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 a Georgia resident.
Private sales under Georgia law are typically limited to in-state residents. Do not proceed with a private transfer if the buyer resides in another state.
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2
Verify the buyer is legally eligible to possess a firearm.
Federal law prohibits transferring a firearm to someone you know or reasonably believe is a prohibited person. If you have doubts about eligibility, do not proceed.
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3
Document the transfer details.
While Georgia does not mandate private-sale paperwork, maintaining a bill of sale with names, date and firearm details can help protect you if questions arise later.
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4
Use a licensed dealer for interstate or uncertain transfers.
If the buyer is out of state or you want documented compliance, complete the transfer through a federally licensed dealer (FFL).
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com provides a documented, compliant process that removes uncertainty around private sales.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Georgia
Georgia is considered a relatively permissive state for private firearm sales. Most in-state private transfers between residents do not require dealer involvement under Georgia law.
However, federal law still governs interstate transfers and prohibited persons. Even in a state without universal dealer requirements, sellers carry legal responsibility for ensuring the transfer is lawful.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state requirement) | Georgia does not require background checks for private in-state sales, but federal prohibited person rules still apply. |
| Permit required before transfer | NO | Georgia does not require a state permit to acquire most firearms. |
| Waiting period | NO | Georgia does not impose a state-level waiting period for private sales. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Federal law prohibits private interstate firearm transfers. Use a licensed dealer for out-of-state buyers. |
| Minimum age | YES | Federal age restrictions apply. Dealers must follow federal minimum age rules. |
| Registration required | NO | Georgia does not require firearm registration for most firearms. |
State law details
Understanding Georgia firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Georgia firearm sale rules
Eligibility & prohibited persons
While Georgia does not mandate dealer involvement for most private sales, both federal and state law prohibit transferring a firearm to a prohibited person. Sellers must not knowingly transfer to someone who cannot legally possess a firearm.
- Do not sell to someone you know or reasonably believe is prohibited
- Federal law controls prohibited categories
- When in doubt, route the transfer through a licensed dealer
- O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131 - Possession of firearms by convicted felons and first offender probationers
Dealer transfers & federal background checks
If a transfer is conducted through a federally licensed dealer (FFL), the dealer must run a federal background check before releasing the firearm.
- Dealer-run transfers require a federal background check
- Transfer cannot complete until approval is received
- Using an FFL creates a documented compliance trail
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(t) - Federal requirement for background checks by licensed dealers
Age requirements
Georgia generally follows federal minimum age standards. Dealers must enforce federal age requirements for handgun and long gun transfers.
- 18+ for long guns under federal dealer rules
- 21+ for handguns purchased from dealers
- Private sellers should confirm eligibility before transferring
Interstate transfers
Private firearm transfers across state lines are prohibited under federal law. If the buyer resides in another state, the firearm must be transferred through a licensed dealer in the buyer’s home state.
- No private interstate transfers
- FFL required for cross-state transactions
- Federal penalties apply for unlawful transfers
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(5) - Restrictions on transferring firearms to out-of-state residents
Private sale simplicity does not eliminate federal risk
Georgia does not require most private sales to go through a dealer, but federal law still applies. Interstate transfers, prohibited person rules and documentation gaps can expose sellers to unnecessary risk. Selling to a licensed buyer provides a clear compliance trail.
We’ve purchased over 320 firearms from Georgia sellers through a fully licensed process that provides a documented, federally compliant transfer process.
Georgia 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
Georgia generally sets firearm transfer rules at the state level and limits how much cities and counties can regulate firearms. In practice, most “local” impacts relate to discharge rules, carrying or possession on locally controlled property and how local facilities operate. These factors usually do not change whether a firearm can be sold but they can affect where you meet, how you transport and which locations are appropriate for any in-person exchange.
- Discharge and noise ordinances: Many cities and counties regulate where firearms may be discharged, especially inside city limits or near residential areas. This does not change transfer rules but it can affect where you can safely test-fire or meet if you plan to inspect a firearm locally.
- Local property and facility rules: Courthouses, government buildings and certain locally controlled facilities may have posted rules or screening requirements. These rules do not change state transfer law but they can affect meeting locations and transport planning.
- Dealer availability and local business policies: Even when a private sale is allowed, many sellers choose to use an FFL for documentation. Local dealer availability, appointment policies and intake procedures can vary by city and county, which can add friction or delays.
Local rules rarely change whether a firearm can be sold in Georgia but they can add friction around where and how a transfer happens. If you want a clean paper trail and fewer logistical surprises, using a licensed buyer can reduce local variables and documentation risk.