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 what you are selling and what transfer path applies.
In Pennsylvania, the requirements often depend on firearm type. Handgun transfers generally require processing through an FFL or sheriff with a background check. Some long gun transfers between Pennsylvania residents may be allowed privately under state law, but you must still ensure the buyer is eligible.
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2
Confirm the buyer is a Pennsylvania resident and appears eligible.
Verify the buyer’s Pennsylvania residency with valid ID. Do not transfer a firearm if you know or reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited under federal or state law. If anything feels off, stop the transaction or route it through a licensed dealer.
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3
Use a licensed dealer or sheriff when required.
For most handgun transfers and any scenario involving uncertainty, use a licensed dealer. The dealer handles the background check and records the transfer which provides documentation that the firearm has been legally transferred out of your name.
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4
Document the transaction for your own protection.
Even when a private transfer is allowed, keep a basic record of the transfer date, the price and the firearm details (make, model, serial). If a dealer is used, keep any receipts or confirmations provided.
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5
Follow interstate rules.
Do not transfer a firearm privately across state lines. If the buyer is not a Pennsylvania resident, the transfer must go through an FFL in compliance with federal law and the buyer’s home state requirements.
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6
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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania allows certain private firearm sales between residents, but the rules change depending on firearm type. Handgun transfers are more tightly controlled and usually require dealer or sheriff processing while some long gun transfers may be allowed privately under state law.
If you are unsure whether a transfer must be processed through an FFL, use a licensed dealer transfer and confirm details using the official resources below.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private handgun transfers | YES | Most private handgun transfers must be processed through an FFL or sheriff with a background check. |
| Background check for private long gun transfers | Varies | Some long gun transfers between Pennsylvania residents may be allowed privately, but you must still avoid transfers to prohibited persons and comply with federal law. |
| Waiting periods for private transfers | NO | Pennsylvania does not impose a state waiting period, but transfers cannot complete until required background checks are approved. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO, unless you go through an FFL | Do not transfer a firearm privately across state lines. Interstate transfers must be completed through licensed dealers. |
| Minimum age: Dealer | YES | From a Licensed Dealer (FFL): 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns under federal law. |
| Prohibited persons | Do not sell | Never transfer a firearm to someone you know or reasonably suspect is prohibited under state or federal law. |
| Bill of sale | Not required | Not required by Pennsylvania for standard private transfers, but strongly recommended for personal documentation and risk reduction. |
State law details
Understanding Pennsylvania firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Pennsylvania firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Pennsylvania firearm transfers require different handling depending on what is being transferred. For handgun transfers and many higher-risk scenarios, using a licensed dealer or sheriff creates a documented transfer record. Even when a private long gun transfer is allowed, verifying identity and residency reduces exposure.
- Confirm the buyer is a Pennsylvania resident with valid government-issued photo ID
- Handgun transfers generally require processing through an FFL or sheriff
- Keep your own records of the transfer date, firearm details and buyer identification details
- If anything is unclear, use an FFL transfer for documentation and compliance guardrails
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111 - Sale or transfer of firearms; background check and dealer processing requirements for certain transfers
Background checks in private sales
Pennsylvania uses background checks through licensed dealers or sheriffs for many transfers, especially handguns. Private sellers should not assume that all private sales are “handshake deals.” When a dealer or sheriff is required, the firearm cannot be legally transferred until that background check process is completed.
- Handgun transfers are generally processed through an FFL or sheriff with a background check
- Dealer transfers follow federal background check procedures (NICS)
- If eligibility is unclear, stop the transaction or route it through an FFL
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111 - Background check and transfer processing requirements for covered transfers
Age & eligibility
Federal rules set the minimum ages for dealer sales and Pennsylvania also restrict transfers to prohibited persons. For private transfers, your risk increases if you ignore red flags or proceed when you reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited.
- FFL transfers: 18+ long guns and 21+ handguns under federal law
- Do not transfer to anyone you know or reasonably suspect is prohibited
- When eligibility is unclear, use a dealer transfer for screening and documentation
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105 - Persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms
Waiting periods
Pennsylvania does not impose a state waiting period. The practical timing impact is tied to processing requirements, including dealer or sheriff background checks and any delays in approval.
- No Pennsylvania waiting period for private transfers
- Transfers requiring a background check cannot complete until approved
- If timing matters, use clean documentation and follow dealer instructions closely
Prohibited persons
Pennsylvania applies federal prohibited-person rules and state-level restrictions. Selling to a prohibited person or ignoring obvious red flags can create serious legal consequences.
- Do not sell if you know or reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited
- Red flags: refusal to show ID, evasive answers, urgency to avoid legal processing or straw-purchase vibes
- If anything feels off, stop the transaction or route it through a licensed dealer
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105 - Prohibited persons and firearm possession restrictions under Pennsylvania law
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111(g) - Unlawful transfer provisions and penalties tied to prohibited purchasers
Avoid transfer mistakes and private sale risk
Pennsylvania firearm sales can appear straightforward, but private transfers still carry risk—especially for handguns and interstate buyers. Missteps around dealer involvement or eligibility can expose sellers to legal issues. Selling directly to a licensed buyer ensures the transfer is handled correctly.
We’ve purchased over 740 firearms from Pennsylvania sellers through a fully licensed process that navigates licensing requirements and mandatory state reporting.
Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania sets most transfer and eligibility rules at the state level, but local factors can still shape how a sale plays out in the real world. The biggest “local” impacts are typically about where you meet, where you can transport a firearm, and the policies of locally run facilities or law enforcement offices. If you are doing any transfer that involves a sheriff or a dealer, their local process and scheduling rules can matter.
- Sheriff office procedures and appointment rules: In counties where a sheriff transfer is used for certain handgun transactions, the practical friction is often local scheduling, documentation expectations, and office procedures. Confirm requirements before you show up.
- Local facility and public property rules: Counties and municipalities may enforce rules for firearms on government property, in courthouses, or in controlled facilities. These rules do not change state transfer law but they can affect meeting locations and transport planning.
- Discharge and range ordinances: Many municipalities regulate firearm discharge or range operations. While this is not a transfer rule, it can affect where you can safely meet a buyer or test-fire a firearm prior to sale.
Local rules rarely change whether a firearm can be sold, but they can add friction to how a transfer happens. If you want the cleanest, lowest-risk path, using a licensed buyer helps avoid surprises tied to local procedures and logistics.