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
Determine whether the firearm is regulated under Maryland law.
Maryland treats handguns and certain other firearms as “regulated firearms.” These require state approval and dealer involvement. Long guns follow different rules but still require lawful eligibility.
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2
Use a licensed dealer for regulated firearm transfers.
Regulated firearm sales must be processed by a licensed firearms dealer, who submits the application to the Maryland State Police and conducts the background check.
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3
Complete the application and background check.
The dealer submits the required paperwork to the Maryland State Police. This initiates the background check and mandatory waiting period.
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4
Observe the mandatory waiting period.
Maryland requires a 7-day waiting period for regulated firearms. The firearm cannot be transferred until approval is granted.
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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 state approval, shipping and compliance without the uncertainty of private transactions.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Maryland
Maryland firearm transfer laws vary significantly depending on whether the firearm is classified as regulated. Handguns and certain other firearms are subject to stricter rules, mandatory state approval, and waiting periods.
If you are unsure whether a firearm is regulated or how the approval process applies, using a licensed dealer or selling to a licensed buyer is the safest way to ensure compliance.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | YES (regulated firearms) | Handguns and other regulated firearms require a background check and approval through the Maryland State Police. |
| Waiting period | YES (regulated firearms) | Maryland imposes a mandatory 7-day waiting period for regulated firearm transfers. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate transfers are prohibited. Firearms must be transferred through licensed dealers. |
| Minimum age: Dealer | YES | Federal age rules apply at dealers: generally 21+ for handguns and 18+ for long guns. |
| Minimum age: Private transfer | YES | Private transfers must follow the same eligibility and age rules, especially for regulated firearms. |
| Bill of sale | Dealer-handled | For regulated firearms, dealer processing and state records replace informal bills of sale. |
State law details
Understanding Maryland firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Maryland firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Maryland requires regulated firearm transfers to be processed through a licensed dealer, with documentation submitted to the Maryland State Police. Identity and eligibility verification are mandatory.
- Regulated firearms must be transferred through a licensed dealer
- Government-issued photo ID is required
- Dealer submits required application to the Maryland State Police
- Md. Code, Public Safety § 5-124 - Application and approval process for regulated firearm transfers
Background checks & state approval
Maryland enforces background checks for regulated firearms through a state-run approval process handled by the Maryland State Police.
- Dealer submits background check application to the state
- Transfer cannot proceed until approval is granted
- Long gun transfers are subject to different requirements
- Md. Code, Public Safety § 5-118 - Background check requirements for regulated firearms
Age & eligibility
Maryland applies both federal age limits and state eligibility rules. Regulated firearm purchasers must meet strict criteria.
- Handgun and regulated firearm purchasers must meet state eligibility standards
- Dealers enforce federal minimum age requirements
- Transfers must be denied if eligibility cannot be confirmed
- Md. Code, Public Safety § 5-133 - Disqualifications for regulated firearm possession
Waiting periods
Maryland imposes a mandatory waiting period for regulated firearm transfers, regardless of whether the sale is private or dealer-facilitated.
- 7-day waiting period applies to regulated firearms
- Waiting period begins once the application is submitted
- Approval delays can extend beyond the minimum period
- Md. Code, Public Safety § 5-123 - Waiting period for regulated firearm transfers
Prohibited persons
Maryland law prohibits firearm possession by certain individuals and imposes criminal penalties for unlawful transfers.
- Do not transfer firearms to prohibited persons
- Dealer and state review help screen eligibility
- Ignoring red flags can create serious legal exposure
- Md. Code, Public Safety § 5-133 - Persons prohibited from possessing regulated firearms
Avoid regulated firearm transfer delays
Maryland firearm sales—especially for regulated firearms—can involve state police review, waiting periods and additional paperwork. Private sales frequently encounter approval delays or denials. Selling to a licensed buyer simplifies the process and reduces compliance risk.
We’ve purchased over 145 firearms from Maryland sellers through a fully licensed process that navigates licensing requirements and mandatory state reporting.
Maryland 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
Maryland’s core transfer rules are set at the state level, especially for regulated firearms. Local governments generally cannot rewrite state transfer requirements, but they can influence how and where firearms-related activity happens through facility rules, discharge ordinances, zoning, and administrative procedures.
- Discharge and shooting restrictions: Many counties and municipalities regulate where firearms can be discharged. This does not change transfer legality, but it can affect where you meet, test-fire, or transport a firearm locally.
- Public property and facility rules: Local government buildings and facilities may prohibit firearms on-site or require screening. Avoid meeting at public facilities and follow posted rules for transport and entry.
- Dealer zoning and appointments: Cities and counties can influence where dealers operate through zoning and permitting. In practice, this can limit which FFLs are available nearby and can create scheduling delays for regulated transfers.
Local rules usually do not change the legality of a transfer, but they can slow down the process or limit your options. If you want the cleanest path with fewer logistics headaches, use a licensed buyer who can route the transfer through established dealer channels.