Selling your firearm checklist
This is a practical checklist for a compliant transfer. If anything feels unclear or high-risk, using a licensed dealer is the simplest way to ensure the transfer is correctly documented and legally compliant.
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1
Confirm the buyer is legally eligible.
Arkansas does not require a dealer for private sales, but you may not knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person under state or federal law.
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2
Verify residency if the buyer claims to be local.
Private interstate transfers are illegal under federal law. If the buyer resides in another state, the transfer must go through a licensed dealer.
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3
Document the transaction for your records.
While not legally required, many sellers choose to document the date, firearm details and buyer information for personal liability protection.
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4
Do not proceed if anything feels unclear.
If the buyer makes unusual requests or avoids basic identification questions, do not proceed. Legal risk falls on the seller if you knowingly violate the law.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com removes uncertainty by ensuring the firearm is transferred through a documented, compliant process.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Arkansas
Arkansas generally permits private firearm sales without requiring a licensed dealer, but sellers must still comply with both Arkansas statutes and federal law. The biggest legal risk is knowingly transferring a firearm to someone who is prohibited from possessing one.
While Arkansas does not impose universal background checks or waiting periods for private sales, interstate transfers and prohibited-person rules remain strictly enforced. Review the official resources below before proceeding.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state requirement) | Arkansas does not require background checks for private party firearm sales, but federal prohibited-person rules still apply. |
| Dealer required for private sales | NO | Private party transfers are generally lawful without an FFL if both parties are Arkansas residents. |
| Waiting period | NO | Arkansas does not impose a state-level waiting period for firearm transfers. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Federal law prohibits private interstate firearm transfers. An FFL must handle the transfer in the buyer’s home state. |
| Minimum age | YES (federal limits apply) | Federal age restrictions apply, particularly for dealer sales. Private sellers should not transfer to anyone under legal age. |
State law details
Understanding Arkansas firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Arkansas firearm sale rules
Residency & identification
Arkansas does not require a dealer for most private sales, but sellers should verify that the buyer is an Arkansas resident and not prohibited from possessing firearms.
- Confirm buyer is an Arkansas resident for private transfers
- Government-issued photo ID is recommended
- Do not proceed if residency or eligibility is unclear
Prohibited persons & federal law
Even though Arkansas does not mandate background checks for private sales, it is illegal under federal law to knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person.
- Transfers to prohibited persons are criminal offenses
- Felony convictions and certain restraining orders disqualify buyers
- When in doubt, use a licensed dealer to run a background check
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) - Federal prohibited persons restrictions
Interstate transfers
Private firearm sales across state lines are prohibited unless the transfer goes through a federally licensed dealer in the buyer’s state of residence.
- Do not complete private interstate sales directly
- Use an FFL for out-of-state buyers
- Federal law governs interstate transfers regardless of Arkansas rules
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(5) - Restrictions on interstate firearm transfers
Waiting periods
Arkansas does not impose a state-level waiting period for private or dealer sales. Dealer transactions are subject only to the federal background check approval process.
- No Arkansas waiting period statute
- Dealer sales depend on federal background check clearance
- Private sales complete immediately unless voluntarily delayed
Official & trusted resources
Avoid accidental federal violations
Arkansas allows private sales, but federal law still controls interstate transfers and prohibited-person rules. One mistake can create serious legal exposure. Selling to a licensed buyer ensures the transfer is documented and compliant.
We’ve purchased over 155 firearms from Arkansas sellers through a fully licensed process that complies with both Arkansas law and federal transfer rules.
Arkansas residents must follow federal laws for private transactions
ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements
Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.
Local ordinances, city rules and county policies
Arkansas sets most firearm transfer rules at the state level and generally permits private sales between residents. However, local policies and practical considerations can still affect where and how a transfer takes place. Even in permissive states, smart sellers plan for location, documentation and safety.
- Public property and facility rules: Cities and counties may regulate firearms inside government buildings, courthouses or controlled facilities. These rules do not change transfer legality but can affect where you meet a buyer.
- Local law enforcement procedures: While Arkansas does not require sheriff involvement for most private transfers, contacting local law enforcement for clarification can help avoid misunderstandings about transport or possession rules.
- Discharge and range ordinances: Municipalities may regulate firearm discharge within city limits. If you plan to test-fire a firearm before sale, confirm that local discharge rules allow it.
Arkansas law is generally favorable to private firearm sales, but location and logistics still matter. If you want the simplest, lowest-risk path without coordinating meetups or verifying buyer eligibility yourself, selling through a licensed buyer removes most of that friction.