How to sell a gun in Maine

A comprehensive guide

How to sell a gun in Maine

To legally sell a firearm in Maine, 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 Maine

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

WeBuyGuns team
  • Role

    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 Maine. Simply provide the make, model and condition of your firearm and we’ll give you an instant quote.
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    Read our reviews
    Our Process
    Our process
  • Sell to a local dealer

    Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.
  • Sell through a private transaction

    Direct sales to individuals are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of Maine and federally.
State law considerations

State laws for selling a gun in Maine

Maine's gun laws are generally considered to be more permissive compared to other states. More information about firearms policy and licensing can be found at :

General resources:

Maine ID Requirements

Identification requirements

In Maine, private sellers are not required to conduct universal background checks or maintain any records for the sale, however identification is recommended if you wish to maintain a record of the transaction.

Maine Waiting Periods

Waiting periods

Maine has no law imposing a waiting period prior to purchase of a firearm.

Age Requirements in Maine

Age requirements

In Maine, it is illegal to knowingly transfer a handgun to anyone under 18, and only parents, guardians, or other approved adults can sell or transfer long guns to minors under 16. Selling long guns to those aged 16 to 18 is restricted to parents, guardians, or approved adults, although this doesn't apply to transfers.

Background Checks in Maine

Background checks in private sales

Maine does not require background checks for private firearm transactions, and there are no specific state laws governing the conduct of such sales. A 2016 ballot initiative proposing to expand background checks for private firearms sales was rejected by voters and not enacted into law.

Ineligible Persons in Maine

Ineligible persons

Maine prohibits several different categories of individuals from owning or possessing firearms:

  • Persons convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for one year or more (including juveniles) can’t have guns.
  • Five years after being discharged from prison or probation, a felon can apply for a permit to carry a firearm. However, that person can’t be given a concealed weapon permit.
  • A person who’s been involuntarily committed to a psychiatrist hospital, found not criminally responsible because insane, or not competent to stand trial also can’t have a gun.
Federal law considerations

Maine 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.

ATF

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How it works

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.

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.

Group 2 2
We verify the make, model and condition

We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.

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

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 Maine 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.
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.

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.