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How to Sell a Gun in California

A comprehensive guide

To legally sell a firearm in California, it's essential to be well-versed in both state and federal laws to guarantee a lawful and seamless sale. California has some of the strictest firearms legislation in the country and understanding your legal responsibilities and available options is key to ensuring a compliant transaction.

Options for Selling a Gun in California

There are numerous options available when considering the sale of firearms in the state of California.

Sell your gun to WeBuyGuns.com

Sell to WeBuyGuns.com

WeBuyGuns.com is a trusted online platform for selling firearms. We offer a straightforward and secure way to legally sell your gun quickly and easily. Simply submit a few details about your firearm, including its make, model, and condition, and we'll provide you with an instant quote.

  • Read our reviews - our customers highlight the ease, fairness, and efficiency we provide to our customers.
  • Our process - we simplify the process of selling firearms.

Sell your gun to a local dealer

Sell to a Local Dealer

Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.

Sell your gun through a private collection

Sell Through a Private Transaction

Direct sales to another individual are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of California and federally.

We have purchased more than 175 firearms from residents of the state of California since beginning operations in 2021.

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State Laws for Selling a Gun in California

This article provides an in-depth look at the regulations governing firearm sales in California, covering key areas such as the limits on the frequency of transactions, the role of licensed dealers, the Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) system, mandatory background checks, imposed waiting periods, the process for Firearm Ownership Report (FOR) submissions, and guidelines for private party transactions.

More information about California gun laws can also be obtained in the California Department of Justice Firearms FAQ

General Resources:

California ID Requirements

Licensed Dealers

In California, every firearm transaction, whether it involves buying or selling, must go through a licensed dealer.

The buyer and seller must complete a required DROS document in person at the licensed firearms dealer and deliver the firearm to the dealer who will retain possession of the firearm during the mandatory 10-day waiting period and complete the Firearms Ownership Report.

California Waiting Periods

Waiting Periods

There is a mandatory 10-day waiting period in California for all firearms transactions.

Age Requirements in California

Age requirements

California has specific age requirements for purchasing firearms:

  • 21 for handguns
  • 18 for rifles, shotguns, and ammunition.

Background Checks in California

Background Checks in Private Sales

In California, background checks are required for all firearm transactions, including private transfers.

Ineligible Persons in California

Ineligible Persons

in California, firearm ownership is prohibited for individuals with certain criminal convictions, restraining orders, and specific mental health conditions, including those committed for mental health disorders, chronic alcoholism, or adjudicated as mentally incompetent for certain crimes.

Detailed information can be found in the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms Firearms Prohibiting Categories

California Residents Must Follow Federal Laws for Private Transactions

Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidelines for these transactions.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Logo

WeBuyGuns has purchased thousands of firearms from more than 850 locations all over the United States, including California.

We provide the fastest and easiest way to sell firearms online!

Our user-friendly platform allows you to sell your entire gun collection in just a few simple steps.

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Selling Your Gun — Our Process

The first step is to create an account.

From there you can individually submit the firearms in your collection. This process includes answering a few short questions about each firearm in your collection and uploading a couple photos. We will send you an official offer on your firearms within 24 business hours. You will then have two weeks to decide if our offers are right for you! If you accept our offers, webuyguns.com will provide you with a series of pre-paid shipping labels, which you can use to ship us your gun collection. Once received, we will notify you that you're ready for payment. We will then send you a paper check or ACH direct deposit (your choice). The entire process can take about a week from start to finish. Imagine having your entire collection sold and cash in hand in a week!

Sell Your Handgun Step 1
Tell Us About Your Gun
Fill out a short form and upload a few photos to help us identify your firearms and their condition. We will be in touch with you throughout the entire process.
Sell Your Handgun Step 2
We Verify the Make & Models of All Firearms
We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.
Sell Your Handgun Step 3
We Make You an Offer
We will present you with an offer for sale. If you accept the offer, we will provide you with a shipping label and we pay for shipping!
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this legal?

    Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.

  • How long are offers good for?

    Offers are valid for 14 days.

  • Can I sell multiple firearms?

    Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email.

  • How do I get paid?

    We will either send you a check, or we will issue the funds via a secure ACH direct deposit. During the offer approval process, you will tell us which method of payment you prefer.

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Comprehensive guides for selling a firearm in every state
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Disclaimer
The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment when using our website and consult appropriate legal resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.