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 a background check is required.
Delaware law requires background checks for nearly all firearm transfers, including private sales. Informal transfers without a background check are not permitted.
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2
Bring the firearm and identification to a licensed dealer.
In most cases, the buyer and seller must appear at a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) with valid government-issued photo ID to initiate the transfer.
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3
Complete the background check process.
The dealer conducts the required background check and records the transaction before the firearm can be transferred.
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4
Wait for approval before completing the transfer.
The firearm cannot be released until the background check is approved and all legal requirements are satisfied.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com simplifies the process by handling compliance, shipping and documentation without the uncertainty of private transactions.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Delaware
Delaware regulates firearm sales through universal background check requirements and controlled transfer procedures. Private firearm sales are not informal transactions and must comply with state-mandated checks and documentation.
If you are selling a firearm in Delaware, assume a background check and licensed dealer involvement will be required unless you have confirmed a narrow statutory exception. Use the official resources below to verify how the rules apply to your situation.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | YES | Delaware requires background checks for nearly all firearm transfers, including private sales. |
| Permit required before transfer | NO | Delaware does not issue purchase permits, but background checks are still mandatory. |
| Waiting period | NO (fixed) | No statutory waiting period, but transfers cannot complete until background check approval. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited under federal law. |
| Minimum age | YES | Minimum age requirements apply based on firearm type and federal law. |
| Registration required | NO | Delaware does not maintain a general firearm registration system. |
State law details
Understanding Delaware firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Delaware firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Delaware firearm transfers require valid identification and verified eligibility. Sellers should not proceed unless the buyer’s identity and eligibility are clearly confirmed.
- Government-issued photo ID required
- Buyer eligibility must be verified before transfer
- Transfer records should be retained for personal documentation
- 11 Del. C. § 1448A - Background checks for firearm transfers
Background checks
Delaware enforces universal background checks for firearm sales, including private party transfers. Most transfers are routed through licensed dealers.
- Background check required before transfer
- Dealer or approved process conducts the check
- Transfer cannot proceed until approval is received
- 11 Del. C. § 1448A - Universal background check requirements
Age & eligibility
Age requirements for firearm transfers in Delaware depend on firearm type and applicable federal law. Sellers should not proceed if eligibility is unclear.
- Minimum age requirements apply
- Eligibility is verified during the background check
- Transfers must stop if eligibility is denied
Waiting periods & delays
Delaware does not impose a fixed statutory waiting period, but background check delays are common during high-volume periods.
- No fixed waiting period
- Transfer cannot complete without approval
- Processing delays may occur
Prohibited persons
Federal and Delaware law prohibit firearm transfers to certain individuals. Sellers are legally responsible for stopping a transaction if red flags appear.
- Transfers to prohibited persons are criminal offenses
- Background checks enforce eligibility
- Do not proceed if approval is denied
- 11 Del. C. § 1448 - Persons prohibited from possessing firearms
Avoid background check delays and compliance issues
Delaware firearm transfers require background checks even for private sales. Missed steps, scheduling issues or paperwork errors can delay or derail a transaction. Selling directly to a licensed buyer removes these risks.
We’ve purchased dozens of firearms from Delaware sellers through a fully licensed process that ensures required background checks and compliant transfer handling.
Delaware 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
Delaware sets the core rules for firearm transfers at the state level, but local factors can still shape how smoothly a sale plays out. Most “local” impacts are tied to where you meet, where you can transport a firearm, and the practical procedures of local dealers or facilities. If a transfer involves an FFL, their scheduling and intake policies can matter as much as the law.
- FFL scheduling, intake policies and documentation expectations: Because Delaware transfers commonly run through dealers for background checks, the practical friction is often dealer scheduling, appointment requirements, and documentation preferences. Call ahead so you do not show up with missing paperwork or an ineligible buyer.
- Public property and controlled facility rules: Counties and municipalities may enforce policies for firearms on government property, in courthouses, or in controlled buildings. These rules do not change state transfer law but they can affect where you meet and how you plan transport.
- Discharge rules and locally managed range policies: Many municipalities regulate where firearms can be discharged and locally owned ranges may have their own policies. This is not a transfer rule, but it can affect where you can safely meet a buyer or test a firearm before selling.
Local rules rarely change whether a firearm can be sold, but they can add friction to how a transfer happens. If you want the cleanest, lowest-risk path, using a licensed buyer helps avoid surprises tied to local procedures, scheduling, and logistics.