A comprehensive guide
How to sell a gun in New York
To legally sell a firearm in New York, 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 New York
There are numerous options available when considering the sale of firearms in the state of New York.
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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 New York. Simply provide the make, model and condition of your firearm and we’ll give you an instant quote.
- Our Reviews
- Read our reviews
- Our Process
- Our process
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Sell to a local dealer
- Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.
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Sell through a private transaction
- Direct sales to individuals are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of New York and federally.
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State laws for selling a gun in New York
New York has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, especially after the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013
General resources:
Identification requirements
A license is required to possess a handgun in New York. It's worth noting that New York City has its own separate gun laws and that not all gun permits are automatically valid statewide.
Waiting periods
New York does not have a waiting period to purchase a gun, but a person must obtain a license to purchase a handgun.
Age requirements
N.Y. Penal Law § 265.05 states that persons under the age of 16 generally may not possess any firearms or ammunition in New York. N.Y. Penal Law § 400.00(1)(a). prohibits anyone under age 21 from obtaining a license to possess or carry a handgun or purchase or possess semi-automatic rifles.
Background checks in private sales
New York law requires a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check before any private sale, exchange, or disposal of a firearm. This includes all private handgun, rifle, or shotgun sales or transfers, with the exception of those sales or transfers to and between certain family members.
Ineligible persons
New York law generally prohibits an individual from possessing a long gun if he or she:
- Has been certified not suitable to possess a long gun by the director or physician in charge of a hospital or institution for mental illness
- Has been convicted of a felony or “serious offense,” defined to include the following offenses under New York law, or the equivalent offense in another state
- illegally using, carrying or possessing a handgun or other dangerous weapon
- making or possessing burglar’s instruments
- buying or receiving stolen property
- unlawful entry into a building
- aiding escape from prison
- certain kinds of disorderly conduct
- certain drug offenses or crimes involving sodomy or rape
- child endangerment
- certain crimes permitting or promoting prostitution
- certain kinds of stalking
- certain violent or threatening crimes committed against a member of the same family or household, including assault, strangulation, menacing, harassment, and trespass
New York 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.
Trusted by firearm sellers nationwide
Sell with confidence — We have purchased firearms from users in all 50 states, including New York, paying out over 2.9 million to customers on our platform.
- Sellers on our platform
- 23,000+
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- Over 500
- Rating on Google
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- Paid out to sellers
- Over 2.9M
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.
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Tell us about your gun
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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.
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We verify the make, model and condition
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We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.
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We make you an offer
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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 New York 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.
We have completed 135 firearm purchases via our online platform from satisfied customers in the state of New York.
- 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.
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.