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 Wyoming resident.
Private firearm sales in Wyoming are generally lawful between residents of the state. Do not proceed with a private sale if the buyer resides in another state.
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2
Verify that the buyer is not prohibited.
You may not knowingly sell a firearm to someone who is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or Wyoming law.
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3
Avoid red flags or suspicious circumstances.
If the buyer indicates they cannot pass a background check or asks you to ignore legal requirements, stop the transaction immediately.
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4
Document the transaction.
Although not required by law, keeping a simple written record of the date, parties and firearm details can provide clarity if questions arise later.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com removes uncertainty by ensuring eligibility screening, documentation and compliance are handled properly.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Wyoming
Wyoming is considered a gun-friendly state and generally allows private firearm sales between residents without requiring a licensed dealer. However, federal law and prohibited-person restrictions still apply.
If you are selling a firearm in Wyoming, assume that interstate transfers and sales to prohibited individuals are illegal. Use the official resources below to verify how federal and state rules apply to your situation.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state requirement) | Wyoming does not require background checks for private sales between residents. Dealer sales require background checks under federal law. |
| Waiting period | NO | Wyoming does not impose a state waiting period on firearm transfers. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Federal law prohibits private interstate firearm transfers. Out-of-state sales must go through a licensed dealer. |
| Minimum age (private sale) | YES (federal limits apply) | Federal age restrictions apply, and you may not knowingly sell to someone prohibited from possessing firearms. |
| State permit required | NO | Wyoming does not require a state permit to sell or transfer firearms in a private transaction. |
| Bill of sale required | NO | Wyoming law does not require a bill of sale, though written documentation is recommended. |
State law details
Understanding Wyoming firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Wyoming firearm sale rules
Residency & identification
Wyoming generally allows private firearm sales between state residents. Sellers should confirm that the buyer resides in Wyoming and can lawfully possess firearms.
- Private sales are typically allowed between Wyoming residents
- Do not proceed with a private interstate transfer
- Government-issued photo ID can help confirm residency
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(5) - Federal prohibition on private interstate firearm transfers
Background checks & federal restrictions
Wyoming does not mandate background checks for private sales. However, federal law prohibits transferring a firearm to a person you know or have reason to believe is prohibited.
- Dealer sales require background checks under federal law
- Private sellers may not knowingly transfer to prohibited persons
- Red flags or suspicious behavior should end the transaction
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) - Prohibited persons; unlawful transfer restrictions
Age & eligibility
Wyoming follows federal age requirements and prohibited-person standards. Sellers should not proceed if eligibility is uncertain.
- Federal minimum age requirements apply
- Prohibited persons may not lawfully receive firearms
- When in doubt, use a licensed dealer or licensed buyer
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) - Federal age requirements for firearm transfers by dealers
Waiting periods
Wyoming does not impose a state waiting period for firearm transfers. Dealer sales may be delayed if a background check is not immediately approved.
- No state-mandated waiting period
- Dealer sales may be delayed due to background check status
- Private sellers should not release a firearm if legality is unclear
Prohibited persons
Both federal and state law prohibit certain individuals from possessing firearms. Transferring a firearm to a prohibited person can result in serious criminal penalties.
- Felons and certain other categories are prohibited
- Domestic violence and restraining order restrictions apply
- If the buyer indicates they cannot pass a background check, do not proceed
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) - Federal prohibited-person categories
Even private sales carry responsibility
Wyoming allows private firearm sales between residents, but sellers remain legally responsible for avoiding prohibited persons and interstate violations. If there is any uncertainty about eligibility or compliance, using a licensed buyer is the safest path.
We’ve purchased dozens of firearms from Wyoming sellers through a fully licensed process that ensures federal compliance and proper documentation.
Wyoming 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
Wyoming does not generally allow cities and counties to rewrite the core rules for firearm transfers, but local ordinances and facility policies can still impact logistics. The most common “local” friction points are where you can meet, where firearms are restricted, and how local facilities handle security and transport.
- Local facility and government property policies: Counties and municipalities may enforce rules for firearms on government property, in courthouses, or in controlled facilities. These policies do not change state transfer law but they can affect meeting locations and transport planning.
- Discharge ordinances and public safety zones: Many cities and counties regulate firearm discharge, hunting zones, or safety corridors near populated areas. This is not a transfer rule but it can affect where you choose to meet or test-fire a firearm prior to sale.
- Local dealer availability and scheduling: Wyoming does not require an FFL for most private resident-to-resident transfers, but many sellers still choose to use a dealer for documentation or peace of mind. In smaller communities, limited dealer hours and appointment availability can create delays.
Local rules rarely change whether a firearm can be sold in Wyoming but they can affect logistics and reduce your margin for error. If you want the simplest path with clear documentation and a consistent process, selling to a licensed buyer helps avoid surprises tied to meeting locations, local policies, or dealer scheduling.