State guides for selling firearms right-arrow New Jersey

Published: June 25, 2024 | Updated: January 29, 2026

Sell Your Gun in New Jersey - Fast, Legal & Hassle Free.

We buy used firearms statewide — Newark to Atlantic City — 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 New Jersey.

Whether you are looking to sell a modern handgun, a WWII collectible, a pre-ban rifle, or a full estate collection, our New Jersey-compliant process ensures a safe and high-value transaction.

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State and federal law considerations
Updated: January 29, 2026

State and federal laws for selling a gun in New Jersey

This section highlights a few common state-level considerations when selling a firearm in New Jersey. 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.

Quick checklist

  • checkbox-checked ID: Buyer and seller should have valid government-issued identification
  • checkbox-checked Age: Minimum age depends on handgun vs long gun
  • checkbox-checked Waiting periods: May apply in some retail scenarios and some local jurisdictions
  • checkbox-checked Background checks: Requirements differ for private sales vs dealer transfers
  • checkbox-checked Prohibited persons: Federal law sets the baseline and states can add restrictions
State law details

Understanding New Jersey firearm sale rules

Expand for the full breakdown of common requirements in New Jersey.
New Jersey permits and identification requirements

Permits, ID and eligibility checks

New Jersey is permit-driven for buyers. Long guns generally require a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and handguns generally require a permit to purchase. Sellers should not treat these as optional steps.

  • Confirm the buyer has the required credential for the type of firearm being transferred
  • If you cannot verify eligibility, do not proceed with a private handoff
Dealer transfers and background checks in New Jersey

Dealer transfers and background checks

New Jersey commonly routes firearm transfers through a licensed dealer so the dealer can run the required checks and complete the required records. This is especially important when you do not personally know the buyer.

  • Use a licensed dealer to complete the transfer and create a clear paper trail
  • Selling to a licensed buyer online means the receiving dealer handles intake and compliance on arrival
New Jersey timing and transaction limits

Timing, processing and purchase limits

In New Jersey, the practical timeline can be driven by buyer processing, dealer scheduling and transaction limits. Planning ahead helps avoid last-minute pressure that leads to mistakes.

  • Expect dealer appointments and processing to influence how quickly a transfer can be completed
  • Avoid rushing a private deal when paperwork or verification is incomplete
Firearm category restrictions in New Jersey

Firearm category restrictions

New Jersey has restrictions on certain firearms, features and magazine configurations. A firearm that is lawful elsewhere may be restricted in New Jersey. If you are unsure, do not assume it is transferable as-is.

  • If the firearm has configurable features, confirm it is compliant before attempting a transfer
  • If you are selling to an out-of-state licensed buyer, follow shipping and intake guidance and do not include prohibited accessories
Prohibited persons considerations in New Jersey

Do not transfer to prohibited persons

Federal law prohibits transferring firearms to certain categories of people and New Jersey enforces additional restrictions. If you have any doubt about a buyer’s eligibility or intent, stop the sale.

  • When in doubt, route the transaction through a dealer and keep your documentation
  • If anything feels off, do not proceed with an informal private transfer
Federal law details
Federal rules that apply in every state
Expand for ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements.

New Jersey 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
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.

How to legally sell a firearm in New Jersey

Learn how to legally sell a gun in New Jersey — what options you have, when an FFL is required, and how to do it safely and compliant with state and federal rules.

store Licensed Dealer Transfer (FFL)

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.

private sale Private Sale (Direct Transfer)

You may sell a firearm directly to another individual in New Jersey 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 online to a licensed dealer Sell online to WeBuyGuns.com

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 New Jersey sellers choose an online, licensed buyer when they want a convenient process, a documented transaction, clear compliance guidance and quick payment.

Sell your gun in New Jersey 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 New Jersey residents, including WWII Collectibles, Machine Guns and Pre-Ban Firearms.

We Buy Guns has puchased
198 firearms from sellers across New Jersey through our streamlined, fully licensed online process.
Dedicated support

No matter where you are located in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey metros we serve

If you can ship a package within New Jersey, you can sell directly to us.

Firearm sellers across New Jersey
  • Newark
  • Jersey City
  • Paterson
  • Elizabeth
  • Edison
  • Woodbridge
  • Lakewood
  • Toms River
  • Trenton
  • Clifton
  • Camden
  • Passaic
  • Union City
  • Bayonne
  • Hoboken
  • Atlantic City

We service all of New Jersey. If you need cash for guns in Newark, a fast firearm valuation in Jersey City, or are looking to sell an estate collection in Elizabeth, we will handle the entire process for you, legally and safely.

Our process for New Jersey firearm sellers

WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer. Our process is designed to help New Jersey 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.

