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 some private sales, but handguns and many situations require permits, background checks, or licensed dealer involvement. Confirm the rules 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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3
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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4
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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5
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.
Updated: February 14, 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 | Michigan uses state-level eligibility checks for many transfers. In practice, this often runs through purchase permit requirements or dealer processing, depending on the firearm and buyer credentials (for example a CPL). |
| 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 | Michigan transfers often require specific paperwork (for example purchase permits or sales records) rather than a simple informal receipt. Keep a clean paper trail for your records. |
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)
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 410 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.
