State guides for selling firearms Delaware
Published: June 25, 2024 | Updated: January 29, 2026
Sell Your Gun in Delaware - Fast, Legal & Hassle Free.
We buy used firearms statewide — Wilmington to Dover — and provide a fair market offer through a fully licensed, online process. Instead of navigating local shops or private buyers, we handle the shipping, paperwork, and support so you can sell with confidence from anywhere in Delaware.
Whether you are looking to sell a modern handgun, a WWII collectible, a pre-ban rifle, or a full estate collection, our Delaware-compliant process ensures a safe and high-value transaction.
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State and federal laws for selling a gun in Delaware
Delaware law requires that firearm transfers, including private sales between individuals, be completed through a licensed firearms dealer who conducts a background check and handles required paperwork. This section highlights key rules that apply when selling a firearm in Delaware. It is not legal advice.
If you are uncertain how a rule applies to your situation, review the official resources below or contact a licensed dealer or our team for help navigating the process.
Quick checklist
- ID: Buyer and seller should have valid government-issued identification
- Age: Minimum age depends on handgun vs long gun
- Waiting periods: May apply in some retail scenarios and some local jurisdictions
- Background checks: Requirements differ for private sales vs dealer transfers
- Prohibited persons: Federal law sets the baseline and states can add restrictions
State law details
Understanding Delaware firearm sale rules
Expand for the full breakdown of common requirements in Delaware.
Understanding Delaware firearm sale rules
Licensed dealer & background checks
In Delaware, transfers of firearms between private individuals must be conducted through a licensed firearms dealer. The dealer facilitates a criminal history background check on the prospective buyer before the transfer can be completed.
- Unlicensed sellers must request a licensed dealer to conduct a background check on the buyer before transferring a firearm.
- Both seller and buyer generally meet at the dealer’s business so the dealer can handle paperwork and check eligibility.
Age requirements & eligibility
Delaware follows federal minimum age requirements for firearm transfers. Sellers and buyers should confirm that the buyer meets these requirements and is not a prohibited person under state or federal law before completing a transfer through a dealer.
- Federal law sets minimum age requirements, generally 18 for rifles/shotguns and 21 for handguns.
- Individuals prohibited by law from owning firearms may not legally receive a firearm.
Waiting periods & processing times
Delaware does not impose a state waiting period beyond the time it takes for the law-enforced background check process to complete through the dealer. The dealer will inform both parties when the transfer can legally proceed.
- There is no additional mandated waiting period by the state once the required background check process is completed.
- Delaware dealers may require a short processing period for checks through state and federal systems.
Identification & documentation
While Delaware does not require firearm registration, dealers handle the necessary documentation as part of background check compliance. Sellers and buyers should bring valid identification to the dealer when completing a transfer.
- Valid government-issued identification is typically required to conduct a background check.
- Dealers retain required paperwork as part of compliance with state and federal law.
Prohibited persons & safety
Federal and Delaware law prohibit certain individuals from possessing or receiving firearms. Selling to someone who is disqualified can have serious legal consequences. Licensed dealers verify eligibility through state and federal systems.
- Do not sell a firearm to anyone known to be prohibited under state or federal law.
- Licensed dealers verify eligibility during the background check process and retain records of the transfer.
Federal law details
Federal rules that apply in every state
Expand for ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements.
Delaware 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.
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.
How to legally sell a firearm in Delaware
Learn how to legally sell a gun in Delaware — what options you have, when an FFL is required, and how to do it safely and compliant with state and federal rules.
Most private and estate sales route through a licensed dealer to ensure background checks and paperwork are handled correctly. This is required in interstate sales and highly recommended for documented compliance in state-to-state deals.
You may sell a firearm directly to another individual in Delaware so long as you confirm eligibility and both parties understand federal and state compliance rules. This option suits sellers who already know the buyer and can complete the transaction safely.
Selling to a federally licensed online buyer offers a streamlined process with documented offers, insured shipping, and clear compliance steps. We handle the majority of process steps for you — from offer to payment.
