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 to possess a firearm.
Indiana permits private sales, but you may not knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person. If you have reason to believe the buyer is ineligible, do not proceed.
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2
Verify Indiana residency if conducting a private sale.
Private sales are typically conducted between Indiana residents. If the buyer resides out of state, the transfer must go through a licensed dealer in the buyer’s home state.
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3
Consider documenting the transaction.
While not required by state law, keeping a simple bill of sale with the date, firearm details and buyer information can help document that you transferred the firearm responsibly.
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4
Use a licensed dealer if you want added compliance safeguards.
A federally licensed dealer can process the transfer and conduct a background check, which reduces risk and creates a formal record of the transaction.
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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 meeting a private buyer.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Indiana
Indiana is considered a relatively permissive state for firearm transfers. Private sales between residents are generally lawful, and there is no statewide requirement that most private transfers go through a licensed dealer.
However, sellers remain legally responsible for avoiding transfers to prohibited persons and for complying with federal interstate transfer rules. Understanding these guardrails is critical before completing any private sale.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state requirement) | Indiana does not require private sellers to conduct background checks. Dealer transfers require federal background checks. |
| Dealer required for private sales | NO | Most private firearm transfers between Indiana residents do not require a licensed dealer. |
| Waiting period | NO | Indiana does not impose a state waiting period for firearm sales. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Federal law requires interstate firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer in the buyer’s home state. |
| Minimum age | YES (varies) | Federal age rules apply, and Indiana law restricts possession by minors and certain prohibited persons. |
| Registration required | NO | Indiana does not require firearm registration for typical private sales. |
State law details
Understanding Indiana firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Indiana firearm sale rules
Eligibility & prohibited persons
Indiana law makes it a crime to knowingly transfer a firearm to someone who is prohibited from possessing one. Federal law also applies, and violations can carry serious penalties.
- Do not transfer a firearm if you know or have reason to believe the buyer is prohibited
- Felons and certain other categories of individuals are barred from possession
- When in doubt about eligibility, do not proceed or use a licensed dealer
- IC 35-47-4-1 - Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon
Background checks & dealer transfers
Indiana does not require private sellers to run background checks. However, any sale processed through a federally licensed dealer (FFL) will involve a federal background check before the transfer is completed.
- Private sellers are not required to initiate background checks
- Dealer transfers require completion of ATF Form 4473
- The transfer cannot complete until the federal background check is approved
Age & minor restrictions
Indiana restricts firearm possession by minors in many circumstances. Federal law also sets minimum age requirements for dealer sales.
- Federal law generally requires buyers to be at least 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns from dealers
- Indiana law restricts possession by minors except in limited circumstances
- Do not proceed if the buyer’s age or eligibility is unclear
- IC 35-47-10 - Dangerous control of a firearm; minor possession restrictions
Waiting periods
Indiana does not impose a state waiting period on firearm sales. Dealer transactions are subject only to federal background check processing timelines.
- No Indiana statutory waiting period
- Dealer sales depend on federal background check approval
- Private sales can complete immediately if lawful
Interstate transfer rules
Even in a permissive state like Indiana, federal law strictly regulates interstate firearm transfers.
- You may not directly sell a firearm to an out-of-state resident
- Interstate transfers must go through a licensed dealer
- Failure to comply with federal transfer rules can result in felony charges
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(5) - Federal restrictions on interstate firearm transfers
Even simple private sales carry legal responsibility
Indiana allows private firearm sales, but you are still responsible for avoiding unlawful transfers. If a buyer is later found to be prohibited, you could face legal scrutiny. Selling to a licensed buyer removes that uncertainty and creates a documented, compliant transaction.
We’ve purchased over 200 firearms from Indiana sellers through a fully licensed process that complies with both Indiana and federal firearm laws.
Indiana 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
Indiana sets most rules for firearm transfers and possession at the state level, but local factors can still shape how a sale plays out. The biggest “local” impacts are usually about where you meet, how you transport a firearm through certain facilities, and policies tied to government buildings, events, or locally operated property. These rules typically do not change whether a transfer is legal, but they can change what is practical.
- Government buildings and controlled facilities: Courthouses, municipal buildings, and other controlled facilities may prohibit firearms or require specific screening and storage procedures. Choose meeting locations that avoid restricted facilities.
- Local property and event policies: Cities, counties, and private venues can set firearm rules for property they own or operate, including fairs, sports venues, or city-run facilities. These policies can affect transport and meeting logistics.
- Discharge rules and range ordinances: Local governments commonly regulate firearm discharge and range operations. This does not change transfer law, but it can impact where you can safely meet a buyer or test-fire a firearm prior to sale.
Local rules rarely change whether a firearm can be sold, but they can create avoidable friction around meeting locations and transport. If you want the cleanest, lowest-risk path, using a licensed buyer helps avoid surprises tied to local procedures and logistics.