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 an Ohio resident.
Private firearm sales in Ohio are generally permitted between residents. Do not proceed if the buyer resides in another state unless the transfer goes through a licensed dealer.
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2
Confirm the buyer is legally eligible to possess firearms.
You may not knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person. If you suspect the buyer is disqualified under state or federal law, stop the transaction.
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3
Document the transfer details.
Although not required by Ohio law, keeping a written record of the date, firearm details and buyer information can help protect you if questions arise later.
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4
Avoid interstate or high-risk transfers.
Interstate transfers must go through licensed dealers. If anything about the transaction feels unclear or risky, consider using an FFL.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com provides documented compliance, eligibility screening and a clear transfer record.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Ohio
Ohio generally allows private firearm sales between in-state residents, but sellers must still avoid transfers to prohibited persons and must follow federal rules for dealer sales and interstate transfers.
If you are unsure about eligibility, residency, or whether a firearm must be transferred through a dealer, use the official resources below and consider routing the transaction through an FFL for documentation and compliance.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO | Ohio does not require background checks for private, in-state transfers between residents. Background checks apply to dealer sales. |
| Waiting period | NO | Ohio does not impose a state waiting period on firearm transfers. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited under federal law. Route out-of-state transactions through licensed dealers. |
| Minimum age: Dealer | YES | Federal rules apply: 18+ for long guns from an FFL and 21+ for handguns from an FFL. |
| Minimum age: Private transfer | YES (practically) | Ohio does not set a universal private-sale background-check system, but sellers should not transfer firearms to anyone who cannot legally possess them. If age or eligibility is unclear, use an FFL. |
| Prohibited persons | Do not sell | Do not transfer firearms to anyone you know or reasonably suspect is prohibited. Stop the transaction if red flags appear. |
| Bill of sale | Not required | Not required by Ohio for most private sales, but strongly recommended as a basic record of the transfer. |
State law details
Understanding Ohio firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Ohio firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Ohio does not require private firearm sales to be processed through a dealer in most cases, but sellers should still confirm residency and keep basic documentation. Dealer transfers require government-issued ID and standard federal paperwork.
- Private sale: confirm the buyer is an Ohio resident and verify a valid photo ID
- Dealer sale or transfer: bring government-issued photo ID and follow dealer paperwork procedures
- Keep a simple record of the firearm details (make, model, serial) and transfer date
- ORC § 2923.20 - Unlawful transactions in weapons; restrictions related to certain transfers
Background checks in private sales
Ohio does not require background checks for private, in-state firearm transfers between residents. Background checks are required when a licensed dealer is involved.
- Private in-state sale: no Ohio background-check requirement
- Dealer transfer: background check is required as part of the federal process
- If you are unsure about eligibility, route the transfer through an FFL
Age & eligibility
Federal age rules apply for dealer sales: 18+ for long guns and 21+ for handguns from an FFL. For private sales, the safest approach is to confirm the buyer is an adult Ohio resident and avoid transfers where age or eligibility is unclear.
- FFL transfers: 18+ long guns and 21+ handguns
- Do not transfer to anyone you know or reasonably suspect is prohibited
- If eligibility or age is uncertain, use a dealer transfer for documentation and screening
- ORC § 2923.21 - Improperly furnishing firearms to a minor; restrictions on providing firearms to underage persons
Waiting periods
Ohio does not impose a state waiting period. If a dealer is involved, the only delays are procedural, including potential background check delays.
- No Ohio waiting period for private transfers
- Dealer transfers can be delayed by background check responses or dealer processing timelines
- Follow dealer instructions closely to avoid delays
Prohibited persons
Ohio and federal law restrict firearm possession for certain individuals. In private sales, your risk increases if you ignore red flags or proceed 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, evasive answers, urgency to avoid documentation, straw-purchase vibes
- If anything feels off, stop the transaction or route it through a licensed dealer
- ORC § 2923.13 - Having weapons while under disability; prohibited possession categories under Ohio law
Private sale allowed does not mean zero risk
Ohio permits many private firearm sales between residents, but sellers still carry responsibility for ensuring the buyer is legally eligible. If you are unsure about residency, eligibility or documentation, selling to a licensed buyer removes uncertainty and provides a clear compliance record.
We’ve purchased over 390 firearms from Ohio sellers through a fully licensed process that provides documented transfers and eligibility screening.
Ohio 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
Ohio law broadly preempts local governments from creating their own firearm transfer regulations. That means cities and counties cannot rewrite the core rules for selling a gun. However, local policies can still affect where you meet, how dealer appointments are handled, and how firearms may be transported or carried in certain public spaces.
- State preemption limits local transfer laws: Ohio Revised Code § 9.68 restricts municipalities from enacting their own firearm transfer requirements. Core rules for private sales and dealer transfers are set at the state and federal level.
- Local government property rules: Cities and counties may enforce rules regarding firearms on government property, in courthouses, or in controlled facilities. These do not change transfer law but can affect meeting locations and transport planning.
- Dealer scheduling and business policies: If you use a licensed dealer for a transfer, practical friction often comes from appointment availability, documentation expectations, and store policies rather than from local statutes.
Local rules in Ohio rarely change whether a firearm can be sold, but they can affect how smoothly a transfer happens. If you want the cleanest, lowest-friction path, using a licensed buyer avoids surprises tied to dealer scheduling and local logistics.