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How to Sell a Gun in Iowa

A comprehensive guide

To legally sell a firearm in Iowa, it's essential to be well-versed in both state and federal laws to guarantee a lawful and seamless sale. This knowledge is vital whether you've been a firearm owner for years or have newly acquired a gun through inheritance. Understanding your legal responsibilities and available options is key to ensuring a compliant transaction.

Options for Selling a Gun in Iowa

There are numerous options available when considering the sale of firearms in the state of Iowa.

Sell your gun to WeBuyGuns.com

Sell to WeBuyGuns.com

WeBuyGuns.com is a trusted online platform for selling firearms. We offer a straightforward and secure way to legally sell your gun quickly and easily. Simply submit a few details about your firearm, including its make, model, and condition, and we'll provide you with an instant quote.

  • Read our reviews - our customers highlight the ease, fairness, and efficiency we provide to our customers.
  • Our process - we simplify the process of selling firearms.

Sell your gun to a local dealer

Sell to a Local Dealer

Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.

Sell your gun through a private collection

Sell Through a Private Transaction

Direct sales to another individual are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of Iowa and federally.

State Laws for Selling a Gun in Iowa

Iowa is relatively moderate with respect to firearms policy being a permitless carry state for both open and concealed carry for anyone at least 21 years old. Items like suppressors are legal, but most NFA items are restricted in Iowa.

General Resources:

Iowa ID Requirements

Identification Requirements

Identification is not required however, maintaining a record of a private transfer may be beneficial for both parties involved. This would typically include details like the date of sale, a description of the firearm, and the contact information of both parties.

Iowa Waiting Periods

Waiting Periods

Iowa does not have a waiting period for gun purchases.

Age Requirements in Iowa

Age requirements

A person needs to be at least 21 years old in order to acquire a handgun or obtain a Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons in Iowa. There are certain exemptions for a person who is 18, 19 or 20 years old and in possession of a Professional Permit to Carry Weapons while working in an occupation that requires the carrying of a firearm.

Chapter 724 of the Iowa Code and Administrative Rules,, 661, Chapter 91 define Iowa’s weapon laws and the issuance of weapon permits in Iowa.

Background Checks in Iowa

Background Checks in Private Sales

In Iowa, private sellers of long guns like rifles and shotguns, haven't historically been required to conduct background checks or seek permits for buyers. However, up until July 2021, handgun sales did require buyers to have a "Permit to Acquire," which included a background check performed by local law enforcement during the permit application process. As of July 1, 2021, private sellers are no longer required to see a permit when selling a firearm to another private person. More information can be found at the Iowa Department of Public Safety pertaining to HB756.

Ineligible Persons in Iowa

Ineligible Persons

Ineligible persons include but are not limited to

  • A person convicted of a felony
  • A person who was adjudicated delinquent for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult
  • A person convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor in Iowa

An online quiz provided by the Iowa Department of Public Safety helps you quickly navigate eligibility.

Iowa 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.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Logo

WeBuyGuns has purchased thousands of firearms from more than 850 locations all over the United States, including Iowa.

We provide the fastest and easiest way to sell firearms online!

Our user-friendly platform allows you to sell your entire gun collection in just a few simple steps.

Get Started

Selling Your Gun — Our Process

The first step is to create an account.

From there you can individually submit the firearms in your collection. This process includes answering a few short questions about each firearm in your collection and uploading a couple photos. We will send you an official offer on your firearms within 24 business hours. You will then have two weeks to decide if our offers are right for you! If you accept our offers, webuyguns.com will provide you with a series of pre-paid shipping labels, which you can use to ship us your gun collection. Once received, we will notify you that you're ready for payment. We will then send you a paper check or ACH direct deposit (your choice). The entire process can take about a week from start to finish. Imagine having your entire collection sold and cash in hand in a week!

Sell Your Handgun Step 1
Tell Us About Your Gun
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.
Sell Your Handgun Step 2
We Verify the Make & Models of All Firearms
We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.
Sell Your Handgun Step 3
We Make You an Offer
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

  • Is this legal?

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

 

Disclaimer
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.