work for NFA items.
Not sure where to start?
Our no obligation offers on firearms and collections are free — just submit photos and firearm details and we'll guide you through the entire process, even if you choose not to sell with us.