Legal Guides Michigan
Published: February 11, 2026| Last legal review: Oct 2026 · Reviewed by Chris Wing
How to Sell a Gun in Michigan Legally
Selling a firearm in Michigan requires compliance with both state and federal law, including background checks and dealer involvement in many situations. While Michigan allows some private sales, the rules vary by firearm type and buyer eligibility.
Handgun transfers, licensing requirements and recordkeeping rules can complicate private sales. Understanding when a dealer is required helps avoid delays, rejected transfers and compliance issues.
How to sell a gun in Michigan legally: quick steps
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Choose a private sale or an FFL transfer. Decide whether to sell privately to an eligible Michigan resident or transfer through a licensed dealer (FFL). The state law table below shows what Michigan requires. Details
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Handle the background check. Since Feb 13 2024, every private firearm sale, long guns included, requires the buyer to hold a license to purchase or a valid CPL (MCL 28.422, 2023 PA 19). Details
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Complete the paperwork and bill of sale. For private pistol sales, the seller files the sales record (RI-060) with local police or the sheriff within 10 days. Keep a clean paper trail for any sale. Details
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Shipping and out-of-state buyers. Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited. Route the transaction through an FFL in compliance with federal law and the buyer’s state rules. Details
Federal age update (as of Oct 2026): On Sep 17, 2026 the U.S. Department of Justice said it will not criminally enforce the federal 21+ age limit on licensed-dealer handgun sales to law-abiding 18–20-year-olds. The federal statute (18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1)) is unchanged, and state age limits still apply. DOJ announcement
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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 whether a dealer is required for the transfer.
Michigan allows private sales, but since Feb 13 2024 the buyer must hold a license to purchase or a valid CPL for any firearm, long guns included. Confirm the buyer’s license before proceeding.
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2
Verify buyer eligibility and identification.
Confirm the buyer is legally eligible to possess the firearm and is a Michigan resident. Proper identification is required for lawful transfers.
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Complete required permits or background checks.
Handgun transfers require a purchase permit or background check verification. Dealers handle this process and ensure proper documentation.
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Document the transfer and retain records.
Michigan requires accurate records for certain firearm transfers. Maintain copies of permits, transfer records and confirmations.
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Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com removes uncertainty by handling background checks, paperwork and compliance.
Last legal review: Oct 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Michigan
Michigan requires specific documentation and eligibility checks for many firearm transfers, including private sales. This section covers common rules that affect lawful transfers. It is not legal advice.
If anything about the buyer, the firearm type, or the paperwork is unclear, route the transaction through a licensed dealer and verify details using the official links below.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | YES | Since Feb 13 2024, every private firearm sale, long guns included, requires the buyer to hold a license to purchase or a valid CPL (MCL 28.422, 2023 PA 19). |
| Waiting period | NO (statutory) | Michigan does not impose a fixed state waiting period like some states, but timing can be affected by permit processing or dealer scheduling. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited. Route the transaction through an FFL in compliance with federal law and the buyer’s state rules. |
| Minimum age: Dealer | YES | Federal dealer minimums apply: typically 18+ for long guns and 21+ for handguns, plus any Michigan requirements tied to permits or licensing. |
| Minimum age: Private transfer | YES | Private transfers must follow Michigan eligibility rules and documentation requirements. Do not proceed if the buyer cannot meet permit or qualification requirements for the firearm type. |
| Bill of sale / recordkeeping | Documentation required | For private pistol sales, the seller files the sales record (RI-060) with local police or the sheriff within 10 days. Keep a clean paper trail for any sale. |
State law details
Understanding Michigan firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Michigan firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Michigan firearm transfers are not “handshake deal” friendly when documentation is required. Private sales can require specific paperwork depending on the firearm type and the buyer’s credentials. If documentation is missing or uncertain, use a dealer transfer.
- Confirm Michigan residency for private in-state transfers
- Verify buyer eligibility and required paperwork before exchanging the firearm
- Keep records of the transfer date and firearm details (make, model, serial) for your files
- MCL 28.422 - License or permit requirements tied to purchasing, carrying, possessing, or transporting certain firearms (commonly referenced for purchase eligibility and documentation)
Background checks, permits, and dealer processing
Michigan uses state-level eligibility checks for firearm acquisitions that can apply to private sales. Depending on the firearm type and the buyer’s status (for example a CPL), the cleanest path is often an FFL transfer that handles verification and documentation end to end.
