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 Maine resident and legally eligible.
Private firearm sales in Maine are generally limited to in-state residents. Do not proceed if you have reason to believe the buyer is prohibited from possessing firearms.
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2
Verify identification and residency.
While not required by statute, verifying government-issued photo ID helps confirm residency and supports good recordkeeping.
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3
Avoid interstate or questionable transfers.
Do not sell firearms privately across state lines. If the buyer resides outside Maine or eligibility is unclear, the transfer must go through a licensed dealer.
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4
Document the transaction.
Maintain basic records of the sale, including date, firearm details and buyer information. Documentation can be critical if questions arise later.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com removes uncertainty by handling compliance, shipping and documentation through a fully licensed process.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Maine
Maine generally allows private firearm sales between residents, but sellers are still responsible for ensuring the transfer is lawful and the buyer is eligible. Certain transactions may involve additional requirements, especially if the sale is advertised publicly or routed through a dealer.
Maine has also passed recent gun-law changes including expanded background check requirements for certain advertised private sales and a waiting period law that has been challenged in court. Use the official resources below to confirm what applies to your specific situation before you transfer a firearm.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | Sometimes | Maine does not require universal background checks for all private sales, but background checks were expanded for certain private sales that are advertised publicly. |
| Waiting period | Check current status | Maine passed a 72-hour waiting period law for firearm purchases and it has been subject to litigation. Confirm current enforcement before relying on timing assumptions. |
| 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: Dealer | YES | Federal minimum age rules apply for dealer sales, and additional restrictions may apply by firearm type. |
| Minimum age: Private transfer | YES | Do not transfer a firearm to anyone under the legal age or to any person you know or reasonably suspect is prohibited. |
| Bill of sale | Recommended | Not always required, but written documentation is a best practice to reduce risk and preserve transfer details. |
State law details
Understanding Maine firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Maine firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Maine does not run private transfers through a single statewide dealer mandate, but sellers should still treat identity, residency, and documentation seriously. If anything feels off, route the transfer through an FFL.
- Verify the buyer is a Maine resident for an in-state private sale
- Use government-issued photo ID to confirm identity
- Keep a written record of the transfer details for your files
- If the sale is being advertised publicly or the compliance path is unclear, consider using an FFL
Background checks
Maine does not require universal background checks for every private sale, but it has expanded background check requirements for certain private sales that are advertised publicly. Dealer sales still follow federal background check procedures.
- Dealer sales require a background check
- Some advertised private sales require a background check under Maine law
- If you cannot clearly confirm compliance, use an FFL transfer or sell to a licensed buyer
Age & eligibility
Maine enforces eligibility rules that include both federal prohibited-person categories and state penalties for unlawful transfers. Private sellers should not proceed if eligibility is uncertain.
- Do not transfer a firearm to a prohibited person
- Do not transfer a firearm to anyone under the legal age
- If you have doubts about eligibility, route the transfer through an FFL
- 17-A M.R.S. § 554 - Covers age requirements for handguns and long guns
Waiting periods
Maine has enacted a 72-hour waiting period law for firearm purchases and its enforcement has been challenged in court. Because timing and enforcement can change, verify current guidance before assuming a transfer can be completed immediately.
- Confirm whether a waiting period is currently being enforced for dealer transfers
- Plan for delays if background checks or dealer processing require additional review
- When timing matters, use a licensed buyer with a predictable compliance workflow
- 25 MRSA §2016 - Waiting period after sale of firearm (preliminary injunction issued in Beckwith v. Frey)
- LD 208 - Act to Eliminate the 72-hour Waiting Period on Firearm Purchases
Prohibited persons
Federal law prohibits transfers to certain categories of people and Maine law adds penalties for unlawful transfers. Sellers take on real risk when they ignore red flags or try to keep a sale informal.
- Do not sell if you know or reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited
- Red flags include evasiveness, urgency, refusal to show ID, or requests to bypass lawful steps
- When in doubt, stop the sale or complete the transfer through an FFL
- 17-A M.R.S. § 394 - Possession of firearms prohibited for certain persons
Reduce risk in private firearm sales
While Maine allows private firearm sales, sellers still face risk if eligibility is unclear or federal rules are violated. Selling directly to a licensed buyer provides a documented, compliant alternative.
We’ve purchased thousands of firearms from sellers nationwide through a fully licensed process that complies with Maine and federal firearm transfer law.
Maine 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
Maine firearm transfer law is primarily governed at the state and federal level. Cities and towns generally cannot override core transfer rules, but local policies, property restrictions and law enforcement practices can still influence how and where a sale happens in practice. Before meeting a buyer or transporting a firearm, consider the local environment as well as state law.
- Municipal discharge ordinances: Many Maine municipalities regulate the discharge of firearms within town or city limits. While these rules do not change transfer legality, they can affect where you can safely test-fire a firearm before sale.
- Local property and facility restrictions: Government buildings, courthouses and certain public facilities often prohibit firearms. These restrictions do not alter state transfer law, but they can affect meeting locations and transport planning.
- Law enforcement practices and scheduling: If you use a dealer for a transfer, local FFL availability, appointment systems and background check timelines can vary. Planning ahead helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Local ordinances in Maine rarely change whether a firearm can legally be sold, but they can add friction to how and where a transfer occurs. If you want the most predictable and documented path, selling to a licensed buyer helps reduce surprises tied to local logistics and compliance uncertainty.