State guides for selling firearms Michigan
Published: June 25, 2024 | Updated: January 26, 2026
Sell Your Gun in Michigan - Fast, Legal & Hassle Free.
We buy used firearms statewide — Detroit to Grand Rapids — 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 Michigan.
Whether you are looking to sell a modern handgun, a WWII collectible, a pre-ban rifle, or a full estate collection, our Michigan-compliant process ensures a safe and high-value transaction.
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Sell a gun in Michigan 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 Michigan residents, including WWII Collectibles, Machine Guns and Pre-Ban Firearms.
No matter where you are located in Michigan, 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 Michigan metros we serve
If you can ship a package within Michigan, you can sell directly to us.
We service all of Michigan. If you need cash for guns in Detroit, a fast firearm valuation in Grand Rapids, or are looking to sell an estate collection in Lansing, we will handle the entire process for you, legally and safely.
How to legally sell a firearm in Michigan
Learn how to legally sell a gun in Michigan — 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 Michigan 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 Michigan sellers choose an online, licensed buyer when they want a convenient process, a documented transaction, clear compliance guidance and quick payment.
Our process for Michigan firearm sellers
WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer. Our process is designed to help Michigan 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
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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 Michigan
- Fast nationwide service
- All transactions are handled by firearms professionals to ensure legal compliance
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State and federal laws for selling a gun in Michigan
This section highlights a few common state-level considerations when selling a firearm in Michigan. It is not legal advice. Requirements can vary by firearm type, buyer eligibility and local rules.
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 Michigan firearm sale rules
Expand for the full breakdown of common requirements in Michigan.
Identification and residency checks
Even when a transfer is lawful, it is smart to confirm who you are selling to. In dealer-assisted transfers, government-issued identification is part of the intake process.
- Confirm the buyer is who they claim to be and is a Michigan resident for an in-state transfer
- If the buyer is out of state, route the transaction through a licensed dealer to stay compliant
Private sales and required compliance steps
Michigan has specific compliance requirements for person-to-person transfers that can involve a dealer process or local law enforcement steps depending on the firearm and the buyer’s status.
- If you want the cleanest paper trail, use an FFL for the transfer
- Selling to a licensed buyer online means the receiving dealer handles the compliance steps on intake
Handgun transfer records and documentation
Michigan treats pistols differently than many states. Certain handgun transfers require additional documentation and timely submission steps. If you are unsure which form applies, use a dealer transfer or ask our team for help.
- Keep clear records of what you transferred, when, and to whom for your own protection
- If you are selling a handgun and want to avoid mistakes, route the transfer through an FFL
Do not transfer to prohibited persons
Federal law prohibits transferring firearms to certain categories of people and Michigan law also restricts possession in specific circumstances. If you have any doubt about eligibility, do not proceed with a private sale.
- If anything feels off, stop the sale and use an FFL if you still want to proceed
- When selling online to a licensed buyer, the transaction is routed through standard compliance screening on intake
Age and buyer eligibility
Age rules vary based on the type of firearm, the type of transaction and whether a dealer is involved. When a dealer handles the transfer, federal requirements apply as part of the dealer’s process.
- Confirm the buyer is legally eligible before transferring any firearm
- If you are unsure how age rules apply to your firearm, use an FFL or ask our team for guidance
Federal law details
Federal rules that apply in every state
Expand for ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements.
Michigan 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.
Michigan firearm selling FAQs
These are the most common questions we hear from Michigan 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 Michigan? +
How do you determine what my gun is worth? +
What firearms can you buy from Michigan residents? +
Do I need an FFL in Michigan to ship my firearm? +
Do you provide a shipping label and packing instructions? +
How long does the process take from Michigan? +
What if I’m selling inherited firearms in Michigan? +
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.