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 South Carolina resident.
Private firearm sales should occur only between South Carolina residents. Do not proceed with an interstate private transfer.
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2
Verify the buyer is not prohibited from possessing firearms.
It is illegal to knowingly transfer a firearm to someone who is prohibited under federal or state law. If you have reason to believe the buyer is ineligible, do not complete the sale.
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3
Consider documenting the transaction.
While South Carolina does not require a bill of sale for private transfers, keeping written records of the date, firearm details and buyer information can help protect you.
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4
Use a licensed dealer if you want a background check.
Although not required for private in-state transfers, a licensed dealer can process the transaction and conduct a federal background check for added protection.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com removes uncertainty by handling compliance, documentation and shipping through a regulated process.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in South Carolina
South Carolina allows private firearm sales between residents without requiring universal dealer involvement. However, sellers must still comply with federal law, including restrictions on interstate transfers and prohibited persons.
Even in states with fewer procedural requirements, liability often turns on eligibility and knowledge. Use the official resources below to confirm how the law applies to your situation before completing a sale.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state-required) | South Carolina does not require background checks for purely private, in-state sales. A dealer transfer will include a federal background check. |
| Waiting period | NO | South Carolina does not impose a state-level waiting period for firearm sales. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Federal law prohibits private interstate transfers. Transfers must go through licensed dealers in the buyer’s home state. |
| Minimum age: Dealer | YES | Federal age minimums apply to dealer sales (generally 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns). |
| Minimum age: Private transfer | YES | South Carolina does not impose additional private-sale age procedures, but transferring to a minor or prohibited person can violate federal or state law. |
| Bill of sale required | NO (recommended) | A written bill of sale is not required by statute but is recommended for documentation and liability protection. |
State law details
Understanding South Carolina firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding South Carolina firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
South Carolina does not require dealer processing for private, in-state firearm transfers. However, sellers should confirm residency and identity before completing a sale.
- Confirm the buyer is a South Carolina resident
- Verify government-issued photo identification
- Avoid interstate private transfers
- Keep written records of the transaction details
- S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-30 - Unlawful sale or delivery of firearms to certain persons
Background checks & dealer transfers
South Carolina does not mandate universal background checks for private sales. However, if you choose to complete the transfer through a licensed dealer, a federal background check will be performed.
- Dealer transfers include a federal NICS background check
- Private in-state sales do not require a state-mandated background check
- Using a dealer can reduce uncertainty and documentation risk
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 - Federal prohibitions and background check framework
Age & eligibility
South Carolina follows federal age standards for dealer sales and prohibits transfers to certain categories of persons. Sellers are responsible for avoiding unlawful transfers.
- Federal minimum age requirements apply to dealer sales
- Do not transfer to anyone you know or reasonably believe is prohibited
- Eligibility concerns should halt the transaction immediately
- S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-30 - Restrictions on transfers to prohibited persons
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 - Federal prohibited-person categories
Waiting periods
South Carolina does not impose a statutory waiting period for firearm transfers. Dealer transfers depend on federal background check approval timelines.
- No state-mandated waiting period
- Dealer sales depend on background check approval
- Private sales can be completed immediately if lawful
Prohibited persons
Both South Carolina law and federal law prohibit transferring firearms to certain categories of individuals. Sellers who knowingly transfer to a prohibited person can face criminal liability.
- Felons and certain other individuals are prohibited from possessing firearms
- Do not proceed if the buyer expresses intent to bypass the law
- When in doubt, use a licensed dealer or decline the sale
- S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-30 - Unlawful sale or transfer of firearms
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 - Federal prohibited-person provisions
Private sales are legal — but still carry risk
South Carolina does not require dealer involvement for private in-state sales, but sellers are still responsible for avoiding prohibited transfers and complying with federal interstate rules. A mistake can carry serious consequences.
We’ve purchased over 260 firearms from South Carolina sellers through a fully licensed process that ensures compliance with federal prohibited-person rules and interstate transfer laws.
South 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
South Carolina has strong statewide preemption, meaning cities and counties generally cannot create their own firearm transfer rules. However, local factors can still influence where and how a sale takes place, especially when using a dealer or meeting on public property.
- Statewide preemption limits local gun laws: South Carolina law broadly preempts local firearm regulation, preventing municipalities from creating their own transfer requirements. Most transfer rules are set at the state level.
- Local government property rules: Counties and municipalities may enforce rules regarding firearms in certain government buildings, courthouses, or controlled facilities. These rules do not change transfer law but may affect meeting locations.
- Dealer scheduling and business policies: If you choose to use a licensed dealer for a transfer, individual FFLs set their own scheduling procedures, fees and documentation requirements. Confirm details before showing up.
Local governments in South Carolina generally cannot rewrite firearm transfer law, but practical logistics still matter. If you want a structured, documented process with fewer variables, using a licensed buyer helps streamline the transaction and reduce uncertainty.