- Do not proceed unless the buyer can satisfy Michigan eligibility and documentation requirements
- When paperwork or eligibility is unclear, route the transfer through an FFL
- If you are selling online or shipping, use an FFL to avoid accidental non-compliance
- MCL 28.422a - Requirements related to sales records, permits, and eligibility checks for certain firearm transactions (commonly referenced for compliance documentation)
Age & eligibility
Dealers must follow federal age rules and Michigan can impose additional requirements through permits or licensing. For private transfers, your risk increases if you guess or assume. If the buyer’s eligibility is not crystal clear, stop the transaction or use a dealer.
- Dealer transfers: federal minimums apply (typically 18+ long guns and 21+ handguns)
- Private transfers: follow Michigan permit and eligibility requirements for the firearm type
- If the buyer cannot verify eligibility, do not transfer the firearm
- MCL 28.422 - Purchase eligibility and permit requirements that can affect lawful transfers
- MCL 28.425b - Concealed pistol license framework (CPL), which can affect how certain purchase and transfer requirements apply
Waiting periods and timing
Michigan does not use a universal fixed waiting period, but real-world timing can still slow down due to permit processing, scheduling, and documentation checks. If speed and certainty matter, using an FFL transfer helps keep the process predictable.
- No fixed state waiting period for all transfers
- Delays can come from permit processing or administrative handling
- Use a dealer transfer when you want the cleanest compliance workflow
Prohibited persons
Federal law sets the baseline for prohibited persons and Michigan adds state-level restrictions. For private transfers, your legal exposure increases if you ignore red flags or transfer a firearm when you reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited.
- Do not sell if you know or reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited
- Red flags: refusal to show ID, pressure to bypass paperwork, straw-purchase vibes
- If anything feels off, stop the transaction or route it through a licensed dealer
- MCL 750.224f - Possession restrictions for certain persons convicted of felonies (felon-in-possession framework)
Official & trusted resources
Avoid permit mistakes and transfer delays
Michigan firearm sales can become complicated when permits, background checks or documentation are handled incorrectly. Selling privately without understanding the rules can expose sellers to compliance risk and rejected transfers. Selling directly to a licensed buyer simplifies the process.
We’ve purchased over 580 firearms from Michigan sellers through a fully licensed process that navigates licensing requirements and mandatory state reporting.
Michigan 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.
Frequently asked questions
- Is selling my firearm to WeBuyGuns.com legal in Michigan?
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Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us. If the process seems daunting, just give us a call and we'll walk you through it.
- What if I inherited firearms and don’t know much about them?
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Inherited firearms are common. You can start by sending photos or a simple list of items and we’ll help identify what you have, explain what affects value and guide you through the next steps before anything is shipped.
- Can I sell a firearm I do not have the original box or paperwork?
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Yes. In most cases we only need clear photos and accurate details so we can make a documented offer. If anything else is needed, we will tell you during the review.
- How long are offers good for?
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Offers are valid for 14 days.
- Does We Buy Guns purchase gun collections or inherited estates?
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Yes. We frequently assist with firearm collections and inherited estates. After submitting one firearm you can add additional items from your user panel, or contact us directly for larger collections.
You can find additional guidance in our Estate Firearms Resource Center which includes resources for executors and families handling firearms in an estate.
- Can I sell a firearm privately in Michigan?
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Yes, but since Feb 13 2024 every private sale, long guns included, requires the buyer to hold a license to purchase or a valid CPL (MCL 28.422). For private pistol sales, the seller also files the RI-060 sales record with local police or the sheriff within 10 days.
- Do private gun sales in Michigan require a background check?
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Yes, for all firearms. Since Feb 13 2024, any private sale, long guns included, requires the buyer to hold a license to purchase or a valid CPL (MCL 28.422, 2023 PA 19).
- Do I need a license to sell a handgun in Michigan?
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Michigan requires additional documentation for handgun transfers, including a purchase permit or background check verification. Failing to follow the correct process can result in penalties.
- Can I sell a firearm to someone from another state?
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No. Interstate firearm transfers must go through a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in compliance with federal law. Private interstate sales are not permitted.
- What if I inherited a firearm in Michigan?
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Inherited firearms are common in Michigan, but handgun transfers and recordkeeping rules may still apply. Using a licensed dealer ensures the transfer is documented and compliant.
The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment and consult official resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.