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 Mississippi resident.
Mississippi allows private sales between residents. Do not proceed if the buyer resides in another state unless the transfer goes through a licensed dealer in that state.
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2
Avoid transferring to a prohibited person.
Federal law prohibits transferring firearms to certain categories of prohibited persons. If you have reason to believe the buyer is prohibited, you must not complete the sale.
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3
Document the transaction for your records.
While not required by Mississippi law for private sales, keeping a bill of sale with the date, firearm details and buyer information can help protect you in the future.
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4
Follow federal rules for interstate transfers.
If the buyer lives outside Mississippi, the firearm must be shipped or transferred through a federally licensed dealer in the buyer’s state.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com provides documented compliance, verified eligibility checks and a structured transaction process.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Mississippi
Mississippi is generally considered a permissive state for private firearm sales. Most transfers between in-state residents are allowed without dealer involvement under state law.
However, federal law still governs prohibited persons and interstate transfers. Even in a permissive state, sellers carry responsibility for ensuring the transfer is lawful. Use the official resources below to confirm how state and federal law apply to your situation.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state requirement) | Mississippi does not require background checks for private sales between residents. Federal prohibited person rules still apply. |
| Permit required before transfer | NO | No state permit is required for most private firearm transfers. |
| Waiting period | NO | Mississippi does not impose a state waiting period on private sales. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited under federal law and must go through an FFL in the buyer’s state. |
| Minimum age | YES | Federal minimum age rules apply. Dealers must follow federal age restrictions; private sellers should not transfer to minors or prohibited persons. |
| Registration required | NO | Mississippi does not require firearm registration. |
State law details
Understanding Mississippi firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Mississippi firearm sale rules
Residency & documentation
Mississippi does not require formal paperwork for most private sales between residents. However, sellers should verify that the buyer is a Mississippi resident and is legally eligible to possess a firearm.
- Confirm buyer is a Mississippi resident
- Review government-issued photo ID
- Avoid completing a transfer if eligibility is unclear
Background checks & federal restrictions
Mississippi does not mandate background checks for private sales, but federal law prohibits transferring a firearm to a prohibited person. Sellers who knowingly transfer to someone ineligible can face serious criminal penalties.
- Do not transfer to known or suspected prohibited persons
- Federal law applies even in permissive states
- When in doubt, use a licensed dealer to process the transfer
Interstate transfers
Even though Mississippi allows private in-state transfers, federal law prohibits private interstate firearm sales. Any transfer to an out-of-state buyer must be conducted through a federally licensed dealer in the buyer’s state.
- No direct private sales across state lines
- Interstate transfers must go through an FFL
- Shipping a firearm to a private individual in another state is unlawful
Waiting periods
Mississippi does not impose a state waiting period for private firearm transfers. If the transfer is processed through a dealer, the timing will depend on the federal background check system.
- No state waiting period for private sales
- Dealer transfers depend on federal background check timing
- Delays can occur if federal review is required
Age & eligibility
Federal law sets minimum age requirements for firearm purchases through licensed dealers. Private sellers should avoid transferring firearms to minors or individuals who may be legally ineligible.
- Federal age restrictions apply for dealer sales
- Private sellers should not transfer to minors
- Verify eligibility if you have any doubt
- ATF — Identify Prohibited Persons - Federal eligibility standards and age-related restrictions
Permissive law does not eliminate federal liability
Mississippi allows most private firearm sales, but sellers are still exposed to federal liability if a firearm is transferred to a prohibited person or across state lines without an FFL. A simple handshake deal can create long-term legal exposure if something goes wrong.
We’ve purchased dozens of firearms from Mississippi sellers through a fully licensed process that verifies eligibility and complies with federal transfer rules.
Mississippi 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
Mississippi does not generally regulate private firearm transfers at the city or county level the way some restrictive states do. That said, local rules and policies can still matter in the real world, especially around where you meet, how you transport a firearm, and the policies of locally operated facilities. If any part of your transaction touches a dealer, a carrier, or a government building, local procedures can create friction.
- Local facility and public property policies: Courthouses, city buildings, schools, and other controlled facilities often have their own firearms policies. These do not change who can legally buy or sell a firearm, but they can affect where you can meet and how you transport a firearm while running errands tied to the sale.
- Discharge and nuisance ordinances: Many cities and counties have rules limiting firearm discharge or use within city limits. This is not a transfer law, but it can affect whether test-firing or meeting at certain locations is appropriate.
- Dealer scheduling and local process friction: If you choose to route a sale through an FFL, availability is often a practical local issue. Some dealers require appointments, specific documentation, or have limited transfer hours which can delay a private sale.
Local rules rarely change whether a firearm can be sold in Mississippi, but they can add friction to where you meet and how smoothly a transfer happens. If you want a cleaner, lower-risk path, selling to a licensed buyer avoids local scheduling issues and reduces the chances of paperwork or logistics surprises.