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 has a valid FOID card.
In Illinois, buyers generally must have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card to receive a firearm. Do not proceed unless the buyer’s FOID is valid and matches their identity.
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2
Run the required transfer background check through the state process.
Illinois requires a background check for firearm transfers. Complete the transfer inquiry through the Illinois State Police process and keep the approval record for your files.
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3
Observe the waiting period before completing the transfer.
Do not deliver the firearm until the waiting period has passed and you have confirmation that the transfer is approved. If anything is unclear, stop and use an FFL.
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4
Document the transfer details for your records.
Keep a clear record of the buyer, the firearm (make, model, serial), the date, and the background check approval information. This protects you if questions come up later.
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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 meetups.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Illinois
Illinois allows private firearm sales, but only when specific state requirements are met. Sellers must verify buyer eligibility, complete a state background check, and observe the required waiting period before transferring a firearm.
If you are selling a firearm in Illinois, you are responsible for confirming FOID status and maintaining proper transfer records. Use the official state resources below to confirm how the law applies to your situation.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | YES | Illinois requires a background check for firearm transfers, including most private sales, completed through the Illinois State Police system. |
| FOID verification | REQUIRED | The seller must verify that the buyer holds a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card before completing the transfer. |
| Waiting period | YES | Illinois enforces a mandatory waiting period that must pass before a firearm can be transferred. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited. Out-of-state transfers must go through licensed dealers. |
| Minimum age | YES | Age requirements depend on firearm type and transfer method. Dealers enforce federal age rules and state eligibility requirements. |
| Recordkeeping | REQUIRED | Illinois requires sellers to retain transfer records and background check approvals for a specified period. |
State law details
Understanding Illinois firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Illinois firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Illinois places documentation responsibilities on the seller, even in private firearm sales. Verifying identity and eligibility is a required step before completing a transfer.
- Buyer must hold a valid Illinois FOID card
- Seller must verify FOID status before the transfer
- Seller should retain transfer confirmation and buyer information
- 430 ILCS 65/2 - Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Act requirements
Background checks & transfer approval
Illinois requires firearm transfers to be approved through the Illinois State Police background check process, even for private sales.
- Seller must initiate a transfer inquiry through the Illinois State Police
- Approval must be received before transferring the firearm
- Transfer details should be retained for seller records
- 430 ILCS 65/3 - Verification of FOID and transfer eligibility
Waiting period
Illinois enforces a mandatory waiting period for firearm transfers, including private party sales.
- Waiting period applies to most firearm transfers
- Transfer cannot be completed until the waiting period has passed
- Delays may occur if background check review is extended
- 720 ILCS 5/24-3 - Mandatory waiting period for firearm transfers
Prohibited persons
Illinois applies both federal prohibited-person rules and state-specific restrictions. Transferring a firearm to an ineligible person can result in serious criminal penalties.
- FOID system screens for prohibited persons
- Transfer must be denied if eligibility cannot be confirmed
- Sellers are responsible for stopping the transfer if red flags appear
- 720 ILCS 5/24-1.1 - Unlawful use or possession of weapons
Official & trusted resources
Avoid FOID issues and transfer delays
Illinois firearm transfers require FOID verification, background checks and strict documentation. Private sales often stall due to eligibility questions or paperwork errors. Selling to a licensed buyer removes FOID uncertainty and ensures full compliance.
We’ve purchased over 555 firearms from Illinois sellers through a fully licensed process that navigates licensing requirements and mandatory state reporting.
Illinois 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, municipal rules and county policies
Illinois firearm transfers are governed primarily by state law, but municipalities and counties retain authority over certain local firearm-related rules. These local regulations do not usually change whether a firearm can be sold, but they can affect how and where a transfer takes place.
- Local dealer zoning and availability: Cities and counties may regulate where licensed firearms dealers can operate through zoning and land-use rules. This can limit which FFLs are available locally if a private transfer must be routed through a dealer.
- Municipal restrictions on possession and transport: Some municipalities impose additional rules related to firearm possession or transport within city limits. These rules do not override state transfer law, but they can affect meeting locations or how a firearm is transported to a dealer.
- Administrative practices by local agencies: Local law enforcement agencies may influence appointment availability, processing times, or documentation expectations when dealers are involved in transfers.
Local ordinances in Illinois rarely change the legal requirements for selling a firearm, but they can slow or complicate the process. Using a licensed buyer with established dealer relationships can help avoid delays caused by local zoning, scheduling, or administrative hurdles.