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 firearm can be legally transferred under Hawaii law.
Hawaii tightly regulates firearm transfers. Before proceeding, confirm the firearm type is lawful and that the transfer is permitted under state and county rules.
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2
Ensure the buyer obtains the required county-issued permit.
In Hawaii, buyers must obtain a permit to acquire a firearm from their county police department before the transfer can occur.
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3
Complete the transfer through required registration and background checks.
Firearms must be registered with county law enforcement, and the transfer cannot be completed until all background checks and approvals are finalized.
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4
Observe any applicable waiting periods.
Hawaii imposes waiting periods linked to permit issuance and registration processing. The firearm cannot be transferred until these steps are complete.
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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 navigating county permitting delays.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Hawaii
Hawaii maintains one of the most regulated firearm transfer systems in the country. Firearm sales are closely overseen by county police departments and require permits, background checks and registration.
If you are selling a firearm in Hawaii, assume law enforcement involvement is 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 | Background checks are required as part of the county permitting and registration process. |
| Permit required before transfer | YES | Buyers must obtain a county-issued permit before acquiring a firearm. |
| Waiting period | YES | Waiting periods apply and are tied to permit issuance and registration processing. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited. Transfers must comply with federal law and involve licensed dealers. |
| Minimum age | YES | Minimum age requirements apply and depend on firearm type and permit eligibility. |
| Registration required | YES | All firearms must be registered with the appropriate county police department. |
State law details
Understanding Hawaii firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Hawaii firearm sale rules
Permits & documentation
Hawaii requires buyers to obtain a permit from their county police department before acquiring a firearm. Sellers should not proceed unless the buyer presents valid permit documentation.
- Buyer must obtain a county-issued permit prior to transfer
- Government-issued photo ID is required
- Transfer details must align with the permit information
- HRS § 134-2 - Permits to acquire firearms; required prior to transfer
Background checks & registration
Hawaii enforces background checks through its permitting and registration system, administered by county law enforcement agencies.
- Background checks are conducted before permit approval
- Firearms must be registered after transfer
- Transfers cannot complete until all approvals are granted
- HRS § 134-3 - Registration of firearms with county police departments
Age & eligibility
Hawaii imposes age and eligibility requirements that vary by firearm type and permit class. Transfers must not proceed if eligibility is unclear.
- Minimum age requirements apply based on firearm type
- Eligibility is verified during the permit process
- Do not proceed without confirmed approval
- HRS § 134-7 - Prohibited possession and eligibility restrictions
Waiting periods
Hawaii enforces waiting periods associated with permit issuance and registration processing. Transfers cannot be rushed or completed informally.
- Waiting periods are tied to permit approval
- Processing timelines vary by county
- Delays are common during high-volume periods
Prohibited persons
Both federal law and Hawaii statutes define categories of prohibited persons. Sellers carry legal risk if they ignore red flags or bypass required procedures.
- Transfers to prohibited persons are criminal offenses
- Permit and background check systems enforce eligibility
- Stop the transaction if approval is denied or unclear
- HRS § 134-7 - Persons prohibited from owning, possessing or controlling firearms
Avoid permit delays and registration pitfalls
Hawaii firearm transfers are heavily regulated and delays are common due to permit issuance, registration requirements and county-level processing. Small mistakes can stall or invalidate a sale. Selling directly to a licensed buyer removes these risks.
We’ve purchased thousands of firearms from sellers nationwide through a fully licensed process that navigates Hawaii’s permit, registration and law enforcement requirements.
Hawaii 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.
County-level rules and law enforcement procedures
While Hawaii firearm law is set at the state level, nearly all permitting, background checks and registration are handled by county police departments. Local procedures and processing timelines can vary significantly by county.
- County police firearms units: Each county (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai) operates its own firearms unit responsible for permits, background checks, and registration. Appointment availability and processing times differ by county.
- Appointment and processing delays: Many counties require appointments for permit issuance and registration. Missed appointments, paperwork errors, or incomplete documentation can significantly delay a transfer.
- Transport and possession rules: Counties may enforce local rules around firearm transport to and from police facilities. Firearms must typically be unloaded and secured when traveling for permit or registration appointments.
In Hawaii, county-level administration is often the biggest source of delay and confusion for firearm sellers. Using a licensed buyer with experience navigating county police procedures can reduce scheduling issues and compliance risk.