How to sell a gun in Virginia

A comprehensive guide

How to sell a gun in Virginia

To legally sell a firearm in Virginia, 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 Virginia

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

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 Virginia. Simply provide the make, model and condition of your firearm and we’ll give you an instant quote.
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    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 Virginia and federally.
State law considerations

State laws for selling a gun in Virginia

Virginia's gun laws are moderately restrictive, featuring a mixture of regulations and allowances. The state requires background checks for all gun sales, enforces a "shall-issue" policy for concealed carry permits, and permits open carry without a license. Virginia has no bans on assault weapons or magazine capacity limits, but does have laws in place for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals posing a risk to themselves or others (red flag laws).

General resources:

Virginia ID Requirements

Identification requirements

As of July 1, 2020 all firearm sales in Virginia, whether they are purchased from a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) Dealer OR from an unlicensed private-party seller, require a universal background check and thus identification is required.

Virginia Waiting Periods

Waiting periods

Virginia imposes no waiting period between the time of purchase and the actual physical transfer of a firearm however it is generally unlawful for anyone to purchase more than one handgun within any 30-day period in Virginia per Va. Code Ann. § 308.2:2(R). The 30-day restriction does not apply to private sales or individuals with Virginia concealed carry permits.

Age Requirements in Virginia

Age requirements

Va. Code § 18.2-308.7 outlines the possession or transportation of certain firearms by persons under the age of 18. Generally the minimum age to purchase firearms in Virginia is 21 for handguns and 18 for rifles and shotguns.

Background Checks in Virginia

Background checks in private sales

Virginia legislature has passed a number of new firearms regulations in June 2020. One of which set forth a requirement for background checks on all firearms transactions including private sales. Details of the legislation can be found in Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.2:5

Ineligible Persons in Virginia

Ineligible persons

Prohibited possessors are outlined in Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.2:1

In Virginia, it is a felony to knowingly transfer firearms to someone who is :

Federal law considerations

Virginia 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 Virginia 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 231 firearm purchases via our online platform from satisfied customers in the state of Virginia.
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.