X
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time.
This article has been viewed 139,297 times.
Learn more...
Privately buying and selling firearms is completely legal in the Commonwealth of Virginia; however, it's important to know the laws before going forth with a sale. This article will give you the basic rundown of standards and practices for a successful and legal transaction.
Steps
-
1List your gun. There are many websites and print publications that will list your firearm for sale. Local trading posts may charge a fee, but you'll probably get the most local exposure. Vaguntrader.com is a free member forum where you can list your firearm for sale anywhere in the Commonwealth.[1] Stay away from craigslist and Facebook Marketplace; a firearm listing is against user terms and is likely to get deleted.[2]
-
2Always ask for I.D. It is only legal to privately sell a handgun to a Virginia state resident; 18 years of age or older. Long guns like rifles and shotguns may be sold to individuals 18 years of age and up. For FFL gun trades They have to be 21 years or older for handguns.[3]
-
3Write up a bill of sale. This should include the buyer's and seller's information; driver's license or concealed carry permit (if applicable) number, home address (optional), and phone number; information on the firearm; make, model, and serial number; and the date of sale with both parties signatures. You may want to optionally include notes stating that the firearm is sold "as-is", and that the buyer is legally eligible to purchase a firearm; seller and buyer would sign respective statements. Don't worry, folks; there are templates already made up and available online.[4]
-
4Agree to a safe location. It might be good to meet in a private place of business or residence. This is especially true if you plan to sit and discuss the firearms before the transaction. The general public tend to get nervous when they see guns. Be sure to know the rules before transporting your guns in a vehicle. A good practice is unloading and safely packing them in a locked gun case before transport.[5]
Community Q&A
-
QuestionIs it necessary to have an FFL to sell a firearm in a private sale in Virginia?
Community AnswerNo. However, if you are at a gun show, you will have the option (in most cases) to do a check via VSP. Other private sales are not regulated and no background check is required. Also, a Bill of Sale is highly recommended. -
QuestionCan a handgun be transferred to a Virginia resident from an out-of-state relative?Community AnswerYes, but you still have to go and have it done with an FFL dealer. They may only charge you 25 dollars.
-
QuestionShould I notify anyone when I sell a gun?
Community AnswerIt depends whether or not the gun has a restricted buyer criteria. -
QuestionCan I sell gun clips in Virginia?
Community AnswerIf you are asking about magazines (including high capacity), the answer is yes. -
QuestionCan I purchase a handgun from a private seller if same-state ID is provided?Community AnswerYes. Unless you know the buyer to be prohibited from legally owning a firearm. private sales are permitted.
-
QuestionIf someone is in the military, but is from out of state, can he use a military ID to buy a gun in Virginia?
Community AnswerYes, but you have to have a copy of your orders in the state. The same is required to get a conceal carry permit. -
QuestionI bought a handgun from a private party. Do I need to re-register it?Community AnswerThere is no handgun registry of any kind in Virginia. You're in the clear.
-
QuestionCan I sell a rifle or shotgun in the state of Virginia face to face privately?Community AnswerYes. I have done it before. Just make sure you get a bill of sale as a CYA measure.
-
QuestionCan I purchase a gun in VA if I moved there and haven't switched over my ID yet?Community AnswerYou can in private sales, but you should bring along some sort of documentation that shows you are currently moving into VA. Gun stores will not sell you a firearm if your residence is not up to date.
-
QuestionCan a shotgun be sold in Virginia by a North Carolina resident?Community AnswerThe seller does not really need ID, it is the buyer that does. So, the answer is yes.
Warnings
- This is not legal advice. Always check the rule book for yourself. Your local city or county may have their own laws regarding the sale, purchase, or transportation of firearms.Thanks!
References
- ↑ https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/private-sales-buying-selling-guns-face-face/
- ↑ https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/alexkantrowitz/i-bought-an-ar-15-using-facebook
- ↑ https://lawcenter.giffords.org/private-sales-in-virginia/
- ↑ https://eforms.com/bill-of-sale/va/virginia-firearm-bill-of-sale/
- ↑ https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/private-sales-buying-selling-guns-face-face/
