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 North Carolina resident and legally eligible.
Private firearm sales in North Carolina are generally limited to in-state residents. Do not proceed if the buyer’s residency or eligibility is unclear.
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2
Verify the firearm can be legally transferred.
Ensure the firearm is legal under both state and federal law. Certain weapons or configurations may still be restricted.
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3
Avoid selling to prohibited persons.
It is illegal to sell a firearm if you know or reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law.
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4
Use a licensed dealer if any uncertainty exists.
If there is uncertainty about eligibility, residency or documentation, routing the transfer through a licensed dealer provides compliance protection.
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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.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in North Carolina
North Carolina permits many private firearm sales, but sellers must still comply with both state and federal law. While recent legislative changes reduced certain permit requirements, responsibility for lawful transfers remains with the seller.
If you are selling a firearm in North Carolina, it is critical to understand buyer eligibility rules, prohibited-person restrictions and when dealer involvement is required under federal law.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state) | North Carolina does not require background checks for most private firearm sales, but federal prohibited-person rules still apply. |
| Handgun purchase permit | NO | North Carolina repealed its handgun purchase permit requirement in 2023. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited and must go through licensed dealers. |
| Minimum age: Private transfer | 18+ | Federal law sets minimum age requirements and prohibited-person rules for private transfers. |
| Bill of sale required | Not required | North Carolina does not mandate a bill of sale, but written records are strongly recommended. |
State law details
Understanding North Carolina firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding North Carolina firearm sale rules
Identification & residency
North Carolina allows private firearm sales between residents, but sellers must confirm the buyer is a North Carolina resident and legally eligible to possess firearms.
- Confirm the buyer is a North Carolina resident
- Verify government-issued photo identification
- Do not proceed if residency or eligibility is unclear
- N.C. Sess. Laws 2023-8, S.B. 41. - Repealed handgun purchase permit requirements
Background checks & federal law
North Carolina does not require background checks for most private sales, but federal law prohibits transferring firearms to prohibited persons.
- No state-run background check for private sales
- Federal prohibited-person rules apply
- Knowingly selling to a prohibited person is a felony
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) - Prohibited persons under federal firearms law
Age & eligibility
Age requirements for firearm transfers in North Carolina are governed primarily by federal law, with additional restrictions for certain firearm types.
- Federal minimum age rules apply
- Handguns and certain firearms may carry higher age thresholds
- Do not transfer firearms to ineligible buyers
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(b) - Age restrictions for firearm sales
Prohibited persons
Private sellers in North Carolina can face serious criminal liability if they sell firearms to prohibited persons, even without a background check.
- Do not sell if you know or suspect the buyer is prohibited
- Red flags include evasive behavior or requests to bypass documentation
- Using a licensed dealer eliminates eligibility risk
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) - Restrictions on transferring firearms to prohibited persons
Official & trusted resources
Private sales still carry legal responsibility
Even in states that allow private firearm sales, sellers are responsible for ensuring the transfer is lawful and the buyer is eligible. Mistakes can create serious legal exposure after the sale is complete.
We’ve purchased over 340 firearms from North Carolina sellers through a fully licensed process that navigates federal requirements and prohibited-person restrictions.
North Carolina 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
North Carolina broadly preempts local firearm regulation, meaning most rules about buying, selling, and transferring firearms are set at the state and federal level. In practice, local ordinances you will encounter are usually tied to discharge restrictions, local government facilities, and rules for property owned or operated by a city or county.
- Discharge and hunting-in-city-limits rules: Cities and counties often regulate where firearms can be discharged, especially within municipal limits. This matters when choosing a meeting location or transporting firearms to a range or dealer.
- Government buildings and local facilities: Counties and municipalities can enforce rules for buildings and facilities they control, including courthouses, administrative offices, parks, and events. Follow posted signage and screening policies when transporting firearms.
- Local processes that affect dealer access: While local governments cannot generally change transfer requirements, zoning and administrative procedures can affect which dealers operate nearby, appointment availability, and how quickly a transfer can be scheduled.
Local rules usually do not change whether a firearm can be sold, but they can affect where you can meet, where you can transport a firearm, and how smoothly a transfer happens. If you want the cleanest paper trail and the least local friction, route the transfer through a licensed dealer or sell to a licensed buyer.