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 Tennessee resident.
Private sales are generally permitted between Tennessee residents. Do not proceed if the buyer resides in another state unless the transfer goes through a licensed dealer.
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2
Verify the buyer is not prohibited from possessing firearms.
You may not knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person. If you have doubts about eligibility, stop the transaction or use a licensed dealer to conduct a background check.
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3
Document the transaction details.
While not legally required, it is prudent to document the firearm’s make, model, serial number, date of sale and basic buyer information to protect yourself.
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4
Avoid interstate transfers.
Federal law prohibits private interstate firearm sales. Out-of-state buyers must receive the firearm through a licensed dealer in their home state.
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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 interstate transfer requirements for you.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Tennessee
Tennessee permits private firearm sales between residents without requiring a licensed dealer to process the transfer. However, federal law still governs interstate sales and prohibited persons, and sellers can face criminal liability if they knowingly transfer a firearm unlawfully.
Even in a permissive state like Tennessee, understanding where state flexibility ends and federal restrictions apply is essential. Review the official resources below before completing any transfer.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state requirement) | Tennessee does not require background checks for private sales between residents. Dealer sales require a federal background check. |
| Permit required before transfer | NO | No state-issued permit is required for private firearm transfers between Tennessee residents. |
| Waiting period | NO | Tennessee does not impose a waiting period on private firearm sales. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Private interstate firearm transfers are prohibited under federal law. Transfers must go through a licensed dealer in the buyer’s state. |
| Minimum age | YES | Federal age requirements apply (generally 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns through dealers). Sellers should not transfer to anyone under the legal age. |
| Prohibited persons restrictions | YES | It is illegal to knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person under state or federal law. |
State law details
Understanding Tennessee firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Tennessee firearm sale rules
Residency & documentation
Tennessee allows private sales between residents, but sellers should confirm the buyer is a Tennessee resident and eligible to possess firearms.
- Private sales generally allowed between Tennessee residents
- Verify residency with government-issued identification
- Avoid proceeding if buyer eligibility is unclear
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1307 - Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon (prohibited persons provisions)
Background checks
Tennessee does not require background checks for private sales. However, all sales conducted through licensed dealers must comply with federal background check requirements.
- No universal background check for private transfers
- Dealer sales require federal background check approval
- Sellers may use a dealer voluntarily for documentation
Age requirements
Federal law sets minimum age requirements for firearm purchases. Private sellers should avoid transferring firearms to individuals who do not meet legal age thresholds.
- Generally 18+ for long guns
- Generally 21+ for handguns through licensed dealers
- Do not transfer if age or eligibility is uncertain
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 - Federal age and prohibited person restrictions
Waiting periods
Tennessee does not impose a state waiting period for private firearm sales. Dealer sales may experience delays if federal background checks are not immediately approved.
- No state waiting period for private sales
- Dealer transfers require background check approval before completion
- Delays may occur if additional review is required
Prohibited persons
Both Tennessee and federal law prohibit firearm transfers to certain individuals. Sellers who knowingly transfer to a prohibited person can face criminal penalties.
- Felony convictions and certain restraining orders can prohibit possession
- Mental health commitments may trigger restrictions
- Stop the transaction if eligibility is in doubt
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1307 - Unlawful possession of a firearm by certain persons
Private sales are legal — but liability still exists
Tennessee allows private firearm sales between residents, but sellers remain responsible for avoiding prohibited transfers and illegal interstate sales. Selling directly to a licensed buyer eliminates uncertainty and creates a documented, compliant transaction.
We’ve purchased over 320 firearms from Tennessee sellers through a fully licensed process that ensures federal compliance and proper documentation even when private sales are permitted.
Tennessee 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
Wisconsin preempts most local firearm regulation, meaning cities and counties generally cannot create their own transfer rules. However, local policies, facility rules, and practical logistics can still affect how and where a firearm sale takes place. Even when state law is straightforward, local friction can complicate a private transaction.
- Public property and facility restrictions: Municipal buildings, courthouses, and certain government properties may restrict firearm possession. While this does not change state transfer law, it can affect where you can legally meet or complete documentation.
- Dealer availability and scheduling: In urban areas like Milwaukee or Madison, dealer appointment availability and business hours can impact transfer timing. If you choose to use an FFL for added documentation, scheduling rules apply.
- Law enforcement and administrative policies: Local law enforcement agencies may have specific policies regarding firearm inquiries, storage, or surrendered firearms. These do not override state transfer law but can affect how issues are handled if a transaction goes wrong.
Wisconsin’s statewide framework keeps private sale rules relatively consistent, but local logistics can still add friction. If you want to avoid meetups, scheduling issues, or uncertainty about compliance, selling directly to a licensed buyer provides a clean, documented path.