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 Kentucky resident.
Private sales are generally allowed between Kentucky residents. If the buyer lives in another state, federal law requires the transfer to go through a licensed dealer.
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2
Verify the buyer is not prohibited from possessing firearms.
Federal law prohibits transfers to certain categories of individuals, including convicted felons and other prohibited persons. Do not proceed if you have reason to believe the buyer is ineligible.
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3
Document the transaction for your records.
While not required by Kentucky law, many sellers keep a simple bill of sale with the date, price, firearm details and buyer information for personal documentation.
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4
Avoid interstate transfers without an FFL.
If the buyer is not a Kentucky resident, the firearm must be transferred through a licensed dealer in the buyer’s state in compliance with federal law.
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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 arranging private meetups.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Kentucky
Kentucky generally permits private firearm sales between residents without requiring a state-run background check or dealer processing. However, federal restrictions still apply and certain firearm types or scenarios can trigger additional compliance requirements.
If you are selling a firearm in Kentucky, the biggest legal risks usually come from prohibited-person transfers and interstate sales. Use the official resources below to confirm how the rules apply to your situation.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state-required) | Kentucky does not require background checks for private sales between residents, but federal prohibited-person rules still apply. |
| Waiting period | NO | Kentucky does not impose a state waiting period for private firearm transfers. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate transfers are prohibited under federal law. Transfers must go through an FFL in the buyer’s state. |
| Minimum age: Dealer | YES | Dealers follow federal minimums (typically 18+ for long guns and 21+ for handguns). |
| Minimum age: Private transfer | YES | Kentucky does not add a separate private-sale age rule, but do not transfer to anyone you know or reasonably believe is prohibited. |
| Bill of sale | Recommended | Not required by Kentucky law, but a simple record can reduce disputes and help document lawful intent. |
State law details
Understanding Kentucky firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Kentucky firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Kentucky does not require private firearm transfers to be processed through a dealer, but sellers should still take basic steps to confirm the transaction is lawful and well documented.
- Confirm the buyer is a Kentucky resident for a private sale
- Check a government-issued photo ID to verify identity and age
- Keep a simple bill of sale for your personal records (recommended)
- KRS 237.110 - Licensing provisions (concealed deadly weapon licenses) and related state firearm framework
Background checks & dealer processing
Kentucky does not impose universal background checks for private sales. If you prefer a documented compliance path, you can voluntarily use an FFL to process the transfer and run a background check.
- Private transfers do not require a state background check
- FFL transfers include a federal background check and paperwork
- Use a dealer if the buyer’s eligibility is unclear or you want formal documentation
Age & eligibility
Kentucky private sales are largely governed by federal eligibility rules. Sellers should not proceed if there are red flags suggesting the buyer is prohibited or attempting to bypass lawful process.
- Dealers enforce federal age minimums for purchases
- Do not sell if you know or reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited
- Avoid rushed sales, straw purchase indicators, or evasive behavior
- ATF — Identify Prohibited Persons - Federal restrictions that apply in every state, including Kentucky
Waiting periods
Kentucky does not impose a waiting period for private firearm transfers. Dealer sales may take additional time based on background check processing and store procedures.
- No state waiting period for private sales
- Dealer transfers may involve processing delays
- Timing can vary by dealer workload and background check response time
Prohibited persons
Federal law prohibits transferring firearms to certain categories of people, including felons and other prohibited persons. Kentucky sellers can face serious legal consequences if they knowingly participate in an unlawful transfer.
- Do not transfer to a buyer you know or reasonably believe is prohibited
- Red flags include straw purchase behavior or pressure to avoid documentation
- When in doubt, route the transfer through a licensed dealer or sell to a licensed buyer
- ATF — Identify Prohibited Persons - Federal prohibited person definitions and common transfer risk indicators
Even permissive states carry federal risk
Kentucky allows private firearm sales between residents, but federal prohibited person and interstate transfer laws still apply. A mistake can create serious legal exposure. Selling directly to a licensed buyer removes that uncertainty.
We’ve purchased over 105 firearms from Kentucky sellers through a fully licensed process that keeps the process simple while staying compliant with federal law.
Kentucky 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
Kentucky has strong statewide preemption laws that limit how much cities and counties can regulate firearms. That means most core transfer rules are set at the state and federal level. However, local procedures, facility policies and practical logistics can still affect how and where a transaction happens.
- State preemption limits local gun laws: Kentucky law generally prevents municipalities from creating their own firearm transfer rules. Cities cannot override state law on private sales, possession or transfer requirements.
- Local facility and public property rules: Courthouses, government buildings and certain local facilities may restrict firearm possession on the premises. These rules do not change transfer legality but can affect meeting locations.
- Dealer policies vary by location: If you choose to use an FFL for a transfer, local dealer scheduling, fees and documentation expectations can vary. Confirm requirements before arriving.
In Kentucky, most legal rules come from state and federal law, not local ordinances. The biggest risks are prohibited-person transfers and interstate sales. If you want the lowest-risk path with clear documentation, using a licensed buyer or FFL helps remove uncertainty.