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.
-
1
Confirm the transfer must go through a licensed dealer.
Minnesota requires nearly all firearm sales, including private party transfers, to be processed by a licensed firearms dealer (FFL). Informal private sales are not permitted.
-
2
Bring the firearm and identification to the dealer.
Both buyer and seller must appear at the FFL with valid government-issued photo ID. The dealer verifies identity, residency and eligibility.
-
3
Complete the background check and transfer paperwork.
The dealer conducts the required background check and records the transaction in accordance with Minnesota law.
-
4
Wait for approval before completing the transfer.
The firearm cannot be released until the background check is approved and the dealer confirms all legal requirements have been met.
-
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 the uncertainty of private meetups.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Minnesota
Minnesota has moved toward a more tightly regulated firearm transfer system, including universal background checks and mandatory dealer involvement for most private sales.
If you are selling a firearm in Minnesota, assume licensed dealer processing is required unless you have confirmed a narrow statutory exception. Use the official state resources below to verify how the rules apply to your situation.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | YES | Minnesota requires universal background checks, typically conducted through a licensed dealer. |
| Dealer required for private sales | YES | Most private firearm transfers must be processed by an FFL. |
| Waiting period | NO (fixed) | No statewide fixed waiting period, but transfers cannot complete until background check approval. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited without licensed dealer involvement. |
| Minimum age | YES | Minimum age requirements apply based on firearm type and transfer method. |
| Permit to purchase | CONDITIONAL | Permits or alternative approvals may be required depending on firearm type and transfer path. |
State law details
Understanding Minnesota firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Minnesota firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Minnesota firearm transfers require verified identification and documented compliance. Sellers should not proceed unless identity and eligibility are clearly confirmed through the required process.
- Government-issued photo ID is required
- Residency and eligibility must be verified
- Dealer documentation replaces informal bills of sale
- Minn. Stat. § 624.7132 - Universal background checks and transfer requirements
Background checks & dealer processing
Minnesota enforces background checks for nearly all firearm transfers, typically through licensed dealer processing.
- Private transfers generally require FFL involvement
- Background checks must be approved before transfer completion
- Transfers cannot proceed without confirmed clearance
- Minn. Stat. § 624.713 - Persons prohibited from possessing firearms
Age & eligibility
Minnesota applies age and eligibility requirements that vary by firearm type and transfer method. Dealers enforce both state and federal minimums.
- Minimum age requirements depend on firearm type
- Eligibility is verified through the background check process
- Transfers must stop if eligibility is unclear
- Minn. Stat. § 624.7131 - Eligibility and age-related firearm restrictions
Waiting periods
Minnesota does not impose a fixed statewide waiting period, but administrative and background check delays are common.
- No statutory waiting period
- Transfers cannot complete until background checks are approved
- Dealer processing timelines may vary
Prohibited persons
Minnesota law incorporates federal prohibited-person rules and state-specific restrictions. Sellers face serious liability if they bypass required procedures.
- Transfers to prohibited persons are criminal offenses
- Dealer processing helps ensure eligibility screening
- Stop the transaction if approval is denied or delayed
- Minn. Stat. § 624.713 - Persons prohibited from possessing firearms
Avoid delays and background check complications
Minnesota’s universal background check requirements mean private sales often involve dealer scheduling, approval delays and paperwork issues. Selling directly to a licensed buyer removes these risks and simplifies the process.
We’ve purchased dozens of firearms from Minnesota sellers through a fully licensed process that navigates background check requirements and dealer transfer rules.
Minnesota 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
Minnesota firearm transfer law is primarily set at the state level, but local governments, law enforcement agencies, and dealer policies can still influence the logistics of a sale. While cities and counties generally cannot override state transfer requirements, local procedures often affect scheduling, processing time, and where transactions can practically occur.
- Local law enforcement processing and permits: Certain permits and eligibility checks in Minnesota are handled by local law enforcement agencies. Processing timelines, appointment availability, and documentation expectations can vary by city or county.
- Dealer policies and appointment availability: Although dealer involvement is required for most private transfers, individual FFLs may impose their own appointment rules, fees, and documentation requirements. These local business policies often create more friction than the statute itself.
- Municipal property and transport rules: Cities and counties may regulate firearm possession on government property or within certain facilities. These rules do not change transfer legality, but they can affect meeting locations and transport planning.
Local ordinances rarely change whether a firearm can be sold in Minnesota, but they often affect how efficiently the transfer happens. Using a licensed buyer helps avoid delays tied to local procedures, dealer availability, and administrative friction.