Evaluating Gun
16 cloud upload 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.
star-rate Get an offer
Our team reviews the details and provides a written offer based on the firearm, configuration and current demand.
16 comments Ship with clear instructions
If you accept our offer, we provide a prepaid shipping label and clear, step-by-step instructions so your firearm is packaged and shipped correctly.
16 currency dollar Get paid quickly
Once received and inspected, we issue payment using the method selected during checkout and finalize the documented transfer.
Compliance note: All firearms are transferred and processed through our Federal Firearms License (FFL). If your item has special considerations (NFA items, inherited firearms, unusual configurations), we’ll walk you through what applies and what to expect before you ship anything.

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

box-3d-67
Safe, secure and handled for you
Firearms ship directly from you in New Jersey to our licensed FFL in Indiana. We cover the shipping cost and provide clear packing instructions to ensure everything arrives safely.
virtual-assistant-2
White-glove logistics from start to finish
We generate your prepaid shipping labels and guide you through each step, including packing, labeling and drop-off, so the entire process stays simple, stress-free and legally compliant.
touch-id
Compliance handled on your behalf
We maintain all required federal records and guide you through the legal steps, so once your firearms arrive, responsibility transfers fully to our licensed facility.

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 New Jersey
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

Hilda Alford
Hilda Alford
★★★★★   Jan 29, 2026
Easy process. Fair offer.
Joe G
Joe G
★★★★★   Jan 29, 2026
I highly recommend We Buy Guns. I was skeptical at first but I read multiple reviews and researched their website. Oh my gosh, the process is so easy. They offered me a very fair price, and they cover shipping cost. This is the best way to sell a firearm. The process was fast and I was kept abreast via email of every step being taken. Their entire process is excellent. Your only real task if you accept their offer, is to properly pack the firearm with paperwork in a proper sized box, which I purchased at UPS store. From start to finish a really simple and great process. I give them 5 stars all the way. Finally, I live in the state of PA in case other Pennsylvanians are wondering about ease of selling a firearm
donna bannow
donna bannow
★★★★★   Jan 28, 2026
I was skeptical. But quickly learned from reading reviews and constant emails on the progress, not to worry. They did everything step by step like they say. I’m 70 yrs old so I appreciate how easy it was. Thank u !!
flare
flare
★★★★★   Jan 28, 2026
THIRD round of working with We Buy Guns, everythingwent smoothly. Will continueto workwith them. Process was very simple, very reasonable offers

!
Ben Samuel
Ben Samuel
★★★★★   Jan 28, 2026
Honest people to deal with. Did what they said they would do. Selling to them was eazy and quick you can't go wrong.
Mike
Mike
★★★★★   Jan 28, 2026
Legit. Classy place with tons of knowledge. 10/10. Great experience.

New Jersey firearm selling FAQs

These are the most common questions we hear from New Jersey 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 New Jersey? +
In most cases, yes. A legal online sale is typically completed through a licensed buyer (FFL) with documented transfer steps. WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer and we provide clear shipping instructions so the sale is handled properly from start to finish.
How do you determine what my gun is worth? +
Offers are based on the make and model, configuration, condition and current demand. Photos help us account for details that change value like optics, magazines, accessories, modifications, finish wear and matching parts.
What firearms can you buy from New Jersey residents? +
We buy most common categories including handguns, rifles (including machine guns) and shotguns. If your item is unusual, older, inherited or has special rules (like NFA items), tell us up front and we’ll confirm what applies before you ship.
Do I need an FFL in New Jersey to ship my firearm? +
Most sellers do not need their own FFL to sell to a licensed buyer. The key is following the shipping instructions provided for your specific item. We guide you on what to include, how to label the shipment and what documentation is required for a compliant transfer.
Do you provide a shipping label and packing instructions? +
Yes. If you accept an offer, we provide a prepaid shipping label and step-by-step instructions. You are responsible for packaging the firearm securely, then shipping it according to the provided guidance.
How long does the process take from New Jersey? +
Timing depends on how quickly you can send photos, accept the offer and ship the firearm. Once the firearm is received, we confirm the details and issue payment using the method selected during checkout. We use expidited shipping for all firearms.
What if I’m selling inherited firearms in New Jersey? +
Inherited collections are common. Start by sharing a list of items or photos. We can help identify what you have, explain what affects value and guide you through the compliant sale steps so you feel confident about the process.
What information should I send to get the most accurate offer? +
A quick list works great: make, model, caliber, condition and any included accessories. We cover all neccessary items on our offer form. Photos of both sides, the serial area and any markings help us avoid assumptions and price it accurately.
Have a specific question about selling in New Jersey? We’ll answer it before you commit to anything.
Start your free offer
Licensed process • Shipping guidance • Fast payment