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 Nebraska resident.
Private firearm sales in Nebraska are generally limited to in-state residents. Do not proceed with a private transfer if the buyer resides in another state.
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2
Verify any required handgun documentation.
For handgun sales, confirm whether the buyer must present a valid handgun purchase certificate or concealed handgun permit. If documentation is required, do not proceed without it.
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3
Ensure the buyer is not a prohibited person.
Federal law prohibits transferring firearms to certain categories of individuals. If you have reason to believe the buyer is prohibited, do not complete the sale.
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4
Document the transaction for your records.
While Nebraska does not mandate a bill of sale for private transactions, keeping a written record of the firearm’s make, model and serial number, along with the date of sale, can help protect you.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com simplifies compliance by handling documentation and ensuring the transfer aligns with federal and state law.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Nebraska
Nebraska generally permits private firearm sales between residents, but state law includes additional requirements for certain handgun transfers. Sellers must also comply with all applicable federal prohibitions.
If you are selling a handgun in Nebraska, confirm whether a handgun purchase certificate or concealed handgun permit is required. Even in states with fewer restrictions, sellers remain legally responsible for avoiding transfers to prohibited persons.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (generally) | Nebraska does not require a background check for most private sales. Dealer sales require background checks. |
| Handgun purchase certificate required | YES (in many cases) | Buyers of handguns may be required to present a valid handgun purchase certificate unless exempt. |
| Waiting period | NO | Nebraska does not impose a statewide waiting period for firearm transfers. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Federal law prohibits private interstate firearm transfers. An FFL must handle out-of-state transactions. |
| Minimum age | YES | Federal age rules apply, and handgun purchase certificate requirements may impose additional age restrictions. |
| Registration required | NO | Nebraska does not maintain a general firearm registration system. |
State law details
Understanding Nebraska firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Nebraska firearm sale rules
Handgun purchase certificates
Nebraska law requires a handgun purchase certificate for many handgun acquisitions unless the buyer holds a valid concealed handgun permit or qualifies for another statutory exemption.
- Handgun buyers may need a purchase certificate issued by the sheriff
- Concealed handgun permit holders may be exempt
- Sellers should confirm documentation before completing a handgun transfer
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2403 - Handgun purchase certificate requirement
Background checks & dealer sales
When a firearm is sold through a licensed dealer, a federal background check is required. Private sellers must not knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person.
- Dealer sales require a NICS background check
- Private sellers must avoid transferring to prohibited persons
- When in doubt, route the transfer through an FFL
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) - Federal prohibition on transferring firearms to prohibited persons
Age & eligibility
Federal law sets minimum age requirements for firearm purchases from dealers, and Nebraska’s handgun purchase certificate process may impose additional eligibility standards.
- Federal minimum age of 18 for long guns from dealers
- Federal minimum age of 21 for handguns from dealers
- Handgun purchase certificates may require additional review
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) - Federal age requirements for firearm purchases from dealers
Waiting periods
Nebraska does not impose a general waiting period for firearm transfers. Dealer transactions may be delayed if a background check is not immediately approved.
- No statewide waiting period for private sales
- Dealer sales may be delayed pending background check approval
- Do not transfer a firearm until all required checks are complete
Prohibited persons
Federal law defines categories of individuals who may not receive or possess firearms. Private sellers can face criminal penalties if they knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person.
- Felons and certain domestic violence offenders are prohibited
- Mental health commitments may trigger prohibitions
- Stop the transaction if eligibility is unclear
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) - Federal categories of prohibited persons
Reduce risk in private handgun transfers
Nebraska allows most private sales, but handgun transactions can involve purchase certificate rules and documentation checks. A misstep can expose you to legal risk. Selling directly to a licensed buyer provides a clean, compliant path.
We’ve purchased dozens of firearms from Nebraska sellers through a fully licensed process that avoids uncertainty around private-sale eligibility and handgun documentation requirements.
Nebraska 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
Nebraska’s core rules for buying and selling firearms are set at the state and federal level. That said, local ordinances and local government policies can still create real-world friction around where you meet, how you transport firearms, and what is allowed on certain properties or in certain facilities. These do not usually change whether a firearm can be sold but they can change how smoothly a transfer happens.
- Local facility and public property rules: Cities and counties may enforce restrictions on firearms in or around government buildings, courthouses, and controlled facilities. These rules do not change transfer law but they can affect meeting locations and transport planning.
- Discharge ordinances and “no-shoot” zones: Many municipalities regulate firearm discharge within city limits or near populated areas. While not a transfer rule, it can affect where you can safely meet a buyer or test-fire a firearm prior to sale.
- County administrative processes for permits: If your transfer involves a handgun purchase certificate process, the practical friction is often local. Counties may differ in appointment scheduling, documentation expectations, and processing timelines.
Local rules rarely change whether a firearm can be sold, but they can add friction to where you meet and how you handle paperwork. If you want the cleanest, lowest-risk path, using a licensed buyer helps avoid surprises tied to local procedures and logistics.