Many Delaware sellers choose an online, licensed buyer when they want a convenient process, a documented transaction, clear compliance guidance and quick payment.
Sell your gun in Delaware without the pawn shop, gun store or private buyer headaches
We Buy Guns purchases firearms from private sellers using a federally licensed, online process. Get a documented offer based on current market demand and ship with clear compliance guidance.
Our 100% U.S. based team handles intake, verification and payment end-to-end so you can complete a legal, tracked transaction.
We specialize in assessing and buying high-value collections and estates from Delaware residents, including WWII Collectibles, Machine Guns and Pre-Ban Firearms.
No matter where you are located in Delaware, all of our customers have access to a dedicated support team for any questions about the process, shipping guidance, intake updates or payment status.
No surprises, no hassle and no hidden fees.
Major Delaware metros we serve
If you can ship a package within Delaware, you can sell directly to us.
- Wilmington
- Dover
- Newark
- Middletown
- Smyrna
- Milford
- Seaford
- Bear
- Georgetown
- Elkton
- Claymont
- Lewes
- Rehoboth Beach
- Chester
- Hockessin
- Greenwood
We service all of Delaware. If you need cash for guns in Wilmington, a fast firearm valuation in Dover, or are looking to sell an estate collection in Middletown, we will handle the entire process for you, legally and safely.
Our process for Delaware firearm sellers
WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer. Our process is designed to help Delaware sellers complete a legal, documented sale with clear steps from valuation to payment.
If anything is complicated about the firearm or transfer requirements, our team will guide you through the entire process.
- Tell us what you have
- Use our offer submission form. Share the make, model and condition. Photos help, especially for optics, accessories and any markings that affect value.
- Get an offer
- Our team reviews the details and provides a written offer based on the firearm, configuration and current demand.
- Ship with clear instructions
- If you accept our offer, we provide a prepaid shipping label and clear, step-by-step instructions so your firearm is packaged and shipped correctly.
- Get paid quickly
- Once received and inspected, we issue payment using the method selected during checkout and finalize the documented transfer.
Have questions about the process, how to get started, or your specific firearms?
Call us at (317) 804-8713
Secure, compliant and trackable from start to finish
Our track record
We are trusted by firearm sellers nationwide
Sell with confidence — no hassle and no hidden fees. Our streamlined process has facilitated thousands of firearms transactions nationwide, paying out over $4.4 million to users on our platform.
- Sellers on the platform
- 39,500+
- Paid out to sellers
- $4.4 Million
- We purchase firearms and ensure compliance in every state, including Delaware
- Fast nationwide service
- All transactions are handled by firearms professionals to ensure legal compliance
- Licensed FFL with a class 3 SOT
What our most recent customers have to say
Delaware firearm selling FAQs
These are the most common questions we hear from Delaware sellers. If you don’t see your situation here, we’ll walk you through it before you ship anything.
Is it legal to sell a firearm online in Delaware? +
How do you determine what my gun is worth? +
What firearms can you buy from Delaware residents? +
Do I need an FFL in Delaware to ship my firearm? +
Do you provide a shipping label and packing instructions? +
How long does the process take from Delaware? +
What if I’m selling inherited firearms in Delaware? +
What information should I send to get the most accurate offer? +
Resources & guides
If you’re still deciding or your situation is more specific, these resources and guides on specific firearms and situations can help you move forward with confidence.
Guides for selling firearms in every state
Browse detailed state guidance, then submit for a compliant offer process that works nationwide.
Value guides by manufacturer
Estimate value ranges by make and model, then submit for a real offer based on photos and details.
Guide to selling a gun collection
What to expect when valuing and selling a complete firearm collection, from start to finish.
Pre-ban firearms valuation guide
How originality, configuration and documentation affect value for pre-ban and collector firearms.
WWII Firearms valuation guide
How originality, configuration and documentation affect value for WWII collector firearms.
Machine gun valuation guide
Transferability basics, pricing drivers and how compliant sale workflows work for NFA items.
Not sure where to start?
Our no obligation offers on firearms and collections are free — just submit photos and firearm details and we'll guide you through the entire process, even if you choose not to sell with us.