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 Kansas resident.
Private firearm sales in Kansas are generally allowed between residents. Do not proceed unless you are confident the buyer resides in Kansas and the transfer complies with federal law.
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2
Verify the buyer is not prohibited from possessing firearms.
Under federal law, it is illegal to transfer a firearm to someone you know or have reason to believe is a prohibited person. Review federal prohibited person categories before completing a sale.
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3
Document the transaction details for your records.
While Kansas does not require formal registration for private sales, keeping a written record of the date, firearm details and buyer information can help protect you if questions arise later.
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4
Use an FFL if you want formal documentation or added protection.
Routing the transfer through a licensed dealer creates a documented record and includes a background check, even though Kansas does not mandate it for private resident-to-resident sales.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com provides a clear paper trail, shipping guidance and a documented compliance process.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Kansas
Kansas is generally permissive regarding private firearm sales between residents. The state does not require universal background checks or mandatory dealer processing for most private transfers.
However, federal law still applies. Sellers must not transfer firearms to prohibited persons, and private interstate transfers are illegal. Use the official resources below to verify how the rules apply to your situation.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state requirement) | Kansas does not require a background check for private resident-to-resident sales. Federal prohibited person rules still apply. |
| Waiting period | NO | Kansas does not impose a state waiting period for firearm transfers. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited under federal law and must go through a licensed dealer in the buyer’s state. |
| Minimum age (dealer sale) | YES (federal) | Federal law sets minimum age requirements for dealer sales (typically 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns). |
| Minimum age (private sale) | YES (federal) | Even though Kansas law is permissive, federal prohibited person rules and age limits still apply. |
| Registration required | NO | Kansas does not require general firearm registration for private transfers. |
State law details
Understanding Kansas firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Kansas firearm sale rules
Residency & documentation
Kansas allows private firearm sales between residents, but sellers should confirm residency and maintain basic documentation to reduce future disputes.
- Confirm the buyer is a Kansas resident
- Verify government-issued photo identification
- Keep a written record of the date and firearm details for your files
- K.S.A. § 21-6301 - Criminal use of weapons; includes unlawful transfers in certain situations
Background checks & federal compliance
Kansas does not mandate background checks for private resident-to-resident transfers, but federal law prohibits transferring a firearm to someone you know or have reason to believe is prohibited.
- Knowingly transferring to a prohibited person is a federal crime
- Dealer transfers include a background check
- When in doubt, route the sale through an FFL
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) - Federal prohibition on transferring firearms to prohibited persons
Age & eligibility
While Kansas law is generally permissive, federal law sets minimum age requirements and defines prohibited person categories.
- Federal law generally requires 18+ for long guns and 21+ for handguns from dealers
- Certain criminal convictions and protective orders prohibit possession
- Do not proceed if eligibility is unclear
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(b) - Federal age requirements for dealer firearm sales
Waiting periods
Kansas does not impose a state waiting period. Dealer sales are completed once the federal background check is approved.
- No Kansas-specific waiting period for private sales
- Dealer transfers depend on federal background check approval
- Delays can occur if the background check is placed on hold
Prohibited persons
Federal law defines categories of individuals who cannot possess firearms. Kansas sellers can face serious legal consequences if they knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person.
- Felony convictions and certain misdemeanor domestic violence convictions can prohibit possession
- Active restraining or protection orders may disqualify a buyer
- When in doubt, do not complete the transfer privately
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) - Federal prohibited person categories
Private sale freedom does not remove federal risk
Kansas allows private sales, but sellers remain responsible for avoiding transfers to prohibited persons and for complying with federal interstate restrictions. If you want documented compliance and a cleaner paper trail, selling to a licensed buyer can reduce uncertainty.
We’ve purchased over 100 firearms from Kansas sellers through a fully licensed process that keeps your sale documented and compliant with federal law.
Kansas 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
Kansas sets most transfer and eligibility rules at the state level, but local factors can still shape how a sale plays out. The biggest “local” impacts are typically about where you meet, how you transport a firearm, and the policies of locally managed facilities. Local rules rarely change whether a firearm can be sold, but they can add friction to how smoothly a transfer happens.
- City discharge and public property rules: Many Kansas municipalities regulate firearm discharge and possession on certain public properties or facilities. These do not change transfer law but they can affect meeting locations and transport planning.
- Local dealer availability and business policies: Even when Kansas does not require an FFL for a private sale, some sellers still prefer a dealer transfer for documentation. Dealer appointment rules, store policies, and availability vary by city and can impact timing.
- County facility procedures and security rules: Courthouses, county buildings, and controlled facilities often have strict policies on firearms. If you need to visit any local office as part of your process, confirm their rules in advance to avoid delays.
Local rules in Kansas typically affect logistics more than legality. If you want the cleanest, lowest-friction path, using a licensed buyer can help avoid surprises tied to meeting locations, transport constraints, and third-party scheduling.